In Jeremiah 3:15, God gives a promise: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” These words reveal the heart behind true pastoral ministry— it’s not a position of prestige, but a calling from Heaven. A real pastor doesn’t just preach and teach; he shepherds from the heart of God.
What does a pastor’s heart look like? Scripture gives us a rich portrait, not in titles or tasks, but in character. And it starts with calling.
A pastor’s heart is first and foremost called by God. Hebrews 5:4 tells us, “No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God.”
Pastoral ministry isn’t a profession; it’s a Divine appointment. From Moses to Paul, God has always raised up leaders not for popularity, but for purpose. A true pastor enters the ministry not for gain, but because he can’t escape the call God has placed on his life.
Second, a pastor’s heart is compassionate. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus looked upon the multitudes and was “moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” This same compassion beats within the heart of every true pastor. He sees the broken, the wandering, the weary—and he loves them. He doesn’t just preach to a crowd; he cares for a flock.
Third, a pastor’s heart is committed to feeding the flock. In 1 Peter 5:2, Peter urges pastors to “feed the flock of God… willingly.”
The pulpit is not a platform for opinions or entertainment. It is the sacred place from which God’s Word is delivered to His people. Pastors labor in study, prayer and preparation because they know that spiritual lives depend on being nourished with truth. As Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word… in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Feeding the flock is both privilege and responsibility.
Fourth, a pastor’s heart is protective. Acts 20:28 calls leaders to “take heed… to all the flock.”
The pastor stands as a spiritual watchman, guarding against false teaching, moral compromise and discouragement. Just as a shepherd fends off wolves, the pastor watches over the souls entrusted to his care. Jesus warned of hirelings who run when danger comes—but a true shepherd stays and defends his flock, even when it costs him.
Fifth, a pastor’s heart should be humble and servant-like. Jesus declared in Matthew 23:11, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” He’s not above the people—he’s among them, working for the Lord, lifting burdens, and leading by example. Paul, despite his mighty influence, called himself “the least of the apostles” and a “servant of all.” That’s the spirit that honors God.
And finally, a pastor’s heart is persevering. Galatians 6:9 urges, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Ministry isn’t for the faint of heart. It comes with spiritual warfare, long nights and unseen struggles. But the pastor presses on—not for earthly reward, but because he believes in the eternal harvest. Like Nehemiah, he keeps building, even when the enemy mocks and the strength grows thin.
In all these qualities, we see glimpses of the greatest “Pastor” of all— Jesus Christ. In John 10:11, He said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Christ fed the hungry, healed the hurting, protected His followers, and ultimately laid down His life so that we might live.
If you have a good pastor, be sure to let him know how much they are appreciated! A kind word of encouragement can go a long way for the one who spends his life caring for your soul.
So let’s thank God for our pastors! Let’s support them, pray for them, and follow their leadership as they follow Christ.
