9/9/21
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| In loving memory of my father Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023 |
In this message I want to share with you my understanding of the five-fold ministries ... sometimes also called the ascension gift ministries. This will be only a short overview of these ministries, their purpose and function. We will elaborate primarily on "pastors" because that ministry is the most prominent in the eyes of most Christians today. We must never forget two sound, scriptural principles. First, our Lord has given a wide variety of gifts to His body so that the body can minister to the wide variety of needs within the body. Second, every ministry should point to the Lord Jesus, just as John the Baptist did.
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, we read, in Ephesians 4:8-15.
Translators of the Bible have chosen almost exclusively to translate several different Greek words into English as "gifts." At least nine words in the Greek are translated in the Authorized Version by the word "gift." The two Greek words most commonly translated as "gift" are dorea and charisma.
Therefore, the five-fold ministries are never an end in themselves, but are given by God as a means toward an end, namely the perfection of the body of Christ.
Many Christians, primarily evangelicals, believe that apostles and prophets no longer exist. Verse 13 seems to say otherwise ... that all five ascension gifts continue until we all come in the unity of the faith, etc. Clearly, that unity of the faith and that perfect man does not yet manifest itself.
Now let us consider each one of those five different ministries.
Apostles
The word "apostle" means a messenger, or one who is sent by God. God has gifted a few men who are able to function in many different ministries. The Apostle Paul was such a man. Paul, in addition to being an apostle, certainly functioned as a prophet, a teacher, and an intercessor. We could also make a legitimate case that he functioned as an evangelist and a pastor. Starting a church or two does not make a man an apostle. Many folks have started churches, but only God makes an apostle.
The primary functions of the apostle are found in Colossians 1:25-29,
Apostles are called stewards of the mystery of Christ in 1 Corinthians 4:1,
Christ in you is called the hope of glory. That is indeed a mystery which is difficult for our natural minds to comprehend, but which we accept by faith. Hebrews 11:1 says,
The third priority is teaching every man in all wisdom. The church, historically, seems to have made teaching priority one. This does not minimize the need for teaching sound doctrine. On the contrary. Apostles set the foundation of truth in the heart through instruction of doctrine.
In addition, from 1 Thessalonians 4:1, apostles teach the church how to walk and to please God.
We should also mention
Evangelist
An evangelist proclaims the gospel of Jesus, Who is Himself the good news. The word, evangelist, occurs only three times in the Bible. Philip, in Acts 21:8, is called an evangelist. The major chapter in the Bible which speaks about an evangelist, is Acts, Chapter 8. In that chapter, Philip preached Christ. There is no scriptural record that Philip ever asked anyone if they wanted to be saved or if they would like to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The people heeded the message that Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles that he did. Later, in Acts 8, a Ethiopian eunuch accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior after Philip preached unto him Jesus.
In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul exhorts Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist." I believe that the major work of an evangelist is not to be a preacher in something called a "revival" at some church where the speaker has the same doctrinal perspective as the members of that church. Neither do I believe the major work of an evangelist is to "go out and get them saved." I believe that the major work of an evangelist is to teach members of a local church how to relate to non-Christians such that every member of the body of Christ can do the work of an evangelist.
Pastors and Teachers
The word, "pastor" is used only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 4:11, and eight times in the Old Testament. The word, "shepherd," is used many times in both the Old and the New Testaments. The majority of Biblical scholars affirm that an elder, a bishop, and an overseer are equivalent. A pastor is certainly an overseer. A pastor makes sure that the needs of the people in a local church are met. Pastors are organizers. They are like mom and dad in their relationship to their children.
Are pastors and teachers the same ministry? Or are they separate ministries? I suspect that the majority of Christians, particularly evangelical and denominational folks, would say they are the same ministry. Their thinking is undoubtedly based on the most common practice today, where pastors do most of the teaching and preaching at Sunday services. That theological view points to the use of the article. It is repeated before all the other gifts, but when it gets to the last two (pastors and teachers) there is only one article that governs both nouns. The use of a single article with multiple plural nouns does not necessarily mean the two nouns are identical. This same construction occurs in Ephesians 2:20 and joins "apostles and prophets," but these are not identical gifts. Likewise, if pastors and teachers are equivalent ministries, then prophets and teachers must be equivalent ministries because of Acts 13:1,
From verse 2, what was the salary of the chief Shepherd? I have believed for 54 years that if God puts you into a ministry, then He will provide everything needed for you to fulfill that ministry, and we should never have to ask for money or open doors. Certainly, we should never have to apply for a paying job as a pastor. Neither do I believe that going through a seminary or Bible school automatically makes you a pastor. Note that the Holy Spirit through Peter exhorts the elders (plural) to feed the flock of God. Scripture never speaks about only one elder in a local church. Local churches must always have at least two elders. Some elders are teaching elders; other elders are pastoral elders. I have known personally several elders who were pastors but who rarely taught (doctrine). I have also known personally an outstanding teaching elder who was in the position of a pastor, but who said, "I don't do counseling." Experientially, too many pastoral elders today have usurped the role and function of the teaching elders.
