I have been doing some internet reading on Pastors and it seems to me that this position in the Church is somewhat overrated at the least. In the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 11, the word pastor is the only time it is used in the whole New Testament. The Greek word for pastor is “poimem,” and it is the English word means to be a shepherd. It is not used again in the New Testament at all. Why?
To be able to answer the question “why” we need to understand just what is a pastor, it means to be a shepherd or one who looks after a flock. When you look at this word in the New Testament you will find it is mostly used in reference to Jesus, who is our shepherd. Matthew 9:36, 25:32, 26:31, Mark 6:34, 14:22, John 10:2,11,12,14,16, Hebrews13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4.
These scriptures are all pertaining to Jesus as our shepherd. In Ephesians 4:11 it says, “He gave some, apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
In this Paul gives us the government of the Church, from the most important positions to the least important ones. They are all to work together! Why? For the perfecting of the body of Christ collectively. Why then are most churches controlled by the pastor?
I have been in many different types of churches in my 79 years of life on planet earth since I became a Christian in 1962. I was raised a Methodist from birth, as this is what my mother was. Then when I grew older and had my own family I became a non denominationist, then a Word of Faith believer, then a Presbyterian, then a Church of God, and now I am back to being a Methodist once again.
All these denominations are just a way for people to have a type of handle for us to use as a way to identity, and be a part of the collective body of Christ. Are any of them right? Should they exist? No, is the correct answer, as all these different types keep us from doing the will of God by dividing us and preventing us from walking in love.
All these were mostly controlled by the pastor who was the one in charge. This is incorrect according to the scripture I just quoted in Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Corinthians 12:28 that says, “ and God has set in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversity of tongues.” God is very plain and even numbers them as to importance.
Do you know of any church that is run this way? We wonder why God doesn’t show up and show His power in the earth? This isn’t rocket science brethren, it’s the word of God, and we are not following it. Are we? It seems we are trying to follow the world’s way of business. President or CEO, Vice Presidents, Managers or Supervisors, then employees.
Gods way is the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, then Apostles, then Prophets, then Teachers or Pastors, then Miracles, Gifts of Healing, Helps, Governments, and Diversity of Tongues. I don’t know of any Church being run this way, but it’s in the Bible, and we believe the Bible don’t we?
A pastor is to take care of his flock, and not be a dictator or supreme one in charge. The church is to be run by a group of elders of which he is one of. They are to take care of the day to day affairs of the church and he is to take care of his flock and guide them. The church government is the responsibility of the elders collectively.
Let me give you an example from my past; a church I used to belong to and no longer exists, was run by the pastor and his board of elders. Pastor wanted to do something to the church which he thought was necessary and he brought it before his board of elders for their approval. They did not think it necessary to do at the present time and they disagreed with pastor. Pastor fired them all and appointed a new board that would agree with him.
The results were many hurt feelings and confusion. This is not the way to get something done. Nor is this the way to we are operate as leaders. We are part of a group of men that are supposed to work together as we follow the Lord, after all, it’s His Church! It’s not up to us to try and force our will upon others just to get our way. If a pastor is following the Lords leadership, and it’s the Lords desire for this to happen, then don’t you think He is the one to convince the elders of His will?
I know this is not my normal letter to you but I think someone out there in the internet world needs to read this, so I’m trying to write it. I guess in another way it also does pertain to each of us also. We are all power hungry and want our own way. People have told me in the past, there is the right way, the wrong way, and my way. Doesn’t make me feel good, I will always need improvement I guess.
I know I can not change the way the Church is being run, too many years of tradition and control, but at least I can suggest another way, Gods way. I am going to close this letter and hope the next one will be more interesting to my family as a whole.
Remember you will make it, just don’t give up. See you all next month as we study Gods word together. I love you all, and thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.
In His Service As Kilted Priest
The Kilted Priest 