Pastors

Pastors

by | Oct 17, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Pastors

Who Can Pastor in the Church?

This blog is part eight of a ten-part series on the church.  Today we will address the gift of pastors and pastoring. Once again, the big question many ask is, can a woman be a pastor? My answer is yes, and no! Please read to the end so what I have to say will not be misrepresented.

“Pastor” is Not Used Interchangeably with Elder/Overseer

As stated before, an elder and overseer can be used interchangeably. We must consider what is written and not try to make it say something it doesn’t. Elder/overseer is not used interchangeably with the word pastor. This is where the church today has confused roles or “offices” with gifts and ministries. (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7)

4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd (“pastor” in Latin).

“Pastors” in Ephesians

Ephesians is the only place that the noun “pastor” is used. It is on the list along with apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers. If to read the context it says that these are gifts of Christ, repeating some of the Corinthian passage on gifts.

So, if to say that women cannot be “pastors” or shepherds in the church, you would have to say she cannot be an evangelist, prophet, or teacher either. Some actually do say this, but then you must conclude that the gifts of the spirit are not given to women.

A Gift & Ministry

Pastor is one of the spiritual gifts or ministries given to some of the members of the church. A man who is gifted (given the gift) of pastor, would be one likely to step up and possibly desire to be an elder. But he must also be gifted in leadership and teaching, and meet the other qualifications to serve in this way. All elders must be teachers and shepherds. But not all gifted to serve the church as a teacher or pastor/shepherd, are elders.

Teaching and pastoring are gifts and ministries. An elder/overseer is a position or office in a local church. Although the gifts of teaching and shepherding are also needed for that position. So, it is important to define what a pastor is since in today’s age most churches have made a pastor to mean what is biblically meant by elder/overseer. As a result, this suppresses those in the church who possess the gift of pastoring, but are not in the office of elder.

Women Pastors in the Church

A woman may have the gift of pastoring, but according to the qualifications of an elder/overseer, she should not hold that office. This is not saying in any way that she is less or her ministry is not valid or needed in the church. We must focus on what God has ordained us to do through His spirit and not worry about what He has not given us to do.

Those whom women are called to shepherd are most likely other women. They may need shepherding in a way that a male would not be unable to do, or it could be inappropriate for him to do. If women think this ministry is less important or not as valuable as pastoring as an elder, then they themselves are demeaning women and giving them less value.

Shepherding in 1 Peter 5:1-3

Many misuse 1 Peter 5:1-3 and try to equate pastor to mean elder. That is not what the verse says. In verse 2 it says, “Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you,” (NET) or other translations say “pastor the church,” which may confuse some into thinking it says “pastoring” is a role or a position, an office or job in the church.  It does not say that. The verse says to shepherd/pastor the flock/church. Just like other places, it says to exhort and to teach. Like I said before, an elder/overseer is required to have the gift of teaching and shepherding, as well as other gifts and ministries.

Yes, an elder is a pastor, a teacher, and possesses other gifts. That still does not mean that the word shepherd or pastor is interchangeable with the words elder or overseer. We do not see them grammatically used interchangeably in any verse.

Pastors in the Church

There can and should be other people functioning in the church with the gift of pastor, men and women alike, just not in the “elder” idea of pastor in today’s church, as overseer of the whole church. The elders/overseers should be pastoring those using their gift of pastor. Likewise, they should shepherd all those using every other gift given to the body. They will have to give an account one day to Jesus as to how they “ruled” their eklessia. Did they help keep unity in the church? Were they able to keep false teachers and teaching out of the church? Did they keep order when the church gathered?

Multiple Gifts & Ministries

It seems that people can be given multiple gifts since elders/overseers must have multiple gifts. Also, we are told that we can and should be eager for or desire those “greater” gifts.  The people with the “greater” gifts are not greater in and of themselves but are greater because of the impact they can have on the spiritual growth of the church and increasing the future citizens in God’s Kingdom.

Pastoring and teaching are two examples of gifts and ministries that elders/overseers MUST possess, but others in the church are also given these gifts and ministries.

Cognate: 1320 didáskalos (a masculine noun derived from 1321 /didáskō, “to teach”) – a teacher, an instructor acknowledged for their mastery in their field of learning; in Scripture, a Bible teacher, competent in theology. See 1319 (didaskalia).

Teamwork

We are a team, leaders and those they lead, and need each other.  As they say, if there is no one following, you are just going on a walk by yourself! And, if the church does not have leaders, chaos can happen and the Devil can be given a foothold.

We will be blessed by being a blessing and gain rewards for our service and our service in encouraging and supporting others who are serving.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Whoever receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, I tell you the truth, he will never lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42)

Paul & Barnabas

One last thing to consider… Of course, sometimes people and ministries go different ways such as Paul and Barnabas did. But, if we stir up others against someone serving God and the saints in truth, or try to destroy the work that they are doing, we will answer to God because. In reality, it is His work being destroyed or spoken against.

This does not mean though we should not bring to light false teachers or teaching. We are commanded to do that for the well-being of the churches and the saints. This is one of the roles of elder/overseer, and not a pastor, in regards to the church as a whole.