Here we see the primary ministry of all elders, whether they be teaching elders or pastoral elders. From 1 Timothy 3:2, every elder should be apt to teach. So pastoral elders should be capable of teaching, but that does not mean they should always be the primary teacher.
Many years ago I visited a charismatic church about five or six miles from our house. They had become a rather vibrant church at one time, with perhaps 200 or more adults. Then the pastor retired and that church hired a previous Assembly of God pastor. For whatever combination of reasons, that church began a spiritual decline. When I went to their services a number of times, the pastor had an "open microphone" for about 15 minutes every Sunday if anyone wanted to share a testimony or share a short word. It had become obvious to me that perhaps a dozen or so believers in that church were hungry for more of God but were dissatisfied with the spiritual food they were being fed. One Sunday I requested, and received, the microphone for a few minutes. What I said was this ... "I am aware that there are a lot of believers in this church who are hungry for more of the Lord. If necessary, the Lord will command the ravens to feed you." Today, that church has been totally replaced with the forces of darkness.
Pastors also care for the state of the body, soul, and spirit of God's people. When God's people experience any kind of difficulty, they rely on their pastor to pray, comfort, and provide wisdom. One day back in the very early 1970's, while I was at work, the two pastors in our house church came over to our house. One of them had sensed that my wife was in some kind of difficulty, so they came over to pray for her. That is called "being led by the Spirit."
In the first eight chapters of the Book of Acts, Peter and John were constant companions. Peter was always the spokesman. The Book of Acts does not record one verse where John ever said anything. Does that say anything to us for today? In the remaining 20 chapters of Acts, scripture never mentions Peter and John together. Why? because it was then Peter and the Lord. It was John and the Lord. Is everyone a mouth? Is everyone a heart? Peter was a mouth. John was a heart. Does the ear see as well as the eye? But every member is necessary.
May the Lord quicken our understanding about these five-fold ministries And may we all discern the true ministries that the Lord has given and submit one to another, according as God has given the respective gifts. Amen.
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, we read, in Ephesians 4:8-15.
8 Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Translators of the Bible have chosen almost exclusively to translate several different Greek words into English as "gifts." At least nine words in the Greek are translated in the Authorized Version by the word "gift." The two Greek words most commonly translated as "gift" are dorea and charisma.
John 4:10, "Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water."
The word, "gift" is dorea, which refers to "living water" that furnishes eternal life. Peter referred to the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the dorea gift (Acts 10:45; 11:17). When Paul mentions the grace (charis) of God which is in the church, he thanks God for His unspeakable dorea gift (2 Corinthians 9:14). When asked by the people on the day of Pentecost, Peter commanded them to receive the dorea gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). 1 Corinthians 12 uses charis exclusively to describe the various gifts of the Spirit. This seems to suggest that grace (charis) gifts are a logical subset of the broader dorea gift.
Back to Verse 9 of Ephesians 4
Back to Verse 9 of Ephesians 4
9 (Now that He ascended, What is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)11 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13 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:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Therefore, the five-fold ministries are never an end in themselves, but are given by God as a means toward an end, namely the perfection of the body of Christ.
Many Christians, primarily evangelicals, believe that apostles and prophets no longer exist. Verse 13 seems to say otherwise ... that all five ascension gifts continue until we all come in the unity of the faith, etc. Clearly, that unity of the faith and that perfect man does not yet manifest itself.
Now let us consider each one of those five different ministries.
Apostles
The word "apostle" means a messenger, or one who is sent by God. God has gifted a few men who are able to function in many different ministries. The Apostle Paul was such a man. Paul, in addition to being an apostle, certainly functioned as a prophet, a teacher, and an intercessor. We could also make a legitimate case that he functioned as an evangelist and a pastor. Starting a church or two does not make a man an apostle. Many folks have started churches, but only God makes an apostle.
