Pastors: what's their responsibility?

It's important that every true believer understand this important article. Many today have a distorted or debilitating view of just what it is a pastor is to be, do, and teach. I pray that God will speak to you about the importance of this article, and that you will rethink your conclusions about pastors.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; 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: 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)

What is the meaning of the word pastor and how is it used?

Pastor - Hebrew ra'ah, to feed, to shepherd, a pastor, a herdmen, or teacher. Greek poimen, to shepherd, a pastor, a herdsman, esp. a shepherd. The New Testament uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably.

Elder - presbuteros, elder, of age, advanced in life, an elder, a senior a term of rank or office among the Christians, or those who presided over the assemblies (or Churches).

Bishop - episkopos, bishop, overseer, an overseer a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, any curator, guardian the superintendent, and elder. This word is used in the New Testament only six times. One (1 Peter 2:25) refers to the Lord Jesus.

"Pastor, shepherd, O.F. pastour, Latin pastor-to feed." (T.F. Hoad, English Etymology, p. 339)

"Pastor from Latin 'Pascere,' to pasture, to feed, a shephard of a flock." (McKim, Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, p. 203)

Presbytery - presbuterion, elders, estate of elders, presbytery body of elders. Used one time in the New Testament. Which as stated refers to a "group" of elders or pastors.

Now that we have defined the term it's obvious that the pastor is one of many in a fellowship. Before we go any further let me clarify one small detail—when we speak about pastors we mean "men" not women. Women cannot be ministers, pastors, or in any position of authority over men. God's Word is clear on this. Please refer to 1 Corinthians 11:3,7-12; 14:34,35; 1 Timothy 2:9-15.

The first thing we notice is that God gives pastors—their call comes from the voice of God not man. Ultimately it's God who appoints pastors. (John 15:16; Acts 9:6; 20:28; 26:16; Colossians 1:23,25; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2:7; 1 Peter 4:11; Revelation 11:13)

One, two, three?

The word pastor is only mentioned once is the New Testament as a function (not title) within the plurality of an eldership. There is no "pastor" culture no 'one man bands' in the New Testament. Elders are not laity but maturity. They are not imports either. They don't "come in" (beware of this - Jude 1:19) but are raised from within where they have proved themselves accountable and faithful (2 Timothy 2:2). The "up and coming" ministers who are "trained" and "qualified"? No, I don't think so!

Ephesians 4:11 He's talking about the calling and the singleness of our faith, not many faiths, but one. He talks about grace (the saving kind) and that Christ gave gifts (the God given spiritual kind talent). This is speaking of the office (1 Timothy 3:1) of, or we could say the gifts and talent of these functions. Not the title of such gifts. The list has four: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers. Verse 12 is the functions of the above listed but in reverse. Apostles and prophets edify the body. Evangelists do the work of the ministry. Pastors/teachers perfect the saints. We are never to take titles (Acts 10:24-26; 1 Corinthians 1:10-15; Romans 12:3; Matthew 23, Psalms 111:9). The New Testament letters and Gospels are expressions of how we as the Church (the elect, believers, the called out ones) are to conduct, practice, and teach, and believe esp. when we come together.

The apostles always choose plural elders (Acts 14:23; 15: 22,23; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1) not a single pastor (singular) to overseer the local Church. The local Church was every born again believer in one vicinity (town/village). Not the denominations down the road. The elders (bishops, overseers) took care of the spiritual affairs (Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 1:1) in the Body, while the deacons took care of the domestic (Acts 6:2; 1 Timothy 3:8). Also, these raised-up men always matured onsite and were chosen through the local Church (the body of every born again believer in the same vicinity) and were never "imported in" by a Church bureaucracy from outside.

Again, the word pastor is only mentioned once (Ephesians 4:11) in the whole New Testament. And it's in the past tense! Being a shepherd is not a title but a calling (John 21: 15-17; Acts 20:28). They're called to shepherd the flock as one of the elders. Others are just hirelings and need to be avoided. (Jeremiah 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 22:22; 23:1-2; John 10:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Romans 16:17).

