Publisher's Synopsis
What is the Pastoral Office? Who may fill the office? How does one know who a true pastor is? These and other questions are answered by the author in this book. The Pastoral Office is the one office in the life of the Church instituted by Christ. The Office flows out of the Apostolic and Prophetic office. The incumbents in the office of Apostle and Prophet were called directly by Christ and spoke the words of God directly. The incumbents of the Pastoral Office, while being sent by Christ through the Holy Spirit to the Church are not called directly nor do they speak directly from God. The men who fill this office are called through the Church in various ways and speak the words of God given to the Church through the Apostles and Prophets. Those who fill the office are known by the administration of the Sacraments and preaching of the Word. Their faithfulness is governed and judged by fidelity to the Word of God and the Sacraments instituted by Christ the Son of God. While the Apostles and Prophets witnessed directly to Christ, the men who fill the Pastoral Office confess the faith of the Church which comes from the Apostles and Prophets
