%PDF-1.5 Follow a shepherd who has a high view of the authority of Scripture, who sees himself bound to Scripture, and who submits to Christ. As you can imagine this is something I have been thinking a lot about over the last year. We see that in the specific commissioning of Peter. One Sunday morning, our four-year-old daughter escaped from her class at church. Christ is present when His gospel is preached. At PastorServe, we are committed to help pastors fill these six primary roles. He works for God. Before Jesus leaves the earth, He says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. The office of a pastor in the Christian church has been a role that has been accepted without question over the past 400+ years. Yes, the pastor is hired by the church. No more suffering. endobj The Shepherd: The biblical role of Pastor. They are supposed to have oversight, but not “domineering over those in your charge.” Why? The teaching elder is the pastor, responsible for preaching. God’s Word tells the pastor to take responsibility for the shepherding care of the congregation—as one who is accountable before God. By Craig Bluemel . Instead, they may have individuals in the congregation perform the duties. Another means of protecting the flock that we often don’t realize is prayer. They are hungry. How do they do that? We need protection, and God provides pastors. One day the church will arrive at her destination. Unfortunately, some of these, though perhaps well-intentioned, are unbiblical. He can’t get out of his job. Then he presents 3 responsibilities of the congregation: 1) Be a disciple. We deserve His wrath. In the church today we find a number of common views of the role and purpose of pastors. Offering counsel on a wide-range of questions from actual readers like you! He feeds them with His own life. Professionally, pastors need a boss / supervisor, a coach and a trainer. Jesus becomes a sacrificial lamb and He takes the punishment that His people deserve. Three brief things. When He comes, He will sort everything out. If a pastor cares what the people think of him, then he will not be preaching Christ to them. The reason God has told us of the authority he has over the under-shepherds so that it will be easier for you to trust them and follow them. But the Lord has cause the iniquity of us all to fall on him. One of the core duties of a pastor is to lead worship services. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 that prayer does do something. It all comes down to what is our primary need? I encourage everyone to preach on the role of the pastor. Jesus calls us to follow Him, He calls us to follow him willingly, with joy, because there is nowhere else in the world that we would rather be than behind this Good Shepherd. Some are dead. Don’t presume that your natural inclination for the relationship between the congregation and the pastor is correct. How Does the Hope of Heaven Drive Missions? Christ is leading His people. ����J���Ţ����g��w���e��K�V9S2X^�Z�Y�\Ҕ���J��|pӁiZ%�V.��f_�e�h`��u�=�gpH����� ޡ�B���eOq�x��t�K_W����ݙ$�9�@D2Z5��2�����h ���|B���\6gU=ԣP���S�*LR���o� n)��f�G����8'/eC)}? Shape the Culture. I don’t know whether that is an insult or a compliment. They are scared. One way to prevent abuse is to only follow a shepherd who clearly knows he is under authority. Should You Talk About Heaven When You Share the Gospel? Just as God led his people through the wilderness to the promised land in the days of Moses, so He will lead His church to their ultimate place of rest. Patience and hospitality are important in that … They are scattered. The reason behind God telling people about this greater accountability He will demand of pastors is to say, trust them to let them lead you. Let’s look at what the Bible says is the check on that authority. Here are two prominent views that both fall short of what the Bible teaches.The first is the pastor as CEO. It's your responsibility to interpret biblical scripture for the congregation. Baptist or Independent churches believe in a multiple staff of pastors such as a senior pastor and his staff, youth pastor, minister of music, etc. Also, Hebrews 13 says, “Submit to your elders, for they watch over your souls, as those who give an account.”. They aren’t Peter’s sheep. Only if he ultimately does not care what they think of him, can he really lead them effectively, because sometimes he will have to say things to them that they do not like. Different churches, and even different people have very different ideas. Let’s see how pastors do the work of a shepherd. Friends, be sure of this: Those who follow Christ in the scorching sun through dry and thorny ground, will find the ultimate place of rest. The church has called the pastor to be the pastor and the partner's role is that of support. Studies have shown that after a few years about 80% of ordained pastors drop out of the ministry. Every tear will be wiped way. Paul tells Titus to appoint elders and set the church in order, and I think those two are related. In this expository message Dr. Felker presents the primary roles of a pastor, with special focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”, Jesus gives us the only kind of food that can restore our soul: Himself. <> These people have been butchers, not shepherds. Without submission to Christ, there is much drama, and power struggles. However, don’t be surprised by the answers you hear to this question either as some people are confused about what is a pastor. He calls us to follow. 