The primary functions of the apostle are found in Colossians 1:25-29,
25 Whereof I am made a minister [or servant], according to the dispensation [or administration of a household] of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Apostles are called stewards of the mystery of Christ in 1 Corinthians 4:1,
"Let a man so account of us [apostles], as of the ministers [literally, under-oarsmen] of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Christ in you is called the hope of glory. That is indeed a mystery which is difficult for our natural minds to comprehend, but which we accept by faith. Hebrews 11:1 says,
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Faith is for the present; hope is for the future. The word "substance" can be translated as "confidence" or "assurance."
God's priority order for apostles is first to preach Christ ... who He is, in all of His glory. To do that, an apostle must have the same heavenly vision of Jesus that Paul received.
The second priority is warning every man. Warn every man about what? warn every man to continue in the faith and not be swayed by the lies of the enemy. Not all who begin the race attain to the kingdom of God. We must be diligent to finish the race.
God's priority order for apostles is first to preach Christ ... who He is, in all of His glory. To do that, an apostle must have the same heavenly vision of Jesus that Paul received.
The second priority is warning every man. Warn every man about what? warn every man to continue in the faith and not be swayed by the lies of the enemy. Not all who begin the race attain to the kingdom of God. We must be diligent to finish the race.
Hebrews 12:1, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."Paul said, in Acts 20:31, "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."
The third priority is teaching every man in all wisdom. The church, historically, seems to have made teaching priority one. This does not minimize the need for teaching sound doctrine. On the contrary. Apostles set the foundation of truth in the heart through instruction of doctrine.
1 Corinthians 3:10, 11, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation [of truth within your heart], and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
In addition, from 1 Thessalonians 4:1, apostles teach the church how to walk and to please God.
"Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us [apostles] how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more [increase of grace and growth]."
This is the more "practical" aspect of apostolic functions.
Without apostolic governance this stewardship is lost to the church and Christians do not know how to walk and to please God. Evidence of this is seen in how holiness is falsely placed in the flesh, how some believers have a hard time putting Christianity into practice, and the myriad of denominations and divisions in the church.
Back to Verse 29 of Colossians 1.
Without apostolic governance this stewardship is lost to the church and Christians do not know how to walk and to please God. Evidence of this is seen in how holiness is falsely placed in the flesh, how some believers have a hard time putting Christianity into practice, and the myriad of denominations and divisions in the church.
Back to Verse 29 of Colossians 1.
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.
We should also mention
1 Corinthians 12:28, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that, miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
Note that the list does not specifically mention pastors, although pastors are intimately involved in the governments of local churches.
Prophets
The word "prophet" means "one who speaks for the Lord" or "an inspired speaker." Certainly, any prophet is able to prophesy. However, I believe the major work of a prophet is to enlarge the vision of the members of the body of Christ. From 1 Samuel 9:9, he that is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul corrects some common mis-operations that occur during a gathering of believers and provides instruction as to the proper operation of the assembled body of Christ. From 1 Corinthians 14:29-31,
Prophets
The word "prophet" means "one who speaks for the Lord" or "an inspired speaker." Certainly, any prophet is able to prophesy. However, I believe the major work of a prophet is to enlarge the vision of the members of the body of Christ. From 1 Samuel 9:9, he that is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul corrects some common mis-operations that occur during a gathering of believers and provides instruction as to the proper operation of the assembled body of Christ. From 1 Corinthians 14:29-31,
"Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted."
Of course, it is rare today that a local church has one prophet, much less two or three. That contributes to the lack of a higher vision in local churches.
The word "another" in Verse 30 means another prophet. The prophets in an assembly of believers should set forth the overall word of the Lord for each specific occasion. Others may then prophesy, provided their word follows the same theme as that set forth by the prophets. As a generality, the Lord does not speak forth multiple different words in an assembly. That is what I used to call "popcorn." Various members "pop-up," wanting their voice to be heard. Also, from those verses in 1 Corinthians 14, there is a big difference between the gift of prophecy and the gift of a prophet. Every member of the body of Christ may desire the gift of prophecy, but the ministry of a prophet is given only by God. Of course, prophets have the gift of prophecy.