The word "bishop" is mentioned quite a few times in the New Testament and the word "pastor" (singular) is not mentioned once. In the modern, religious world, the word bishop now means 'a high-ranking "Christian" cleric'! Whereas, biblically it means 'a spiritual overseer!' An elder would be like a guardian. Ever had a brother in the Lord that was Godly and knowledgeable? They are an elder to you. Not what you see the institutional churches today of proud men that can't find their way through the Bible. Also, the word bishop is never mentioned with a capital "B" (like pastor isn't with a capital "P") when referring to men. However, it is used once with a capital "B" when referring to Jesus. Just like the only two times shepherd is mentioned with a capital "S" is when referring to Jesus (1 Peter 2:25; 5:4).

Many "church leaders" place themselves high above "lording it over the flock." Christ in Heaven is now our eternal High Priest! Jesus is now our perpetual "go between" (1 John 1:9). All Believers are now on equal footing as priests ministering unto God. Only once is the word 'pastors' mentioned in the good sense when the Lord was prophesying a time when He would give pastors according to His heart, being fulfilled in Ephesians 4:11. Which were the new called out, regenerated men, caring for the new called-out lambs in Christ.

In the Old Testament shepherds watched flocks by themselves, and also had help at times. Noah took care of those intrusted to him in the ark. There was one high priest, and there was one king over the people. In the New Testament God appointed pastors (Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 1:1).

The word "pastor," singular, is not found in the New Testament. It's found only once in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 17:16). The word "pastors" poimen, is a noun--a person, shepherd, pastor, or a herdsman. The plural use is found only once in the New Testament. (Ephesians 4:11) "Bishop" episkope, used as singular in 1 Timothy 3:1,2; Titus 1:7. In the plural Philippians 1:1.

There where multiple elders in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:16). There was only one High priest (Leviticus 21:10, Hebrews 13:11), but there was many regular priests. We know Jesus is now our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1). The word "elder" is used in the singular (1 Timothy 5:19) and in the plural (1 Timothy 5:17).

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." (Ephesians 4:11)

For what reason?

"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

Not to run the saints lives and to do their thinking for them. Nor to give them baby talk Bible lessons. Neither to have dominion over their faith. Nor to become a clone of "the Pastor," but to aid in the Lord to growing up into maturity in Christ.

One phrase that stands out to us that's in common usage is "the body of Christ." It would be unreasonable to have only one pastor for the whole of the body of Christ—he could not be everywhere at once. But does this verse explicitly say more than one pastor in one fellowship? Realistically, No.

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." (1 Timothy 5:16-19)

Again, it says "let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour…" is this speaking of many elders in one Church? It doesn't say that. Paul tells Titus to ordain "elders" in every city.

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee." (Titus 1:5)

However, does it say there should be elders (more than one) in every fellowship? No, It just says, "every city." It's possible that there was multiple elders in the fellowships there I would not rule that possibility out.

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14)

We notice James says to call for the "elders" plural. But once again, does this mean more than one elder from a single fellowship? No, it does not say that. It's quite possible it could have been elders from all around the area—coming together upon hearing of a sick brother or sister. It says "Church" the early readers would have understood this to be the body of Christ as a whole.

Peter says,

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed." (1 Peter 5:1)

Here is good evidence that there was more than one elder in a fellowship. However, it could also have meant those elders in the city; not just one fellowship. Peter says in this verse that he's a sumpresbuteros--a fellow elder. In other words, he is saying he is one of many, but did he mean in a single fellowship? No, he did not say. We know there is more than one elder around the heavenly throne.

"And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold." (Revelation 4:4)

John says he's an elder.

"The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth." (3 John 1)

Again, other evidence to consider is found in Philippians 1:1.

"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons."

There seems to be good support that in Philippi there was more than one pastor (bishop) and deacons. But once again, the evidence to support it in one single church is inconclusive. We must remember the phrase "…which are at Philippi" meant those pastors in that city not just in one fellowship.

What's a pastor to do

We have gotten the idea somewhere that pastors are these spiritual business administrators. That a fellowship "buys" a pastor, or even "rents" one. They're looked upon a robots for God and slaves of the "church boards."

"The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were: to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep, to defend the sheep from attackers, to heal the wounded and sick sheep, to find and save lost or trapped sheep, to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust." ( Thayer's Greek Lexicon)

The pastor/shepherd was a herdsman--a keeper of a herd or flock. They are to instruct the flock in God's ways, and give care and oversight to them. We must understand the pastor is a servant of God first then the flock; not the other way around.

