Who’s your Pastor?

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Who’s Your Pastor?

I have felt compelled to address this issue because I have grievously watched as many “Christians” have been scattered, rendered ineffective in their ministry. I have sadly observed as God’s people have become victims to all kinds of villainous schemes of deception and plundered for sordid gain. I have been vexed as I have watched “Christians” deny themselves of the benefits that God’s order of authority offers, and suffer significant losses in their faith as they become tossed here and there by every wind of doctrine and the craftiness of men who speak with smooth words that deny the significance of the body of Christ in the earth.

I have witnessed as many call me pastor, but few abide in the full measure of what the office God has given me provides for them. For many my title has been reduced to a position of convenience. I am their Pastor when they want to marry, or counseling in times of crisis, or when there is a loss of life, or when they need a letter of recommendation, or a figure head to appease their conflicted conscious.

There seems to be in our day so much confusion when it comes to the qualifications and roles of those who God has called and ordained to serve as spiritual watchman in our lives. There also seems to be some ignorance among believers as to what our proper response should be to those who are given this divine charge of spiritual over-sight in our lives. I wish to be very careful that I do not overstep any doctrinal boundaries with opinions, but let the framework of scripture clearly outline the truth concerning the prevailing obstacles to effective Christian order in the church.

When the general “Christian” in American society is asked “Who is your Pastor?”, you will receive all kinds of responses that clearly expose the ignorance of many as it concerns this matter and the loss of value we have suffered to the office, and spiritual benefits this authority provides in our lives. Some will name those that dedicated them or baptized them as babies, or who married them and their spouse. Some will answer with just the name of the church they last visited, or even the name of a minister they watch on TV or read a book by.

To fully understand the importance of this role and need, we have to be submitted to this office of spiritual authority and we must categorically answer essential questions that will seal a conclusion of divine origin. The scripture speaks clearly to this matter in the early church, and it would serve the modern church of this age well to rediscover the timeless truths of sound biblical order.

Question #1: What is a Pastor?

 A Shepherd

He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” John 21:16 (NAS)

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 (NAS)

“shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God ; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness… And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:2, 4 (NAS)

The word “shepherd” means to tend, guard or watch over carefully. So as the scripture identifies those who have been called to shepherd it is clearly identifying that role as one who guides, watches over and protects.

The scripture also speaks clearly to the consequences we suffer if we are shepherd-less.

“They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered… “As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “surely because My flock has become a prey, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd” Ezekiel 34:5, 8a (NAS)

“The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.” Zechariah 10:2 (NIV)

 A Watchman

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” Ezekiel 3:17 (NIV)

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17 (NKJ)

The word “Watchman” means to peer into the distance as one who is to see further than others. The bible seems to indicate that those God has called and anointed to watch over his people are given prophetic insight into things that are not clearly seen by everyone else, and they have a responsibility to warn God’s people of things that may harm them or bring judgment against them.

 An Overseer

“The LORD has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to be the overseer in the house of the LORD over every madman who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and in the iron collar.” Jeremiah 29:26 (NAS)

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.” 1Timothy 3:1-6 (NAS)

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseer, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 (NAS)

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseer–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” 1Peter 5:2 (NIV)

The word “Overseer” means to watch over, direct and manage the work of others. God has entrusted those He has called to this office to equip His people to do the work of the ministry. What is the work of the ministry? Proclaiming and demonstrating the word of reconciliation to the world; meaning that God is calling out to every lost soul through us that doesn’t know Him, and to be reunited with Him through Christ Jesus our Lord.

In each of these identities there is an indentified role or duty, and with each identified role there are clear benefits for those who submit to the authority and service of this biblical office. If people are submitted to a shepherd they are cared for, protected and guided. If they are submitted to a watchman they are given warning of encroaching dangers that will harm them or bring judgment to them. If they are submitted to an overseer they are equipped and properly directed so they become effective ministers of the gospel and productive labors in the Kingdom.

If you have not submitted yourself to a local church, who has a Pastor who is faithfully serving God and genuinely desire to see you grow in the Lord; then today make the decision to take yourself and your family and become connected the proper way to the body of Christ accessing the full measure of the benefits that are available through the spiritual office that Pastor carries. Don’t let him/her be your Pastor by title alone, but by exercising the authority of their service to the building up and edification of your most holy faith.