The word "another" in Verse 30 means another prophet. The prophets in an assembly of believers should set forth the overall word of the Lord for each specific occasion. Others may then prophesy, provided their word follows the same theme as that set forth by the prophets. As a generality, the Lord does not speak forth multiple different words in an assembly. That is what I used to call "popcorn." Various members "pop-up," wanting their voice to be heard. Also, from those verses in 1 Corinthians 14, there is a big difference between the gift of prophecy and the gift of a prophet. Every member of the body of Christ may desire the gift of prophecy, but the ministry of a prophet is given only by God. Of course, prophets have the gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:3, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. "
Amos 3:7-8, "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"
Evangelist
An evangelist proclaims the gospel of Jesus, Who is Himself the good news. The word, evangelist, occurs only three times in the Bible. Philip, in Acts 21:8, is called an evangelist. The major chapter in the Bible which speaks about an evangelist, is Acts, Chapter 8. In that chapter, Philip preached Christ. There is no scriptural record that Philip ever asked anyone if they wanted to be saved or if they would like to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The people heeded the message that Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles that he did. Later, in Acts 8, a Ethiopian eunuch accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior after Philip preached unto him Jesus.
In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul exhorts Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist." I believe that the major work of an evangelist is not to be a preacher in something called a "revival" at some church where the speaker has the same doctrinal perspective as the members of that church. Neither do I believe the major work of an evangelist is to "go out and get them saved." I believe that the major work of an evangelist is to teach members of a local church how to relate to non-Christians such that every member of the body of Christ can do the work of an evangelist.
Pastors and Teachers
The word, "pastor" is used only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 4:11, and eight times in the Old Testament. The word, "shepherd," is used many times in both the Old and the New Testaments. The majority of Biblical scholars affirm that an elder, a bishop, and an overseer are equivalent. A pastor is certainly an overseer. A pastor makes sure that the needs of the people in a local church are met. Pastors are organizers. They are like mom and dad in their relationship to their children.
Are pastors and teachers the same ministry? Or are they separate ministries? I suspect that the majority of Christians, particularly evangelical and denominational folks, would say they are the same ministry. Their thinking is undoubtedly based on the most common practice today, where pastors do most of the teaching and preaching at Sunday services. That theological view points to the use of the article. It is repeated before all the other gifts, but when it gets to the last two (pastors and teachers) there is only one article that governs both nouns. The use of a single article with multiple plural nouns does not necessarily mean the two nouns are identical. This same construction occurs in Ephesians 2:20 and joins "apostles and prophets," but these are not identical gifts. Likewise, if pastors and teachers are equivalent ministries, then prophets and teachers must be equivalent ministries because of Acts 13:1,
"Now there were in the church at Antioch certain prophets and teachers..."
From there, we can arrive at an absurd conclusion that apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers are all one and the same ministry. Traditions of men are very hard to break.
What are the functions of a pastor? First, pastors shepherd God's people in local churches by leading them. They carry out this leadership by setting an example of godly character. The calling of the pastor is inextricably tied to the biblical metaphor of a shepherd tending to his flock of sheep. Sheep, of course, are dirty, smelly, dumb animals who always go along with the crowd. If one sheep jumps off a cliff, the rest may follow.
What are the functions of a pastor? First, pastors shepherd God's people in local churches by leading them. They carry out this leadership by setting an example of godly character. The calling of the pastor is inextricably tied to the biblical metaphor of a shepherd tending to his flock of sheep. Sheep, of course, are dirty, smelly, dumb animals who always go along with the crowd. If one sheep jumps off a cliff, the rest may follow.
Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
1 Peter 5:1-4.1 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:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
From verse 2, what was the salary of the chief Shepherd? I have believed for 54 years that if God puts you into a ministry, then He will provide everything needed for you to fulfill that ministry, and we should never have to ask for money or open doors. Certainly, we should never have to apply for a paying job as a pastor. Neither do I believe that going through a seminary or Bible school automatically makes you a pastor. Note that the Holy Spirit through Peter exhorts the elders (plural) to feed the flock of God. Scripture never speaks about only one elder in a local church. Local churches must always have at least two elders. Some elders are teaching elders; other elders are pastoral elders. I have known personally several elders who were pastors but who rarely taught (doctrine). I have also known personally an outstanding teaching elder who was in the position of a pastor, but who said, "I don't do counseling." Experientially, too many pastoral elders today have usurped the role and function of the teaching elders.
