The one image that best puts the responsibility of the pastor in perspective is that of parents. Like pastors, parents lead, oversee, shepherd, teach, warn, serve, have a stewardship for, comfort, and are examples to their children. Like a nursing mother, pastors tenderly care for their people, are fondly affectionate toward them, and labor sacrificially for them. They also exhort, encourage, and implore them as a father would his own children. The result is believers who walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls us into His own kingdom and glory. Such a loving balance of tender care and strong instruction marks every faithful pastor. A true man of God is not concerned with building his reputation, padding the size of his congregation, or any other selfish pursuit. As it was with Paul, his consuming passion is the nurturing of his spiritual children to maturity.