The role of the pastor pastorum in the Zimbabwean context: A practical theological study of the pastoral needs of reformed pastors in the Harare metropolitan region

Abstract

This dissertation explores the role of the pastor pastorum in the Zimbabwean context focusing on the challenges faced by RCZ pastors in the Harare Metropolitan region. The key term in this study, "pastor pastorum" is generally understood as refering to a pastor pastoring pastors. In the research, the term is understood as pointing to the action of pastoral care towards the pastor. The study advocates for material and spiritual care for the pastor in a holistic way by the church and the pastor to exercise selfcare in managing ministerial fatigue. From the historical overview of the RCZ it has been noted that pastors in the RCZ experienced ministerial challenges as early as 1958 when most of them worked without getting their salaries, some opting to leave ministry to seek employment within government institutions like the ministry of Education. Ministerial fatigue has been seen as inevitable among pastors as most of them have huge geographical areas to cover as well as an imbalance between pastor to congregant's ratio. Some of the challenges necessistating pastor pastorum have been cited as lack of rest, and an absence of supporting systems within the church structures to assist pastors who may need spiritual and moral help. The examples of Moses, Jesus and Paul have been cited as some of the prominent biblical figures who had huge workloads upon their shoulders. To manage these stressors associated with ministerial work, delegation is emphasised in this study as a remedy to ministerial fatigue. This was done by Moses through the advice from his father-in-law Jethro, Jesus calling and training his disciples and Paul introducing the concept of electing elders and deacons in church structures. Some of the roles of the pastor pastorum have been noted as being the advisory board to the church leadership on policy making, providing counselling to the pastors, organising retreats and workshops for the pastors and advising the church on income generating projects. This study advocates for the implementation of the pastor pastorum as a supporting system in the church governance, which should be a board made up of either retired or serving pastors within the church.