Third Sunday of Advent: "The Job of a Pastor" | 12.14.2025 | Rev Scott Smith, STS

Описание: What is the role of a pastor, and why does it matter—especially during Advent? Drawing from 1 Corinthians, Pastor Scott explains that the pastor’s calling is not about personality, leadership style, or vision casting, but about faithfully serving Christ as a steward of God’s mysteries.

During Advent, we live in the “in-between”: Christ has come once and will come again. So where is He now? Pastor Scott reminds us that while Christ reigns at the right hand of the Father and is present everywhere, He has promised to be present for us in a particular way—through His Word preached and His Sacraments administered. This is where Christ gives Himself to His people.

Using Paul’s response to divisions in the Corinthian church, the sermon emphasizes that pastors are not meant to compete for loyalty or admiration. Their task is simple and profound: to bring Christ to the people. Pastors plant and water, but God gives the growth.

In a world that often redefines pastors as CEOs, visionaries, or life coaches, this sermon calls us back to the heart of the pastoral vocation—to proclaim forgiveness, deliver Christ’s gifts, and sustain faith as God’s people live faithfully in their own vocations.

Even in the waiting of Advent, Christ is not absent. He is present—for you—in His Word and Sacraments. Your sins are forgiven. The kingdom is given to you as a gift. And you are sent out to confess Christ with joy as we await His return.

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 4:1–2
Season: Advent
Theme: Christ present for you in Word and Sacrament

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