There are no religious titles in the New Testament. Calling someone reverend, pastor, or father is blasphemous! These are titles reserved for Only God "holy and reverend is his name (Psalm 111:9). See also Matthew 23:8-11.

Paul never called himself "The Apostle" Paul. No, but an apostle. The New Testament word "apostle" is not a title, but a calling and a function. No one can argue with this. In the New Testament titles and positions are unheard of and not used! Callings and functions are. (Acts 14:26; 15:40; 2 Corinthians 3:1)

The IC/DC's are set up like an authority tree. The controlling church goes like this. "The Pastor/Bishop" at the top, then "assistant Pastors," then Elders, Deacons, Ushers, other helpers, the "choir," then the people called (the laity, members, parishioners, attendants, pew warmers, church goers, or the congregation) with children coming in at the lowest.

The position is being abused, misconstrued, and turned in tyranny. The qualification of shepherding and caring for the Lord's flock is as Jesus told Peter "feed my sheep." (John 21:16,17) This is after God has called a man and he can say with as much desire as Peter "Lord, you know that I love you." Yes, elders are shepherds (pastor/teachers). However, as elders their responsibility, according to scripture, is to be apt to teach, given to hospitality, and willing to make visitations.

You're on an equal footing with the rest of the flock. Having to earn a wage by working at a job! Hello? There's no fancy gowns, frilly titles, or lofty pulpits to be elevated to in this department. Sunday school teachers, Youth Pastors, and Worship Leaders are not New Testament terms. Neither are Deaconesses. Be a real believer "a Berean" by going to your Bible for answers!

The official denominational "pastor" is obligated to obey the church government/bureaucracy/church board. Today many loved to be crowned "Pastor" or "Reverend" when IC/DCs lay out the red carpet for them. Work little and be paid huge salaries. It's a job to him not a love. He's simply a hireling! The professional "pastor" is required to enforce "church policies." He is required to "show" that the "church" is growing by membership roll (they use stupid software to "track" you and your unscriptural 10% tithe). He gives baby talk Bible lessons to a dead and asleep group of mixed people. He is to make a show conventions and learn from his superiors in order to pass the requirements and instructions down to his congregation. There is no revelation from God or His Bible. He's a pimp.

Woe unto them! "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" (Ezekiel 34:2)

The whole culture of "Pastor" has got so out of hand that it has been ingrained into the minds of the whole fabric of society, both secular and ecclesiastical. The whole church system is built on it. It has nothing to do with academic qualifications, written diplomas, B.A., ThD's, Dr's, PhD's, etc. However, it does have everything to do with the merits of being a mature and experienced person in the Lord who has his home in order, a husband of one wife, and loves Jesus with his whole heart, mind and soul, that he would give his life for Him. The truth is, we do not need new teachers, a new movement, a reforming, renewing, restoring, or even returning historically back.

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13) It's all we need.

"These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you." (1 John 2:26)

We have been given the same Holy Ghost to fill and endow us, to show and reveal His word, and grant us the power and unction to live the new life and be effective witnesses for His kingdom. The remnant uses the scriptures as their authority over their words. When teachers and "Pastors" come along declaring their denomination or doctrine we simply say, "Trust ye not in lying words…" Make the scriptures your final source and authority in all things that pertain to life and revelation.

The majority of the evangelical's and fundamentalist's message today is another gospel. It's not the gospel of the cross. The cross has been removed from the good news in order to make the message acceptable to the sinner and not scare him or her away from joining "your" church. Where worldliness and the Bible can be compatible and neatly accommodate each other. It is the gospel of enticement through niceties, entertainment, audible and visual presentation, the appeal to emotions, by drama, or song, or music, or some other clever technique. All under the watchful eye of the your "Pastor."

"As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ." (Galatians 6:12)

It's a time where God is portrayed as a God who changes with the times to suit us. It's the era that is sophisticated and educated, up-to-date, and slick. However, the Lord still says He looks to those who are of a contrite spirit and who tremble at His word. The true gospel may look like foolishness to man, but unto those who are saved it is still the power of God unto salvation.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (1 Corinthians 2:4)

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Corinthians 1:17)

The IC/DCs love "the wisdom of words," "the mighty words," and the things which look impressive to man whatever is soothing, clever, and relevant. But we know that "…it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" and "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Who is head of your fellowship? Is it Jesus or a man appointed clergy who you don't get time to really know or check out. Do you really know the man you've decided to trust with your spiritual life? Again, the "Pastor/Priest" is not New Testament truth.

