What is a Pastor?

This term literally means “shepherd.” It is used in both the Old Testament and New Testament in a figurative sense for rulers and leaders. Most often the word is used in the New Testament as a metaphor for “leader.” It is translated as “pastor” only in Ephesians 4:11 (also in KJV, ASV, RSV, NIV, TEV).

Pastors and teachers together formed a group who complemented the work of apostles, prophets, and evangelists. The titles “bishop” and “elder” refer to the same office in the New Testament (Acts 20:17, 28), and “pastor” seems to be practically synonymous with them, as shown by Jesus being referred to as “the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25, KJV). The verb “to shepherd” is used to describe the work of local church leaders (20:28; 1 Peter 5:2), and often the congregation is called a flock. It is the pastor’s responsibility to build up the body of Christ by watching over the congregation (Hebrews 13:7) and countering false teaching (Acts 20:29-30). More detailed information regarding the duties and responsibilities of pastors is found in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, which have come to be called the Pastoral Letters.

WHO PASTORS ARE

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS SHOULD MARK A PASTOR’S LIFE?

BIBLE READING: Titus 1:5-9
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. (Titus 1:5)

PASTORS SHOULD MODEL PERSONAL OBEDIENCE TO GOD

Paul briefly described some qualifications that the elders or overseers should have. Paul had given Timothy a similar set of instructions for the church in Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:22). Notice that most of the qualifications involve character, not knowledge or skill. A person’s lifestyle and relationships provide a window into his or her character. Consider these qualifications as you evaluate a person for a position of leadership in your church. It is important to have leaders who can effectively preach God’s Word, but it is even more important to have those who can live out God’s Word and be examples for others to follow.

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to the Scriptures, you won’t brag about one of your leaders at the expense of another. (1 Corinthians 4:6)

PASTORS ARE NOT TO BE STATUS SEEKERS

The Corinthians had split into various cliques, each following its favorite preacher (Paul, Apollos, Peter, etc.). The people in each clique believed they were the only ones to have the whole truth, and thus they felt spiritually superior. But Paul told the groups not to boast about being tied to a particular preacher, because each preacher was simply a humble servant who had suffered for the same message of salvation in Jesus Christ. No preacher of God has more status than another.

BIBLE READING: 1 Timothy 3:1-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: An elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money. He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. (1 Timothy 3:2-4)

CHURCH LEADERS SHOULD BE REFLECTIONS OF GOD’S TRUTH

To be a church leader ("elder") is a heavy responsibility because the church belongs to the living God. Church leaders should not be elected because they are popular, nor should they be allowed to push their way to the top. Instead, they should be chosen by the church because of the respect for the truth, both in what they believe and in how they live.

CHURCH LEADERS SHOULD BE FAITHFUL TO FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES

Christian workers and volunteers sometimes make the mistake of thinking their work is so important that they are justified in ignoring their families. Spiritual leadership, however, must begin at home. If a man is not willing to care for, discipline, and teach his children, he is not qualified to lead the church. Don’t allow your volunteer activities to detract from your family responsibilities.

WHAT PASTORS DO

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES OF PASTORS?

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 18:1-8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The LORD your God chose the tribe of Levi out of all your tribes to minister in the LORD’s name forever. (Deuteronomy 18:5)

PASTORS SHOULD SERVE THE PEOPLE

The priests and Levites served much the same function as our ministers today. Their duties included (1) teaching the people about God, (2) setting an example of godly living, (3) caring for the sanctuary and its workers, and (4) distributing the offerings. Because priests could not own property or pursue outside business interests, God made special arrangements so that people would not take advantage of them. Often churches take advantage of the men and women God has brought to lead them. For example, ministers may not be paid in accordance with their skills or the time they put in. Or pastors may be expected to attend every evening meeting, even to the detriment of their family life. As you look at your own church in light of God’s Word, what ways do you see to honor the leaders God has given you?

BIBLE READING: Micah 3:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: You rulers govern for the bribes you can get; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim you are depending on the LORD. “No harm can come to us,” you say, “for the LORD is here among us.” (Micah 3:11)

PASTORS ARE TO LEAD OTHERS TOWARD GOD

Micah denounced the sins of the leaders, priests, and prophets -those responsible for teaching the people right from wrong. These leaders, who should have known the law and taught it to the people, had set the law aside and had become the worst of sinners. They were taking advantage of the very people they were supposed to serve. All sin is bad, but the sin that leads others astray is the worst of all.

PASTORS ARE TO SEEK THE GOOD OF OTHERS

The leaders had no compassion or respect for those they were supposed to serve. They were treating the people miserably in order to satisfy their own desires, and then they had the gall to ask for God’s help when they found themselves in trouble. We, like the leaders, should not treat God like a light switch to be turned on only as needed. Instead, we should always rely on him.

PASTORS SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO THEIR MINISTRY

Micah remained true to his calling and proclaimed God’s words. In contrast, the false prophets’ messages were geared to the favors they received. Not all those who claim to have messages from God really do. Micah prophesied that one day the false prophets would be shamed by their actions.

PASTORS SHOULD RELY ON GOD FOR HELP AND POWER

Micah attributed the power of his ministry to the Spirit of the Lord. Our power comes from the same source. Jesus told his followers they would receive power to witness about him when the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 1:8). You can’t witness effectively by relying on your own strength, because fear will keep you from speaking out for God. Only by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit can you live and witness for him.

PASTORS MUST STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT

Micah warned the leaders, priests, and prophets of his day to avoid bribes. Pastors today accept bribes when they allow those who contribute much to control the church. When fear of losing money or members influences pastors to remain silent instead of speaking up for what is right, their churches are in danger. We should remember that Judah was finally destroyed because of the behavior of its religious leaders. A similar warning must be directed at those who have money-never use your resources to influence or manipulate God’s ministers-that is bribery.

BIBLE READING: Acts 20:17-38
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God’s flock-his church, purchased with his blood-over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. (Acts 20:28)

PASTORS ARE TO TEACH GOD’S PEOPLE BY WORD AND EXAMPLE

These Ephesian elders were told by Paul to feed the believers under their care by teaching them God’s Word and to shepherd them by being examples of God’s love. All leaders of the church carry these two major responsibilities-to nourish others with God’s truth and to exemplify God’s truth at work in their lives. God’s truth must be talked out and lived out.

Please stay tuned for more.