To Be Least

I've been thinking a lot about this recently especially after reading alan creech several posts of what the pastor does and what a pastor is.

Ephesians 4:11-13

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

After researching a bit I came to the conclusion that pastors and teachers are similar, but not the same. A pastor is in effect the shepherd over the flock (congregation). He is to feed his flock with food (God's word, thus has to teach). He cares for his flock. In Acts 20 it is written:

28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them."

This was written to the Ephesian elders, thus the same tasks apply to today's pastors. They are to "keep watch" over themselves and the church because they are overseers. As you read on it is obvious that they are to watch out for people that can destroy the church (wolves) and also for distorters of truth.

1 Peter 5:2

"1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

Again the concept of overseers is shown, however Peter says that "shepherds" are to be willing. Also pastors should be "eager to serve." They are supposed to be good examples to the church (flock).

Finally in John 10:14 Jesus said, "14'I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me'"

A pastor is to know his church, to be personally involved with them. I think that a pastor should do more than just preach, I think that he has guide, feed, care for, and oversee his congregation.

This is my feeble attempt to understand the pastor's role, if you have insights into this subject, please feel free to email me them, or respond with a comment.

God bless, blogging teen