"One of the principle duties at all seasons of the year is for the shepherd to plan food for his flock." (Fred Wright, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, p. 151)

The shepherd gathers them, feeds them, waters them, protects them, and cares for them. "The shepherd never drives his sheep…he always leads them, often going before them…he often walks by their side, and sometimes follows behind…." (Fred Wright, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, p. 157)

"One man can usually handle from fifty to one hundred sheep…if more he seeks a helper…the hireling does not usually have the personal interest in the sheep that the shepherd has…." (Fred Wright, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, p. 159) The pastor is also to care for the young and baby lambs, seek the lost, watch over them, and care for the sick ones.

An interesting note: " Sheep cannot go for more than three or four days without water." (Victor H. Matthews, Manners and Customs in the Bible, p. 17) How often are you in Church? In a Bible study? Praying and reading the Scriptures on your own?

God makes them pastors

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)

(Ephesians 4:11; John 15:16; Acts 9:6; 26:16; Colossians 1:23,25; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2:1; 1 Peter 4:11; Revelation 11:3)

"Top Reasons Pastors are in the Ministry 56% say they sense of calling to ministry. (Your Church magazine. January/February 1996 )

Notice, only half have felt it was the call of God that brought them into the ministry. One has to ask, what was the reasons for the other half of the pastors to get into the ministry?

Keeper of the flock

"And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground…And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering." (Genesis 4:2,4)

(Isaiah 40:11; Genesis 46:32; 1 Peter 5:2,3) As a keeper of the flock God has entrusted to him he cares for them, watches them, feeds them, insures their well being.

They should walk with God

"As for me, I have not hastened from [being] a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee." (Jeremiah 17:16)

(Genesis 5:24; Matthew 4:22; 6:33)

A pastor will have help in the work

"And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." (Acts 14:23)

(Genesis 26:19; 1 Samuel 17:20,28; Philippians 4:3; Colossians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:2)

Pastors try to increase their flock

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

(Genesis 30:37-39; 1 Corinthians 3:5-10)

The pastor will give food and water to the flock

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)

(Genesis 26:18; 29:2,3; 30:31; 1 Chronicles 4:39-41; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 6:3; Ezekiel 34:2-4; Hosea 4:16; John 21:15-18; Acts 11:23; 14:22; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Peter 5:2,3)

The pastor cares for them

"And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do." (Acts 15:36)

(2 Samuel 24:17; 1 Chronicles 21:17; Psalm 78:52; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16; Matthew 18:12; 25:34-40; John 18:8; 21:15-18; Acts 16:40; 18:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:7,11; 2 Timothy 2:24; Hebrews 13:17, 24; 1 Peter 5:2,3)

The pastor guides them

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15)

(Psalm 78:52; 80:1; John 10:3; 1 Timothy 4:6,7; 2 Timothy 2:25)

There are bad pastors

"Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:1)

(Exodus 2:17; Isaiah 56:11; Jeremiah 2:8; 10:21; 23:1-3; 25:34-36; 50:6; Ezekiel 34:3,4, 6-10; Nahum 3:18; Zechariah 10:3; 11:5,16,17; Matthew 7:15; John 10:12,13; 2 Corinthians 11:14,15; 2 Peter 2:12; 2 John 7; 3 John 9; Jude 4)

"William Murray, who became a Christian in 1980 at age 33 and now directs the Religious Freedom Coalition in Washington, D.C. said, " I can find Baptist preachers--in big churches--that will tell me that Christ isn't the son of God. I don't need to go to the atheists to have somebody to tell me that." (Christianity Today magazine, March 1, 1999 Vol. 43, No. 3, Page 24 )

God needs laborers

"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:38)

Honor widows

"Honour widows that are widows indeed." (1 Timothy 5:3)

(1 Timothy 5:17,18)

They are to expose sin

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:20)

(1 Timothy 6:11,12-14,20)

It's not for pastors to be rich

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:20)

(Genesis 14:23)

"On average the typical pastor makes anywhere from $30-60,000 a year. Pastors in smaller Churches, less than 151, make less that Pastors in a staff Church."