2) Do not murmur but maintain unity. Who is like David who will be Israel’s shepherd-King? The pastor is paid by the church (we really appreciate that, by the way. There is a danger that false teachers would seduce the sheep. I think Jesus is clearly referring to Ezekiel 34 when he says in John 10, “I am the good shepherd. For many centuries, people viewed the role of the pastor as a servant caregiver who does the following: People expect pastors to do this, and pastors also view their role in this way. endobj <> You see, the greatest danger that the sheep faced is not the wolves but the punishment for their own sin. The only way he can represent God to them, is if he doesn’t care what they think of him. Christ is protecting His people. Primarily, they feed them the word. The role of the modern church in the life of the 21st-century believer is critical because it fills a void only the church can. As part of our community, you will receive content & communication from 9Marks. When the Good Shepherd left the earth, He entrusted His under-shepherds to protect, provide for and lead His people, until Jesus who is the chief shepherd appears. Revolution.” As pastor of a German/English-speaking Episcopal Church in Woodstock, Virginia, he received a circular letter from George Washington to the Protestant Churches, requesting that regiments be raised for the Revolutionary Army. At the same time, God has not given the congregation authority over the pastor that they can tell the pastor to do whatever they want him to do. 1. As I was preparing this message, it struck me that the only way the congregation and pastor can work together is if they both have a high value for the authority of Scripture. It’s not easy to nail down exactly what the job of a pastor really is. He will be like the wicked shepherds in Ezekiel 34. Some might say, why do we need a pastor to spend time in prayer, can’t he actually do something. Some say the pastor provides for the church by running programs. Now because God is the one who holds pastors accountable, it is important to recognize that the pastor is not anemployee of the church. Should not shepherds feed the sheep? Rather, he is looking for humble people who will get out of the way and preach Christ. In the passage we looked at two weeks ago, Paul says he did not come with persuasive words of wisdom, but preaching Christ. He will be trying to shepherd the people to his own ends, of being liked and respected. After Peter sins, Jesus confronts Peter and asks, “Do you love me.” Peter says, “Yes,” and then Jesus says, “Feed my sheep.” Three times Jesus tells him that. I only care what God thinks of me.”. The under-shepherds ought to never think for a minute that they are the chief shepherd. So, Friends, whether you are aspiring to the office of the pastor (which Paul says is a good thing, and I want people to do), or if you hold the office of a member, the most important thing you can do for the welfare of the church is to be one who is faithfully following Christ. The Role of the Assisting Pastor (Exodus 18:13-27). Because there is a chief shepherd. ]�{���9�,��� When Jesus arrives on the scene, it’s like the sheep have been ravaged by a pack of wolves. Our work is possible by the generosity of our readers. Where do you go for the pastor’s job description? Jesus says, “Feed on me.”. My point in reading these verses is so that you see the need for the sheep to be protected. Therefore, one of the main duties of a pastor is to consistently pray and ask Christ that he accompany his people. He is responsible to Jesus for how he feeds them. Or do you want a boss at work who clearly realizes that he is under someone else’s authority? Someone wrote a facetious account called “The Perfect Pastor.” 1.After hundreds of years the perfect pastor’s been found. Jesus comes to heal and gather. Likewise, under-shepherds must know that they are under authority, and only then can they do good to the people. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Week to week, you create sermons to connect your church with God’s Word and to disciple them to a closer relationship with Him. I’m convinced that if you really want to understand the role of a pastor as a shepherd, you need to begin with God’s overall purpose of shepherding. That’s when they get into trouble. “The Central Role of the Pastor !” 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The relationship between the pastor and congregation only works if both are submitted to Christ. “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. What is the Biblical Role of a Pastor in the Church? Rather, he has put both the pastor and the congregation under the authority of the Word. All we like sheep have gone astray. He leads them with gentleness and kindness. God says that the one who desires to the office of an overseer desires a good thing. The church is the place where we all submit to Christ, and He leads. Usually the pastor has received theological and pastoral training and it is that person's calling. Many scriptural passages suggest that a pastor ought to be a role model in the community, married to one spouse, have control over their children, demonstrate an attitude of wisdom, temperance, respect for elders, etc. He replied, "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. The pastor is a gift, he says, given to the church—their specific role is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Here Paul pairs this gift of pastoring with the gift of teaching, and the United Church of Christ always makes a point of the 2 gifts being given together. @�9��Op��#���d�q����?߿�@T82�02yV'u��E�ˢ���(�"��HgC}�.����J%��p��`(h��=�X��-+�"����J�/�v���cKP�� K÷�E Vz� ђ�'�(r�t�f%F�R�i�m��{V�$�? SERIES 1 OF 3 God is the good shepherd. Let me share some verses that explain this: In I Timothy 5, Paul talks about the elders who “rule well.” The word “ruling” isn’t so much the ruling of a king, but the ruling of a shepherd: Leading, guiding, directing. Friends, consider who wouldn’t want to follow a shepherd like that? He will be preaching himself. Actually, pastors did this for many centuries. He knew nothing but Christ crucified. He gives them Himself. Jesus also provides for the people. If the primary thing people need is Christ, then the pastor’s primary duty—above all else—is to preach Christ, because scripture is perfectly clear that it is through preaching that people receive Christ. We are leaving the Good Shepherd who is all powerful and all good. This is important because the church today is not in safe pasture, but traveling through the wilderness. According to this view, the pastor’s primary purpose is to keep his organization (i.e., his church) running smoothly and growing steadily. Therefore, God says, “Behold I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hands, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. Do you see the great extent that Jesus will go for His sheep? Now how do we apply this? This is a great offense to Him. The wicked shepherds sacrificed the sheep for the sake of themselves. Nor the role of the Sunday School teacher. This world is not our hope. Sermons One of the top priorities for pastors is preaching powerful sermons. God says, “Don’t lord it over them.” In other words, don’t’ be a despot. Sermon #6 “The Central Role of the Pastor !” 