How do we identify a Pastor? Who is He and what does He do for the Kingdom of God? To begin with, we will go to the scriptures and take a close in depth look at who the Pastor is, or also “Shepherd” of the flock as He is also identified as (until of course the chief shepherd returns.)
The bible 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: 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; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:1-5)
The term ”elders” in the above scriptures refer to one in a “pastoral” position, one who “shepherds” a flock, an assembly (church body) of people. The word “elder” is most commonly used though it interchangeably coincides with such positions as Bishops, Elders, Presbyters, etc. (This also refers to spiritual maturity). The word” Elder” in the above verses is used from the Greek word “presbyteros” which identifies with an “elder “of age (maturity). It speaks of those who preside over church assemblies, and does also refer to a “pastor” of a congregation (flock) of people. The same principle applies to any who preside over “churches” or an individual church (congregation/group).
In the above scripture it states “when the CHIEF Shepherd shall appear” which then indicates it is being spoken to those who act as temporary “shepherds” until Christ returns. These individuals are also responsible to FEED the flock, being OVERSEERS, and WILLING, of a READY MIND, and being EXAMPLES to the flock (v. 2-3). And what or WHO are they being “examples” of? It says in verse 4 “when the Chief Shepherd shall appear” and this is identifying CHRIST and it is HE who any “shepherd” ”overseer” or “elder” ought to be an example of, and this also includes PASTORS.
That word ”Pastor” of itself also has Greek meaning, for one it comes from the word “poimen” (pronounced: poy-mane’) which refers to; a shepherd (literally or figuratively):–shepherd, pastor. This is also in regard to a SHEPHERD of a church assembly or ”flock” as mentioned prior. Pastor also identifies with the Greek “aggelos” (pronounced: ang’-el-os) which means a “messenger” and another Greek word that may refer to ”Pastor” is “diakonos” (pronounced: dee-ak’-on-os) which means and identifies with: a teacher, pastor, and also deacon, minister, and a SERVANT. I capitalize that word ”servant” because in likelihood, servitude seems to lack most with many who take on that position of “shepherd” (pastor). Jesus served as a healer, a comforter, and an encourager to people. He restored the sick, He fed hungry people, restored sight to the blind, He washed feet, and even prepared breakfast on the beach for His disciples.
If one who “shepherds” a flock does not uphold the same standards and actions as Jesus Christ, than how can such an individual possibly be a true shepherd for Gods people? This is why, in the bible, are such people held to a higher accountability. At the end of the initial scripture of this chapter, in 1 Peter 5:5, notice it says “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Clearly, any office of the Five Fold Ministry (including Pastors) must be “humble” and not proud. Otherwise, God will resist them. Pride has no place in any office of the Spirit, if such an individual is prideful then he does not function in an office distributed by the Holy Spirit.
The bible teaches in John’s Gospel when Jesus was with Peter, “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 20:15-17)
So, what does it mean that Jesus first said “feed My lambs” and twice more did He say “feed My sheep” to Peter? Why the difference and what is this saying to us? I will share two difference definitions from the biblical Greek that identifies these two distinctions.
Lamb – This comes from the Greek word “arnion” (pronounced: är-nē’-on) which mans: a little lamb (a lambkin) –lambs are immature, very young. These need to be closely cared for.
Sheep – This comes from the Greek word “probaton” (pronounced: pro’-bä-ton) which means: any four footed, tame animal accustomed to graze, small cattle (opp. to large cattle, horses, etc.), most commonly a sheep or a goat – these are older but require supervision.
As Jesus said to Peter “feed my lambs “and “feed my sheep” notice also what Peter later spoke, “So be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind. Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation” (1 Peter 2:1-2 AMP)
Since Peter was given the duty of feeding the “lambs” and the “sheep” by Jesus, than Peter (evidently given the responsibility of a shepherd) was done with “every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind” as he said to the “new born babes” (lambs). Clearly, as one in a pastoral position, Peter nor any other who is a shepherd of a flock, should still be struggling with such things in his life, as he would be doing nothing but make himself a poor witness for Christ. It brings to mind what Jesus said of the Pharisees in Matthew 23.