Most of the spouses of pastors work today why? Because of economic realities. "Nearly half (49%) of the pastors said their spouses worked because their families needed the money or job benefits…Nearly all clergy and their spouses use credit cards." (Your Church magazine, November/December 1997. Page 80)

"Greener pastures tempt a lot of pastors. Almost half (49%) of our respondents said that at least once a year they consider leaving the ministry to find a better-paying job. About half of those (26% of the total) consider leaving two or more times a year." (Your Church Magazine, May/June 1998, Vol. 44, No. 3, Page 88 )

Pastors will be called to account

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." (James 3:1)

(Colossians 4:17)

They should be prayed for

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you:" (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Pastors are to be taken care of

"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:13)

(Luke 10:7)

The pastor is to live a life of holy devotion to God in Christ by the Holy Spirit

Joseph of the New Testament was a "just" man.

"Joseph her husband, being a just [man]…." (Matthew 1:19a)

(1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 1:15,16; 1 John 2:6)

"Marriage has the greatest positive impact on the typical pastor's career. Nearly eight out of ten pastors say marriage is the top ministry enhancer out of 21 various circumstances and life events listed in the survey. (Only 3% of pastors in this study have never married) The next four top areas mentioned by a majority of respondents relate more directly to the trade of ministry: preaching (67%), sense of call to ministry (60%), sermon preparation (60%), and pastoral care (54%)." (Your Church magazine. January/February 1996)

This is interesting the Scriptures say the Holy Spirit is the ministry "enhancer" "And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." (Revelation 11:3)

and, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

The pastor should be found faithful

The Scriptures admonish us, and pastors, to be holy, and walk with integrity.

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:1,2)

(2 Corinthians 4:1,2,5; 6:3,4; Colossians 1:7; 4:7-12; Hebrews 3:2-5; 3 John 12)

The pastor should be consumed with the Word of God

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Joshua 1:8)

(Matthew 4:4; Acts 6:1-4; 18:24,25,28; 1 Timothy 4:15,16; 2 Timothy 2:15)

He should teach with authority

"For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:" (2 Corinthians 10:8)

(Matthew 7:29; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 2:24)

Pastors are to preach and teach

"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 10:7)

(Matthew 10:27; 28:19,20; Luke 10:9; 24:47,48; Acts 20:7,27; 28:31; Romans 10:14,15; 15:20,21; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; 4:3,4; 2 Timothy 4:2,5; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 1:12)

They are to teach no other doctrine

"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine." (1 Timothy 1:3)

(1 Timothy 3:2; 4:13; 6:3-5; Titus 2:1)

They are to appoint deacons

"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." (Acts 6:1-4)

(1 Timothy 2:1; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5)

If a pastor is called to minister the Word he should go

"While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them…Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." (Acts 10:19,20,33)

They should be obeyed as divinely appointed ministers of God if faithful

"That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour." (2 Peter 3:2)

(Philippians 2:12; 1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 13:7,17,24)

The early Church believed in this principle. All most all of them concluded their letters with the exhortation of obedience of this kind.

For example:

"…submit yourselves to the presbyters, and receive correction so as to repent, bending the knees of your hearts. Learn to be subject, laying aside the proud and arrogant self-confidence of your tongue." (Clement, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, 253b)

" Wherefore, it is needful to abstain from all these things, being subject to the presbyters and deacons, as unto God and Christ. " (Polycarp, The Epistle to the Philippians, 37b)

"..being under the guidance of the Comforter, in obedience to the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind…." (Ignatius, The Epistle to the Ephesians, 142b)

"Thou shalt be subject to the Lord, and to [other] masters as the image of God, with modesty and fear…" (Barnabas, The Epistle of, 255, 256b)

Church boards? When there was a problem the ministers came together to resolve it

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." (Acts 15:5,6)

Look at what a survey says about what Church boards are doing.

"The three greatest stress areas pastors face in their ministry are: church politics, financial shortfall, and difficult staff/board relationship. Between three and four out of ten pastors say these have had a major negative effect on their ministry." (Your Church magazine, July/August 1995)

"Again, relationships were critical. Internal church problems and poor relationships with the board contribute the most to the lowest points in pastoral ministry. Internal church problems 22%." (ibid.)

