THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 14 According To The Scriptures, Who Is A "Pastor"?
“11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13). KJV
Loved ones, in our Spiritual Battle the devil has deceived many by distorting many terms used in the Bible. There is much misunderstanding today about the word "pastor." The majority are misinformed about this biblical use of this word. People call their preacher or other church leaders a "pastor," intending to show proper respect to spiritual leaders.
However, if we sincerely examine the New Testament, we will find that the word pastor is used to mean "shepherd." A plural number of biblical pastors were also called “overseers,” "bishops," or “elders” (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 5:1-3). All these names were applied to one office in the leadership (eldership) of the church.
All elders or pastors are to be preachers and teachers of God's word, but not all preachers are pastors! There is a great difference between the work of a preacher and the work of a pastor. In the New Testament, Paul, Peter, Philip, James, Timothy and Titus were evangelists (preachers) and ministers of the Gospel of Christ. Their work was to preach and teach the saving message of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:2-5; Romans 1:16).
The Apostle Peter (a married man – Mark 1:29-31; 1 Corinthians 9:5) was one evangelist who also served as a pastor or elder (1 Peter 5:1). Even so, neither he nor any other preacher in the Bible were ever introduced at any time to any one as "Pastor Paul" or "Pastor Titus."
Today, many men feel honored to be called pastors or chief pastor, chief elder, or chief bishop. In the scriptures nowhere do we read these terms. Pastors are simply qualified men (no women) whose work as spiritual shepherds is to oversee, or care for, the flock of God (Hebrews 13:17). Only Jesus our Lord is worthy to be called Chief Shepherd, Elder, or Pastor (1 Peter 5:4).
Please open your Bible and read First Timothy Chapter Three. Here we clearly see the qualifications of an elder or pastor: "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife [must be a married man – no women pastors (1 Corinthians 14:33-35; 1 Timothy 2:9-15)], vigilant, sober, of good behavior (not rude), given to hospitality, apt to teach [good student of the Bible], not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous, one that rules well his own house, having his children [must have children] in subjection with all gravity (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?). Not a novice [not a new convert] lest being lifted up with pride he falls into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
Titus 1:4-9 repeats the list of character traits a man must have if he is to be considered for the office of presbyter or pastor. The requirements concerning marriage, believing children, and not being a novice or a young convert also establish the fact that an elder is to be an older Christian — older in age as well as in experience.
These passages reveal that an elder or pastor must know how to run his own house; that is, take care of his wife and children (1 Timothy 3:1-5). If a man does not have these qualities, he is unfit for the office and cannot be scripturally appointed as an elder in the body of Christ – the Lord's church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23). A young man, therefore, cannot be biblically appointed as an elder or pastor [woe to all the deceived young “elders” of the Mormon Church].
To stress a point already made above, when speaking of "the elders" [or bishops or pastors] of a particular congregation, the words pastors or elders are always used in the plural form (Acts 15:2; 16:4; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1). A church having only one man serving as the “Pastor” is unscriptural. The preacher and the church with this ONE Pastor leadership needs to immediately repent of that satanic practice.
Though qualifying for the work of this office is vital, it must not be forgotten that elders carry a tremendous responsibility. They are instructed to "Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Christians are commanded to "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).
Age and experience are essential for the eldership. Therefore, all preachers and deacons should prepare themselves for this work. They must study well the word of God and make themselves good teachers of the Bible. They must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) and one day, with age and experience, perhaps they will also be qualified to be appointed as pastors or elders.
Where do you stand in these matters? Are you a pastor? Do you possess the qualifications which we have just seen in the scriptures? Do you call yourself a pastor, elder, or chief bishop, even though you do not meet the Bible qualifications? Please do not misuse the word “pastor.” It is not a "title," as such; it is an office of work.
Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).