From an ecclesial understanding the term pastor designates a particular office originating in the first generation of the Church Pastors are gifts to the church. The pastoral office derives its purpose and significance from God Its revealing source. The historical ecclesiastical model of pastoral practice requires that a pastor be ordained In order to guide and govern the Christian community, the church. There are no pastors without a flock. Contemporary developments in ecclesial understanding and governance create the opportunity for lay individuals to assist the clergy in pastoral practice. This ecclesial development has implications for the office of pastor and the ministry of the laity. To be faithful to its revealed tradition the ecclesial community must retain the distinction between the ordained and laity in pastoral practice.