"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Acts 20:28

The ministry offices of apostle, prophet, and bishop have been much emphasized during the last two decades. Since the 1980s, conferences, coalitions, networks, and publications focus on the function and significance of these offices in the government of the church. There is an abundance of apostolic, prophetic, and episcopate organizations. During the time of the focus upon these three offices, there has likewise been a subtle decline in the awareness of other ministry offices, such as the pastor. Even though the ministry of the apostle, prophet, and bishop are trans-local and relate directly to the work of the church, it is the responsibility of the local pastor to care for and feed the flock of God. It is not unusual during periods of a revival of interest in a specific principle, practice, or ministry office to have a corresponding decline of interest in other related areas. Consequently, with the focus on evangelism, prayer, Kingdom of God, worship, liturgy, structure, and other doctrinal interests, there is a need for balance. Since the local pastors are the primary caretakers of the saints, the chief fundraisers, the resident evangelist, and the lead negotiators in the midst of the majority of church problems, it is time to re-establish a proper perspective regarding the essential function that this office provides.