Around 400 A.D., Saint Augustine, a prominent Roman…
““Around 400 A.D., Saint Augustine, a prominent Roman bishop, described a pastor's job: Disturbers are to be rebuked, the low-spirited to be encouraged, the infirm to be supported, objectors confuted, the treacherous guarded against, the unskilled taught, the lazy aroused, the contentious restrained, the haughty repressed, litigants pacified, the poor relieved, the oppressed liberated, the good approved, the evil borne with, and all are to be loved.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A pastor must address many types of people: rebuke the disruptive, encourage the low‑spirited, support the infirm, refute objectors, guard against treachery, teach the unskilled, awaken the lazy, restrain the contentious, repress the haughty, pacify litigants, relieve the poor, liberate the oppressed, approve the good, and bear the evil, while loving all.
In simple terms: Pastors should tend to all, balancing discipline, support, and love.
Key Takeaway
Balance discipline, support, and love in leadership.
Themes
leadership
pastoral care
compassion
discipline
justice
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
instructional
theological
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- counseling
- conflict resolution
- social work
- volunteer ministry
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
community care
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance firm guidance with compassion?
- Which group needs your attention most?
A Different Perspective
May neglecting any group cause harm or resentment.