The Lord said, “The scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat [of authority]. So observe and practice all they tell you; but do not do what they do, for they preach, but do not practice.”(Matthew 23:2-3 AMP). Consequently, there are many Christian pastors who sadly conduct themselves similar to that of the Pharisees during the time period of Christ’s physical ministry on earth. The result of such hypocrisy can and often does make itself known through the congregation members and the overall stability of any particular church. A church building is somewhat of a spiritual hospital, yet to certain people it is more like being in a morgue, and its people suffer, they are abused, scorned, hurting, and eventually they die spiritually from not being fed properly, and they inherit the condition of that congregation and its overseer (shepherd).
Jesus further spoke, “They tie up heavy loads, hard to bear, and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger to help bear them” (Matthew 23:4 AMP). This is in contrary to what a pastor (shepherd) is, because they are as much “servants” as they are leaders and overseers.
Jesus then furthered saying within the same chapter as follows, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces; for you neither enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are about to go in to do so. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you swallow up widows’ houses and for a pretense to cover it up make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation and the heavier sentence. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one [a proselyte], you make him doubly as much a child of hell (Gehenna) as you are. Woe to you, blind guides, who say, If anyone swears by the sanctuary of the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the [g]sanctuary, he is a debtor [bound by his oath]. You blind fools! For which is greater: the gold, or the sanctuary of the temple that has made the gold sacred? You say too, Whoever swears by the altar is not duty bound; but whoever swears by the offering on the altar, his oath is binding. You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar which makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the sanctuary of the temple swears by it and by Him Who dwells in it. And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by Him Who sits upon it Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected and omitted the weightier (more important) matters of the Law—right and justice and mercy and fidelity. These you ought [particularly] to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, filtering out a gnat and gulping down a camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything impure. Just so, you also outwardly seem to people to be just and upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness and iniquity“ (Matthew 23:13-28 AMP).
The “woes” that Jesus spoke to the religious leaders of His time, clearly identify with what any leader in ministry should NEVER practice. This is also why the Lord called them hypocrites.
It says in Acts 20:28, “Take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd (tend and feed and guide) the church of the Lord or of God which He obtained for Himself [buying it and saving it for Himself] with His own blood” (AMP). So, what is this saying?
A Pastor should never forget that the flock he shepherds are those Christ shed His blood for, and if any Pastor or anyone of a Five Fold office, is abusive to the flock, neglecting them, starving them, and recklessly leading them astray with no caring, compassion, or conscience, this reveals the supposed Pastor is deceived and has no regard for Christ’s death on the cross, plainly considering His blood to be less than contaminated, as it was shed for those the “irresponsible shepherd” is hurting and abusing.
It says in Ezekiel, “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? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” (Ezekiel 34:2-4)
The sad truth is, there are many out there who hold “pastoral” positions, but have no “fear” of the Lord, and because they are clearly more focused on wanting to be “feared” themselves by their congregations and members of the church. No flock of God should be shepherded by such an individual as this!
The bible says, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” (Proverbs 27:23) The shepherd (whether a pastor, bishop, overseer, etc) needs to know the condition of their flock, how fruitful are they, how many in number, are they healthy, sick, or in need of any particular care or attention. These precepts are especially important and struggles arise when they have not been put into place and the flock is neglected and made stagnate. This occurs when the shepherd himself is stagnate, and when stagnation sets into the spirit of a leader, he becomes “deceived” and the Word clearly reminds us, “They be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Or as it was written in Isaiah, “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed” (Matthew 15:14, Isaiah 9:16).
A pastor cannot be “self-appointed” as this is a spiritual office appointed by God. A common issue in many fivefold offices that turn out to be disastrous is that many of these individuals are led by their own hearts, and the office of “pastor” is one such office. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” The scripture clearly says this comes from the heart of GOD, however, many out there sit in pastoral positions that were guided by the hearts of themselves and not of God. The truth is, God is displeased by such travesties and there are indeed consequences for a self-willed heart being the guidance behind ones fivefold office. The Lord seeks true spiritual leaders, not carnal dictators who pollute churches with bias logic, selective perception, emotional manipulation, abusive authority, perverting scripture, and mind control. If such spirits as these infest a church, it is no longer a church but more or less like a type of “death row” for the human soul. Christ went to the cross so that we no longer need to be on a “death row” and no self-appointed shepherd has the right or the power to bring us back to such a place.
