In summary, the pastor as artisan is an apt metaphor and here’s why.
Like artisans, pastors …
1. Focus on one product—proclaiming and practicing the good news of Jesus Christ.
2. Train others to do what they do, thereby ensuring continuity of Christian witness now and in the future.
3. Are most successful when they not only produce effective ministry results, but when they also work closely with others to do the same.
4. Value age-old traditions, such as doctrinal orthodoxy, while incorporating new expressions of the faith into their practice.
5. Depend on others, as members of the body of Christ, to provide those gifts they do not possess in order to function faithfully as the church.
6. Have learned important lessons from skilled leaders who have gone before them, and have incorporated those lessons into their own mature practice of ministry.
Viewing pastors and other church leaders as artisans helps us to take a long-term approach to ministry. Apprenticeships that lasted seven years required patience, consistency and perseverance from both master artisan and apprentice. However, by taking the long view, artisans created beautiful products and an enduring legacy. Pastors could learn from their example.
