The Symbolic Value of the Pastor as a Watchful Gatekeeper in the Life of the Elderly

In this article, Elmer Dortzbach presents the function of pastor as watchman and gatekeeper for the aged and elderly. Dortzbach points to the sociological category of gatekeeper as a helpful category when envisioning the role of a minister. He continues by examining the role of a watchman in Scripture and then looks at the symbolic role of the minister in the life of the elderly. Dortzbach concludes by looking at positive and negative symbolic roles that a pastor can have with the elderly.