The previous article of faith was on Justification. How can Christ's justifying work that took place nearly two thousand years ago ~ through His life, death, and resurrection ~ become a blessing to us today? It is through the office of the Holy Ministry, summed up here:

So that we may obtain this faith, the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments was instituted. Through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given (John 20:22). He works faith, when and where it pleases God (John 3:8), in those who hear the good news that God justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake. This happens not through our own merits, but for Christ’s sake.

God established the Office of the Holy Ministry precisely to distribute Christ's good gifts. He sends shepherds, whom we refer to today using the Latin term 'pastors', whom the Holy Spirit appoints as overseers, to care for His flock. Some of the main duties of pastors is the preaching and the teaching of God's Sacred Word. A pastor is called to preach sermons and to teach solely based on the Sacred Word of God. In other words, not adding to or taking away from what God has revealed through Holy Scriptures.

In addition, an under-shepherd is to be like John the Baptist and to point one to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. At times, a pastor applies the demands of a loving God found in the Law to those who are content in their sin. At other times, he applies the comforting good news to those who are troubled by their sin and seek God's mercy and forgiveness. 

--Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,