The Church is the basic unit of ministry for this institution and the pastoral ministry is the basic expression of the ideals of Christian ministry and service. The characteristics that mark the "good and faithful pastoral ministry" are not easy to define.  Different institutions approach the task differently. All have some deep seated philosophical basis that determines each parties activity, In the case of Church, the interpretation of the Bible must be the underlying philosophy and the institution of that church must be faithful to sound implementation of the motives of Scripture. 

Marks that stand out most are defined well in the text of Scripture. These marks might be seen as: Compassion that considers needs, Power that facilitates leadership, Insight that reflects the Master's life in our. Vision that guides the ministry, and Faith that fixes our service through the vision. Compassion is an attribute of Christ's ministry among His disciples ("But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Matt. 9:36) and the pastoral ministry is only faithful when compassion moves the servants toward the needs of the society of its ministry. 

Power presents itself in many ways but most effectively as leaders use its benefits to bring the ministry to fruition. The use of power to lift ourselves and bring all around us up is leadership. Might is not to be mistaken for power. Power includes might but, under the broader meaning, it covers the overall practice of doing service ("Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matt. 23:10). 

The powerful pastoral ministry is faithful and good for all it reaches. Insight comes to bare on the faithful pastoral ministry when the servant stops to listen to those served as well as his Master. The cry of the people is His voice towards us to express His wishes as it concerns service ("And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt. 25:40). 

Most judgments about service are made through seeing the need but "Looking" can never replace "Listening." The Vision of an overall faithful pastoral ministry is the inspiration that motivates action. Without a vision the pastoral ministry will be ordinary. It is not bad to be ordinary. However, it is not the life and service of a pastor. A visionary is a servant of the "call." The vision gives the picture of the unseen that will be brought to reality through the ministry. Without vision there are direr possibilities - through vision the pastoral servant brings the Gospel to life ("Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Prov. 29:18).