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Here we see the primary ministry of all elders, whether they be teaching elders or pastoral elders. From 1 Timothy 3:2, every elder should be apt to teach. So pastoral elders should be capable of teaching, but that does not mean they should always be the primary teacher.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Many years ago I visited a charismatic church about five or six miles from our house. They had become a rather vibrant church at one time, with perhaps 200 or more adults. Then the pastor retired and that church hired a previous Assembly of God pastor. For whatever combination of reasons, that church began a spiritual decline. When I went to their services a number of times, the pastor had an "open microphone" for about 15 minutes every Sunday if anyone wanted to share a testimony or share a short word. It had become obvious to me that perhaps a dozen or so believers in that church were hungry for more of God but were dissatisfied with the spiritual food they were being fed. One Sunday I requested, and received, the microphone for a few minutes. What I said was this ... "I am aware that there are a lot of believers in this church who are hungry for more of the Lord. If necessary, the Lord will command the ravens to feed you." Today, that church has been totally replaced with the forces of darkness.
Pastors also care for the state of the body, soul, and spirit of God's people. When God's people experience any kind of difficulty, they rely on their pastor to pray, comfort, and provide wisdom. One day back in the very early 1970's, while I was at work, the two pastors in our house church came over to our house. One of them had sensed that my wife was in some kind of difficulty, so they came over to pray for her. That is called "being led by the Spirit."
A pastor is also called to a ministry of exhortation - to call people to repent from behavior that is dishonoring to God and walk in behavior that is pleasing to Him (Titus 2:15). Pastors must confront ongoing, unrepentant sin and enforce church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
Just as natural sheep need the protection of a natural shepherd, God's people need the protection of true pastors, particularly in their early days of walking with the Lord. Paul makes it clear that this includes protection from false teachers.
Just as natural sheep need the protection of a natural shepherd, God's people need the protection of true pastors, particularly in their early days of walking with the Lord. Paul makes it clear that this includes protection from false teachers.
"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).
Note that taking heed unto yourselves is the first priority.
Only one month after the Lord apprehended me, I met a godly man who was a real pastor. I saw the love of God through that man and his wife. He could never accept the fact that he was called to be a pastor, but he certainly served as a pastor to me and I told him that, but he never tried to "teach" me anything. He was simply a living example of a true shepherd. David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Who was the shepherd for Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul, John, or Peter?
Another somewhat "interesting" fact concerning true shepherds or pastors ... I am not aware of a single example in the New Testament when a pastor said anything in the way of teaching or preaching. The only example I can think of is when James, the pastor of the church at Jerusalem, settled the dispute about what part, if any, of the Mosaic law that new Christians should live by. That is in a rather sharp contrast to denominational churches and some charismatic churches today when the pastor is the dominant speaker during services on Sunday. Two men in our old New Testament house church days were called to function as pastors, but they rarely were the main speaker during our Sunday services.
Unfortunately, some common views of the purpose and function of pastors, although perhaps well-intentioned, are not scriptural. One view is that the pastor is like a CEO, whose primary purpose is to keep his organization (his church) running smoothly and growing steadily. He must apply sound business principles to his operation and will be considered successful when he experiences numerical and financial growth and satisfies the desires of church attendees. Toward that end, it helps if he has a smooth, polished voice and speaks to us smooth things (Isaiah 30:10).
Only one month after the Lord apprehended me, I met a godly man who was a real pastor. I saw the love of God through that man and his wife. He could never accept the fact that he was called to be a pastor, but he certainly served as a pastor to me and I told him that, but he never tried to "teach" me anything. He was simply a living example of a true shepherd. David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Who was the shepherd for Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul, John, or Peter?
Another somewhat "interesting" fact concerning true shepherds or pastors ... I am not aware of a single example in the New Testament when a pastor said anything in the way of teaching or preaching. The only example I can think of is when James, the pastor of the church at Jerusalem, settled the dispute about what part, if any, of the Mosaic law that new Christians should live by. That is in a rather sharp contrast to denominational churches and some charismatic churches today when the pastor is the dominant speaker during services on Sunday. Two men in our old New Testament house church days were called to function as pastors, but they rarely were the main speaker during our Sunday services.
Unfortunately, some common views of the purpose and function of pastors, although perhaps well-intentioned, are not scriptural. One view is that the pastor is like a CEO, whose primary purpose is to keep his organization (his church) running smoothly and growing steadily. He must apply sound business principles to his operation and will be considered successful when he experiences numerical and financial growth and satisfies the desires of church attendees. Toward that end, it helps if he has a smooth, polished voice and speaks to us smooth things (Isaiah 30:10).