Obviously, if you are pastoring or disciplining someone or a small group, you must shepherd and counsel them in truth. You must also show them any false teachings or ideas that they may have.

Men & Women Pastors

Men and women alike who have the gift of pastoring must seeks God’s direction as to whom He wants them to shepherd. There may be one flock or many within or outside the eklessia that need spiritual food, guidance, and protection from the world and false teachings. A shepherd can teach and counsel the person or people God directs them to. They do not need to be an elder to do this, and it is for their own good as well as others, that they are still under the authority of the local elders/overseers.

In part nine we will take a look at the manifestation of the gift of prophesying.

Until then, as always, I encourage you to seek truth, to love God, and to obey Jesus.

P.S.

In case there is any confusion in this blog or video (as one has said), in short, “pastor” is a gift and ministry given to the church, men and women alike. It should not be an “office or job.” It is not the same as elder/overseer OFFICE. Unfortunately the church today has made “pastor” to be an office, basically of elder. In that case, a woman should not fill that role. Elders are men.

Elders

Elders

by | Aug 23, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Elders

Elders, Overseers, & Deacons

This blog is part four of a ten-part series on the church.  Today we are going to look at the roles of elders, overseers, and deacons.

  • Have you ever wondered about local church leadership and what elders, overseers, and deacons, jobs are?
  • Have you been in a church that doesn’t appear to be functioning in a biblical manner because the leaders seem to be in positions of power, rather than that of service?

Elders Volunteer or are Appointed

Those in LOCAL church leadership who hold the office of overseers/elders and deacons have different roles than the general church using their gifts and ministries that they have been given.

These men (yes, men, this will be discussed in a later video) are specific leaders in the church and are appointed with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23) or volunteer to serve IF they desire and meet the qualifications (1Timothy 3:1). These specific leadership roles are “offices,” like a job, and those holding them must have multiple gifts and ministries, specifically those of teaching, leading, and shepherding.

The Words “Elders” & “Overseers” Are Used Interchangeably

Their PURPOSE is to care for the church, the body, and to give exhortation in healthy teaching, as well as correcting those who speak against it. The Bible says that they must rebuke those people sharply so that they may be healthy in the faith. They are to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:5). This is a hard job! It sounds similar to the judges in Israel but is never referred to as such.

Elder – presbuteros –  did not differ at all from the (ἐπίσκοποι) bishops or overseers, among Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches), managed public affairs and administered justice.

Elder and overseer are used interchangeably, but, never elder and pastor (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7).

OVERSEER/bishop – episkopé  -supervision, overseership

Vs 2 episkopos -(used as an official title in civil life), overseer, supervisor, ruler, especially used with reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation. the focus is upon the responsibility for caring for others.

1985 epískopos (a masculine noun, derived from 1909 /epí, “on/fitting contact,” which intensifies 4649 /skopós, “look intently,” like at an end-marker concluding a race) – properly, an overseer; a man called by God to literally “keep an eye on” His flock (the Church, the body of Christ), i.e. to provide personalized (first hand) care and protection (note the epi, “on“).

Local Church Leadership

Elders or overseers are appointed in local congregations where believers are meeting together. They are not appointed over Christians in general or in ministries. There is no indication as to how many there should be. It would seem that it depends on who wants to serve and who is qualified. There should never be a person appointed to this position merely to fill the position.

We see that elders were appointed, plural, in the New Testament, and it seems best to have multiple people caring for the body in these ways. This would not only help in ministering so the burden is carried by several, but also to make them more accountable to one another.

High Christ-Like Standards

The REQUIREMENTS for overseers are very high moral and spiritual standards, and should never be taken lightly. They should be as Christ-like as possible.

According to 1 Timothy 3 an overseer/elder should be:

    • above reproach
    • the husband of one wife (if married)
    • temperate
    • self-controlled
    • respectable
    • hospitable
    • able teacher
    • not a drunkard
    • not violent
    • gentle
    • not contentious
    • free from the love of money
    • He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity (if he has children, they should obey him and he shouldn’t lose his temper with them)
    • He must not be a recent convert (pride could be a problem and Satan could use it against the church)
    • he must be well thought of by those outside the faith (or he may disgrace the church and Satan will use it against them)

Elder & Overseer Qualifications in Titus

In Titus 1 they were told to appoint elders in every town and it repeats the qualifications to be an elder.

    • blameless,
    • the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion (if married with children)
    • blameless as one entrusted with God’s work
    • not arrogant
    • not prone to anger
    • not a drunkard
    • not violent
    • not greedy for gain
    • he must be hospitable
    • devoted to what is good
    • sensible
    • upright
    • devout
    • self-controlled
    • he must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught

The main purpose of an elder/overseer is to spiritually care for the church of God. The focus is on servant leadership.

Qualifications of Deacons

This passage then goes on to describe the requirements and role of a deacon. It is summed up as selfless service.

