A Triperspectival Approach to Shared Pastoral Leadership Based on the Munus Triplex Christi

Abstract

Those in pastoral ministry are inundated with countless leadership theories, tips, and tricks all competing for their attention and allegiance. Is there a timeless model for pastoral leadership that is uniquely and distinctively Christian? More than that, how can pastoral ministry reflect and be an extension of the ministry of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ? One finds such a model in the threefold ministry of Jesus (the munus triplex Christi), a model that is epistemologically, theologically, biblically, and practically grounded in his person and work. Just as in the ministry of Jesus toward his body, God intends for prophetic, priestly, and kingly service to resound throughout the local church and its leadership.