This view has dangerous implications. The professionalization of the ministry (leaders for hire) is always a threat to the preaching of the gospel and to the spiritual nature of our work. I have never understood why a pastor should be a paid minister but a true intercessor, teacher, or prophet should not. In reality, scripture gives more credence to giving money to a teaching elder than a pastoral elder.
1 Timothy 5:17, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
"We have always done things this way" is no excuse for not searching the Scripture.
This view teaches Christians to evaluate pastors in the same way that they evaluate CEOs, so their performance becomes more important than their character. In reality, all the qualifications for a pastor should be related to his godly character. I doubt that any pastor would openly subscribe to this view, but actions speak louder than stated beliefs.
About 15 years ago, the Lord sovereignly connected me with a local church where the pastor and most members were from Ghana. The Lord instantly established a rapport between us. The third Sunday I attended his church, after he had preached a very good, dynamic word, he told me to go with him into his office. He sat in his office chair, looked at me like a little kid in a candy shop, and said, "teach me." Needless to say, I was caught completely by surprise. I have no idea what I said to him that day. I attended that church every Sunday for 18 months when I was in town. He gave me the pulpit on four different Sunday mornings. He was a very dynamic preacher and thoroughly acquainted with scripture. Then one day he told me that some time in the past he had received a prophecy that he was to function as an apostle in three years. He said that the three years were almost up so he needed to "set his church in order" before he moved on as an apostle. Toward that end he called a special meeting one Saturday night at nine p.m. for about 15 of those in leadership positions to convey to all of us his new church structure. That meeting actually lasted eight hours, although I left about 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. He handed out his organization chart, which looked exactly like a business layout. He, as the "senior pastor," was at the top as president and CEO. Of course, the phrase "senior pastor" does not appear in the Bible. Under him he had four boxes for his vice presidents. The church members were shareholders or loyal customers, and any visitors became potential customers. I was the special assistant to the senior pastor. That "pastor" had no idea about the functioning of the body of Christ. When the time came for me to teach him, as he had earlier requested, he wanted no part of it. I tried to share with him the better, scriptural way, but he became very angry with me, so it seemed time for me to leave that church. A few years ago, I saw a blog on the internet that said he had been arrested for using a false passport on a trip from Ghana back to the states. Lord, have mercy on that man and all those like him.
Another view is that the pastor is like a spiritual guru whose purpose is to take primary responsibility for all of the church's ministry. Many evangelicals subscribe to this view and go only to their pastor for prayer and spiritual care. They may feel that the prayer and ministry of their pastor is somehow more effective than the prayer and ministry of other church members. This view may also affect evangelism, as believers downplay their own ability to share the gospel and instead focus on bringing unbelieving friends to church to hear the pastor, as if this is the only means through which God works.
The pastor as priest model contradicts a key truth recovered by the Protestant Reformers: the priesthood of all believers. That could be called the clergy/laity division, which the Lord says in Revelation 2 that He hates. Luther and the other Reformers emphasized that we are all ministers of the gospel and all have equal access to God. Each member of the body of Christ has a responsibility to hear for himself that which the Lord is saying. But there is a difference between hearing from the Lord for our personal life and hearing from the Lord for the church. Again, is every member of the body a mouth or an ear?
In summary, the Lord's church needs pastors who will function not as priests or CEOs, but as shepherds who will lead new Christians by exhibiting godly character, protect them, lead them to spiritual food, and care for them in life's temptations and trials. But their function diminishes for those who grow in grace to the place when they know, for a certainty, that the Lord, not a man, is their Shepherd.
I recently saw a blog on the internet which was written by a man named Bill Mounce. I quote part of his blog. (quote) "I saw a senior pastor job description the other day that illustrates the significance of this distinction. It was a traditional American church description that guarantees the failure of their next pastor. Jesus couldn't even do what they are asking. Literally. Not only does he have to be an excellent preacher, but also a superb administrator, giving approval for staff programs, but also a superb counselor and husband and father — which is where Jesus would give up on the job application and go heal somebody. And he was also a non-voting member of the elder board. Hmmm. Let's take the most gifted, most called, most experienced person, give him all the responsibility to run the ship, but then don't give him a vote on how to steer the ship. Seems to me that anybody who thinks they can perform the job is either naïve or arrogant." (end quote)
This view teaches Christians to evaluate pastors in the same way that they evaluate CEOs, so their performance becomes more important than their character. In reality, all the qualifications for a pastor should be related to his godly character. I doubt that any pastor would openly subscribe to this view, but actions speak louder than stated beliefs.