A DEACON (diakonos) is a waiter, a servant; anyone who performs any service, or an administrator. A deacon cares for the poor and sick. They must be:

    • dignified
    • not two-faced
    • not given to excessive drinking
    • not greedy for gain
    • holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
    • must be husbands of one wife (if married)
    • good managers of their children and their own households (if they have children)

It also says that they must be tested first, and only then to allow them to serve as deacons if they are found blameless. Deacons who have served well are promised a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Deacons Wives

Likewise, this passage also addresses deacons’ wives. Their wives must be:

  • dignified
  • not slanderous
  • temperate
  • faithful in every respect

It would seem that this service to the body would benefit from having a husband and wife performing these duties together.

These instructions about the specific roles of elder and deacon are to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God because it is the church of the living God. They should be the best examples as to how to be a Christian and how to serve one another.

Church Growth & Deacons

We see that when the church got bigger and there were more people to care for, they were told to “carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:3-5)

It would seem logical that the number of deacons would relate to the need and size of the local body.

Elders/Overseers, & Deacons Serve the Local Church

In short, elders and overseers have the duty of spiritual leadership and service to the church, including protecting them from false teachings and keeping things orderly. Deacons have the responsibility to serve and make sure the physical needs of the body are being met. Both are sacrificing to serve the body of Christ.

 

In part five we will take a look at money and tithing and how this relates to the church.

Jesus’ Ekklesia

Jesus’ Ekklesia

by | Aug 9, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Jesus’ Ekklesia

Jesus’ Ekklesia

This blog is part one of a ten-part series on the church.  We will explore the church and the believers that make up the church, and how the local body should function biblically. I will list the passages of Scripture in the description below that I reference throughout this series.

Questions about the Ekklesia

Have you ever wondered if women should be pastors or elders? Or who can, or should, teach and manifest the other gifts given to the church? Or, what should a healthy church look like today?

There are many questions people ask today and we must seek our answers in Scripture, not according to traditions or what the “church” has evolved into, today.

The True Church – People

I would like to propose that we take a fresh look at the church from Scripture, the church as God’s people, compared to the organization that is has become today. Please be a Berean and search to see if what I am saying is true.

Unfortunately, most people today equate a “church” with a building, a denomination, or an organization. The church in Scripture is the people. There is a global church (ekklesia), that includes all believers all over the world and Christ is the head. Then there are many local churches/ekklesia, where Christ is still the head, but he has delegated headship to local leaders and gives them authority to “govern,” protect, and keep order in the specific body for the well-being of that “ekklesia.”

Gifts, Ministries, & Offices

We will take a look as we go as to who biblically has been called to these positions and what the qualifications are for this role in the church. We will also consider other aspects of church life in regards to gifts and ministries and believers in general because they are what makes up the church.

1577 ekklēsía(from 1537 /ek, “out from and to” and 2564 /kaléō, “to call”) – properly, people called out from the world and to God.

One Body, Many Parts

We are one body, yet there are parts of that body that meet in different places, like the church in Corinth, the churches in Asia, or the church that meets in Nympha’s house. And we know where two or three are gathered, the Lord is there (Matthew 18:20), even with the church that meets online!

In Christ Jesus we are all sons of God through faith and heirs of the Kingdom.  When we are baptized into Christ, we have clothed ourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for all are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29).

Equality

In regards to worth, faith, and salvation, all believers are equal. Having appointed elders in local churches, or appointed leadership in a family, does not change that fact. Consider, during the millennial Kingdom, people will be appointed to different places of leadership and ministry. Will we be complaining then or fighting what will be instituted? Headship or leadership should not be taken as something negative or demeaning.

The First Will Be Last

We see from the discussion with James and John’s mother with Jesus, that the answer is simple, God has chosen some people for certain positions in the Kingdom, and for various Kingdom roles, so why would it be odd to have designated roles today to keep things running smoothly and to be as effective as possible?

Jesus’ disciples even argued over who was the greatest.  But Jesus told them if you want to be elevated, you must be willing to humble yourself to all. If you want to be first, you must be willing to be last and put other people first.  You are there to serve, not to rule over people.

Local Leadership

Not simply those using their gift of leadership in the church in various ways, but those that take on local leadership roles, have greater responsibility and will have to give an account as to how they served in the office they held.

The Bible, I believe, says that men are appointed to elder/overseer positions in the local churches (elder/overseer and deacon). I will discuss this further in subsequent videos, but it should not be on a “women’s rights” agenda to disprove for the sake of “equality.”

Leadership is Beneficial, But it Doesn’t Have to Be You

When you join a club or another organization, do you feel less of a member just because you are not serving as president over all the organization, or do you enjoy what they have to offer and contribute as you are able?

We all know that when people come together there tends to be differences, and having a peacemaker and leader is beneficial for all.

Jesus is the Head of the Ekklesia, But All Must Serve

So, to lay the foundation of the church we must recognize that even though God set Jesus up as the head of the church, and in local bodies positions of leadership for the benefit of the church, every member of the church is equal in worth and salvation, and every member is called to serve with his or her gifts.

In part two we will focus on the fact that God’s spirit is given to all believers, no matter their gender or position in the church, and will consider how God still instituted headship for the care and well-being of His people