Most congregations experience the joy of their former pastors visiting. Often such gatherings occur at anniversaries and other celebrations. The presence of extra pastors in worship offers the opportunity to not only celebrate the congregation's ministry but also to reflect upon what pastors do and who they really are.

In the 1930s in Great Britain, when that nation was gearing up for a defense of its islands and of democracy in the world, posters were put up announcing, "All men in the above age groups are required for the national service except lunatics, the blind, and ministers of religion."

Pastors are often lumped with other groups, sometimes with other educated professions; but how does the Bible instruct us on the person and function of a pastor in relation to all of God's people…