About 15 years ago, the Lord sovereignly connected me with a local church where the pastor and most members were from Ghana. The Lord instantly established a rapport between us. The third Sunday I attended his church, after he had preached a very good, dynamic word, he told me to go with him into his office. He sat in his office chair, looked at me like a little kid in a candy shop, and said, "teach me." Needless to say, I was caught completely by surprise. I have no idea what I said to him that day. I attended that church every Sunday for 18 months when I was in town. He gave me the pulpit on four different Sunday mornings. He was a very dynamic preacher and thoroughly acquainted with scripture. Then one day he told me that some time in the past he had received a prophecy that he was to function as an apostle in three years. He said that the three years were almost up so he needed to "set his church in order" before he moved on as an apostle. Toward that end he called a special meeting one Saturday night at nine p.m. for about 15 of those in leadership positions to convey to all of us his new church structure. That meeting actually lasted eight hours, although I left about 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. He handed out his organization chart, which looked exactly like a business layout. He, as the "senior pastor," was at the top as president and CEO. Of course, the phrase "senior pastor" does not appear in the Bible. Under him he had four boxes for his vice presidents. The church members were shareholders or loyal customers, and any visitors became potential customers. I was the special assistant to the senior pastor. That "pastor" had no idea about the functioning of the body of Christ. When the time came for me to teach him, as he had earlier requested, he wanted no part of it. I tried to share with him the better, scriptural way, but he became very angry with me, so it seemed time for me to leave that church. A few years ago, I saw a blog on the internet that said he had been arrested for using a false passport on a trip from Ghana back to the states. Lord, have mercy on that man and all those like him.
Another view is that the pastor is like a spiritual guru whose purpose is to take primary responsibility for all of the church's ministry. Many evangelicals subscribe to this view and go only to their pastor for prayer and spiritual care. They may feel that the prayer and ministry of their pastor is somehow more effective than the prayer and ministry of other church members. This view may also affect evangelism, as believers downplay their own ability to share the gospel and instead focus on bringing unbelieving friends to church to hear the pastor, as if this is the only means through which God works.
The pastor as priest model contradicts a key truth recovered by the Protestant Reformers: the priesthood of all believers. That could be called the clergy/laity division, which the Lord says in Revelation 2 that He hates. Luther and the other Reformers emphasized that we are all ministers of the gospel and all have equal access to God. Each member of the body of Christ has a responsibility to hear for himself that which the Lord is saying. But there is a difference between hearing from the Lord for our personal life and hearing from the Lord for the church. Again, is every member of the body a mouth or an ear?
In summary, the Lord's church needs pastors who will function not as priests or CEOs, but as shepherds who will lead new Christians by exhibiting godly character, protect them, lead them to spiritual food, and care for them in life's temptations and trials. But their function diminishes for those who grow in grace to the place when they know, for a certainty, that the Lord, not a man, is their Shepherd.
I recently saw a blog on the internet which was written by a man named Bill Mounce. I quote part of his blog. (quote) "I saw a senior pastor job description the other day that illustrates the significance of this distinction. It was a traditional American church description that guarantees the failure of their next pastor. Jesus couldn't even do what they are asking. Literally. Not only does he have to be an excellent preacher, but also a superb administrator, giving approval for staff programs, but also a superb counselor and husband and father — which is where Jesus would give up on the job application and go heal somebody. And he was also a non-voting member of the elder board. Hmmm. Let's take the most gifted, most called, most experienced person, give him all the responsibility to run the ship, but then don't give him a vote on how to steer the ship. Seems to me that anybody who thinks they can perform the job is either naïve or arrogant." (end quote)
In the first eight chapters of the Book of Acts, Peter and John were constant companions. Peter was always the spokesman. The Book of Acts does not record one verse where John ever said anything. Does that say anything to us for today? In the remaining 20 chapters of Acts, scripture never mentions Peter and John together. Why? because it was then Peter and the Lord. It was John and the Lord. Is everyone a mouth? Is everyone a heart? Peter was a mouth. John was a heart. Does the ear see as well as the eye? But every member is necessary.
May the Lord quicken our understanding about these five-fold ministries And may we all discern the true ministries that the Lord has given and submit one to another, according as God has given the respective gifts. Amen.
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