"Driving Forces Behind Pastor's Exit Percentage of forced exits Small faction of congregation 43% Board member(s) 32% Own convictions 22% Senior pastors 18% Denominational supervisor 14% Staff member(s) 5% Large portion of congregation 4%." (Your Church magazine, May/June 1996. Vol. 42, No. 3, Page 72 )

"Forced Exit vs. Termination Of those forced out: Terminated 13% Forced to resign 58% Pressured to resign 29% Reasons for Forced Exit Conflicting visions for the church 46% Personality conflict with board member(s) 38% Unrealistic expectations 32% Lack of clear expectations 24% Personality conflicts (not with board members) 22% Theological differences 21% Personality conflict with senior pastor 19%." (Your Church magazine, March/April 1996. Volume 42, No. 2, Page 72)

"Talk to the right people. Knowing the right questions to ask, however, doesn't make a difference if you don't go to the people with the answers. Four out of five (82%) wish they had gone straight to the members of the congregation. About the same (79%) wish they had been more forthright with the members of the church board." (Your Church magazine, January/February 1997, Vol. 43, No. 1, Page 88 )

How do pastors feel about them?

"The two activities pastors find least productive are the same two they would like to spend less time doing: three in 10 find administrative/budget work unproductive. About 23 percent believe meetings are a poor use of time." (Your Church Magazine, November/December 1998, Vol. 2, No. 6, Page 80)

"Pastors who work long hours say they wish they could spend more time at home. They would like more time for certain activities at work. And, most of all, they would like to spend more than the six hours they typically spend each week developing their relationship with God"

"Three-fourths of the pastors surveyed would like to do more praying, and two-thirds wish they had more time for personal devotions. In addition, 73 percent of the pastors want to put more than their normal 13 hours a week into sermon preparation, and 60 percent would like more time for lesson preparation. The majority of pastors surveyed also would like to devote more time to training leaders, evangelism, and planning for the future." ( Your Church Magazine, September/October 1998, Vol. 44, No. 5, Page 136 )

Those statistics are very sad indeed. But that's typical of the IC/DCs I don't feel sorry for them. Pastors are finding themselves worrying which is not Biblical (Matthew 6:34) about "things" and it throws them off.

"Other experiences or phases of life a large majority of pastors found stressful to their ministry included: personal or family illness, doubts or crisis of personal faith, aging parents, death in the family, preparing for retirement." (Your Church magazine, January/February, 1996)

The pastor is to love the ministry. He should consider it a blessed responsibility instead of a "job."

"For more than eight out of ten pastors, a nine-to-five, 40-hour workweek no longer exists…Typically, pastors start their workday at 8 a.m. and end it at 6:30 p.m. They do that six days a week. The median amount of time pastors spend working each week is 55 hours. When pastors do take a day off, they usually choose Monday.

Working more hours appears to be one way to increase job security. Pastors who work 50 hours or less each week are 35 percent more likely to be terminated. And, in general, those who have never been forced out of a pastorate are working more hours per week than they did five years ago." (Your Church Magazine, July/August 1998, Vol. 44, No. 4, Page 80)

Notice, the one phrase, "working more hours appears to be one way to increase job security." Job security? What did we discover as far as who gives the ministry to pastors? God not man!

In short, pastors have allowed themselves to be overrun by the pathetic, over inflated, useless, so-called Church boards. They have come to pleasing men and not God. They are now considering the pastorate as "work" or a "job" instead of a Holy calling. This is a tactic of the adversary to inject pure Novocain into the veins of many pastors. Make them "busy" and they fail to be about the "…Father's business." (Luke 2:49)

God's Word says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

We must understand the pastor is selected by God, "and he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers…." And "..I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them." And again, "..I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."

For what reason? I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them…" and "…which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." And once more, "…for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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."

It all comes to this, that the pastor is here to help give understanding of God's Word, and exhort the people to be like God—by word and example. Pastors are not business employees, nor are they our personal slaves, but God's holy appointed minister given to us for our benefit. Watch how you treat those faithful men! My brethren, listen to those that are faithful in the ministry, avoid and close your ears to those whom the Holy Spirit has shown to be false. May the Spirit of God help you and give you understanding in all things.

Amen?

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