The role of a pastor in a congregation is of utmost importance: forgiving sins in the stead and by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. Where do we find this function of a pastor in our confessions, and how do our confessions give us certainty in this forgiveness? And, what about the priesthood of all believers? Why does concord matter for the function of the pastoral office, that authorized forgiveness of sins?

Rev. Dr. David Maxwell, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the function of the pastoral office.

Find the article by Dr. Maxwell referenced in this episode at lutheranpress.com/books/papers-presented-at-the-congress-on-the-lutheran-confessions/pastoral-theology-vol-15-2008.