1 Timothy 3:1-7 What is a pastor suppose to look like? There is a chief shepherd who is Christ, but a pastor is an under-shepherd who charged with shepherding and caring for a group of sheep. “Elder,” or episkopos (from which we get our word episcopal) refers to the oversight of the believers, and it involves teaching, preaching, caring, and exercising authority where needed. The partner may be heavily involved with the church in leadership or may be employed in secular work. Each of us has turned to his own way. I have been told on occasion you don’t look like a preacher. Prayer is how we put on the defensive armor of God so that we can stand against the evil one. Paul models this in Acts 20, “You know …how I did not shrink form declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in Christ.”. He lay down His life to receive the wrath that they deserve. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Friends, if you are here this morning and you are not following this Shepherd, I plead with you, put your trust in Him, and follow Him. It is not the role of the deacon. Three of these roles are personal while three are professional. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. A disorderly church is not a good witness for the gospel. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”. When we are submitted to Christ, the drama in the church is a loving shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, and who continually protects, provides for and leads them. Some want a pastor they can hang out with and who meets people’s needs for companionship. You see, with greater authority comes greater accountability. %���� Nor is it the role of the associate. Why wouldn’t you want to follow a shepherd who loves his sheep enough to give up his life for them, and who feeds them with what they need most, Himself? The church is not the place where anyone leads with because of a strong personality or by being domineering. Since the days of John Calvin, church government has consisted of the pastor and the elders, who are elected representatives of the congregation. No more valley of shadow of death. Some churches have no pastor at all. In the course of Israel’s history, we hear this refrain, “They did not walk in the ways of their father David.”. 3 0 obj The relationship works only when both the pastor and the congregation are submitted to Scripture. Second point of application is to realize that it matters. I don’t know whether that is an insult or a compliment. What is a pastor suppose to look like? You also provide care and counseling to church members and assist them in crisis situations. Finally, pray that God would raise up more shepherds. The shepherd needs a staff so he can, as Jude says, “Snatch people form the fire,” who are beginning to be seduced by false teaching. The following Sunday, Muhlenberg’s sermon was taken from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, The point I want to leave you with is not shepherds in the church, but I want to lived our eyes to something higher. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”. As a pastor, you provide spiritual leadership to members of a church. Israel’s history is replete with example after example of wicked shepherds who were quick to sacrifice the people to advance themselves. Not everyone agrees that the most important thing a pastor does is preaching. He preaches 20 minutes … He feeds them in the way that they need it most. Now right away, people think, that sounds like a potential for abuse of authority. I won’t go to that church, there is too much drama, and I don’t like drama. Some sat that the pastors should give themselves to meeting the physical needs of people in the church. Thus, they need to stand up for the truth and insist on what is right. Someone wrote a facetious account called “The Perfect Pastor.” 1. This is by God’s design, so that, at the end of the day, it is Christ who is clearly the shepherd of the congregation. In order to understand the duties of a pastor, we should first ask, what is a pastor? I have been told on occasion you don’t look like a preacher. If someone is sick, the health center or hospital is the best place to seek medical attention. God has put under-shepherds in the flock to protect the sheep. What people need most is not the pastor’s wit, or wisdom, or skill, or even his compassion, but Christ. THE PASTOR'S WIFE INTRODUCTION The hardest, most thankless, most frustrating role in the local church is not the role of the pastor. Then we hear God say, “Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. These all function with the title of pastors in the role of elders. He is the only one who can protect you from that which most threatens you, and He is the only one who can give you what you need most. stream PDF, ePub, and Kindle files will be sent to this email address. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. 1 0 obj What does Jesus do with His authority? God puts His under-shepherd out in front to lead. Your duties include preparing weekly sermons, preaching and conducting worship services. <>>> And, The laborer is worthy of his reward." Pastors are given by God with delegated authority to shepherd the sheep. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them.”. The primary terms that describe the role of the pastor are “elder,” “bishop,” and “teacher” (1 Timothy 3:1-13). They see it as their job to feed themselves from the sheep, not feed the sheep. Instead the hardest, most thankless, must frustrating role in… Others are lame. At the end of the day, even if you disagree with the shepherd (which no doubt, at some point, you will), you want a pastor who works for God. Let me say one more thing. God is his boss. God has not given the pastor the authority to demand obedience from the congregation.
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