What does a pastor do?

[Richard]

Hi everybody,

One of our churches is in a time of transition as the pastor resigned. It has prompted many questions, and here is one of my own:

What is the biblical role of a pastor?

It is found only once in Eph 4:11, and the greek work literally means "shepherd". That greek word is found 18 times in the NT, and it is mostly used for literal sheep herders, Jesus refers to himself as a good shepherd, and then twice it is used to describe Jesus.

What we do know is that Paul says that "two or three prophets should speak when you gather" 1 Cor 14:29 which implies that the role of the pastor probably does not include speaking at church.

We also know that "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 1 Tim 5:17 (from New International Version)

So pastors do not administrate, or take care of the affairs of the church either. Another source for teaching comes from a group of elders.

Are pastors then, supposed to be counsellor types, or doctors for the congregation?

 

[jiggyfly]

Very good question Richard. When I was studying the minisrty gifts listed in Ephesians chapter 4, I asked the Lord to give me understanding of what these functions were. The Holy Spirit showed me that they were parts of Christ given to the Church by Himself. The Spirit spoke to me and showed me to go to the gospels and see how Jesus performed these functions to gain better understanding.

Matthew 18:12&13
12*“If a shepherd has one hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? 13*And if he finds it, he will surely rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!

John 10:11-13
11*“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12*A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will leave the sheep because they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13*The hired hand runs away because he is merely hired and has no real concern for the sheep.

A fellow once told me he thought his pastor maybe a hireling, and asked me if there was a way to know for sure. I answered him with this, "yes it's very simple, stop paying him and see what he does. "

 

[Nigh]

I think the modern title of 'pastor' is really a mix of several responsibilities. Much like the modern term 'church' means a brick and mortar building, the language has changed, but the role and purpose remains. Todays 'pastor' is the equivalent of the prophets in the passages that you referenced. It may not be intended role to be taken by a single man, but then again why don't we just call them prophets and all is good.

God bless,
Nigh

 

[Richard]

I think the modern title of 'pastor' is really a mix of several responsibilities...Todays 'pastor' is the equivalent of the prophets in the passages that you referenced.

I would agree with that, however it seems to compromise the health of the body.

Here is what I mean:

The prophets mentioned in 1 Cor. are speaking revelatory or prophetic words, which is why Paul makes it clear that "...if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop..."1 Cor 14:30 (New International Version). He makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is the one leading the "message."

This should not be confused with the role of the elders who should be carrying out the necessary task of "teaching and preaching", and "directing the affairs of the church."

My point is to say that it is a significant compromise to the Christ's body to expect one (or two) people to be able to give the body what it needs.

The pastor can only give away what he has been given, and that can only come through the gifts that he has. That is one great reason to move toward God's intended plan of many people doing what the pastor currently does. The other reason is called "pastor burn out and/or moral failure."

I am not saying that we are doing it all wrong, but rather to causing us to ask questions and evaluate wether our traditions, which are so deeply entrenched in the church, are worth keeping or if they need to shifted to allow the church to become more free, mature, healthy and unified.

Our upcoming generation's survival and health is in the balance of this equation...

 

[Mike]

The pastor can only give away what he has been given, and that can only come through the gifts that he has. That is one great reason to move toward God's intended plan of many people doing what the pastor currently does. The other reason is called "pastor burn out and/or moral failure."

Great truth Richard . I have said this a million times . A person can only give what they have inside of them . If it's not birthed inside of the person , then it's just striving to be something your really not .

It takes a long time to grow in the things of God . The testing through the fire is what makes the vessel purified . Treat others as Christ would , but true wisdom comes with time and brokeness . Most would rather kill those sent to them by God rather than to burn away the chaft in the fire .

The body has many parts . The Pastor is not enough to become whole . You are on the right path my friend . Continue in peace with all saints , and God will give you all you need . Mike

 

[Nigh]

That might explain why my church has no less than 6 pastors, and 7 (I think) board members. Of course, not all churches do it the same way, and I agree, it is the upcomming generation which will be effected most.
Keep the faith,
Nigh

 

[Richard]

That might explain why my church has no less than 6 pastors, and 7 (I think) board members.

Wow, your church must have quite the operating budget - I have only known two American pastors, and each salary was over $80 000 plus all the benefits...It was surprising to me as a good Canadian salary was around $28 000 USD at the time!

If it's not birthed inside of the person , then it's just striving to be something your really not .

I really appreciate your choice of words - "birthed inside", rather than "taught to" although we need teaching. It is just that teaching in itself is not enough.

Jesus seemed to have taken the simple and uneducated and birhted truth, power, and authority in them and they confounded the educated and trained professionals of the day.

The disciples had the authority of Jesus given to them, the authority that the pharisees etc. were longing for.

Then Jesus said go and multiply yourselves, and we find a priesthood of all believers, and a flourishing early church that cannon be stopped...I love that!