The bible teaches us, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:7:9)
The Bible teaches, “If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters]. (1 Timothy 5:8 AMP). In the KJV it says, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” What this tells me is, if a supposed pastor cannot provide and care for his own family, how then can he provide and care for a church flock? Such an individual as this has “denied the faith” and how can any church operate on faith with a Pastor who has already denied it? And when we look closely at the matter a “pastor” provides emotionally, mentally, and most of all spiritually as a comforter, as compassionate, wisdom, knowledge, caring, to edify, encourage, support, console, and to protect. There is no provision greater then these.
When we fail to function on true Godly faith, we turn to our own principles and understanding, and in the long hall these will fail, just as it failed with five out of seven churches in Asia Minor rebuked by Christ Himself. It should also be considered that a majority of Paul’s Epistles were written to churches and three of those were “pastoral” epistles.
THE 5 CHURCHES REBUKED BY JESUS IN REVELATION:
- The Loveless Church (Revelation 2:1-7)
- The Compromising Church (Revelation 2:12-17)
- The Corrupt Church (Revelation 2:18-26)
- The Dead Church (Revelation 3:1-6)
- The Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22)
THE 3 PASTORAL EPISTLES:
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
All pastors should study these in great depth and apply them in every area of their pastoral office. The letters to the seven churches in Chapters two and three in the book of Revelation provide a clear understanding of what NOT to do in a Church, and the “pastor” is the “shepherd” of that church, he is the overseer who should do what he is called to do, and be “submitted to God” so he may “resist the devil” to make him flee. A responsible shepherd will never allow a Trojan horse entry into the church but those who do are the ones who have appointed their own hearts above god, acting as a type of god, replacing God breathed scripture with their own doctrines, and this is operating in the spirit of antichrist which plants the seeds of apostasy. The truth of the matter is, there are far too many “self-appointed” shepherds out there, individuals whose only focus is wanting to have a ”church” but not truly have GOD in it, otherwise, the churches they oversee would be more Christ centered and Spirit filled rather than the church being nothing more than the reflection of what is in the heart of its pastor.
Pastors who truly live, walk, and act like Jesus Christ are becoming fewer in these times and this is becoming more and more obvious. The fact there exists such an ongoing rise of false teaching, heresies, immaturity, authoritative abuse, emotional manipulation, legalism, religious fanaticism, false grace, false humility, and a growing lack of love and compassion by those whose position of leadership DEMANDS such fruits of the Spirit has become the very heart and core of the travesties we see in countless churches today.
It is also of great importance, that ALL of us (including those in church leadership) are called to be “ministers” for Christ. In the biblical Greek the word ”minister” comes from “diakonos” which means one who is a minister, attendant, teacher, pastor and a servant. If none of these exist within the heart of one who leads a church, than perhaps that is an individual who needs to comprehend what it is that leads THEM. Not God, not Christ, not the Holy Spirit will be mocked by such foolishness and deception as a self-appointed shepherd.
SCRIPTURES FROM THE PASTORAL EPISTLES
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith…(1 Timothy 1:3-5 NKJV)
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV)
The saying is true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work). Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher, Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means]. He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful. For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God? He must not be a new convert, or he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind] as the result of pride [be blinded by conceit, and] fall into the condemnation that the devil [once] did. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside [the church], lest he become involved in slander and incur reproach and fall into the devil’s trap.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7 AMP)
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. (1 Timothy 5:1)
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11-12 NKJV)
Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge (1 Timothy 6:20 NKJV)
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also. Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him. And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down). [It is] the hard-working farmer [who labors to produce] who must be the first partaker of the fruits. Think over these things I am saying [understand them and grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:2-7 AMP)
But the firm foundation of (laid by) God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. (2 Timothy 2:19)
Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. (2 Timothy 2:22-23)
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
For the bishop (an overseer) as God’s steward must be blameless, not self-willed or arrogant or presumptuous; he must not be quick-tempered or given to drink or pugnacious (brawling, violent); he must not be grasping and greedy for filthy lucre (financial gain); But he must be hospitable (loving and a friend to believers, especially to strangers and foreigners); [he must be] a lover of goodness [of good people and good things], sober-minded (sensible, discreet), upright and fair-minded, a devout man and religiously correct, temperate and keeping himself in hand. He must hold fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God as he was taught it, so that he may be able both to give stimulating instruction and encouragement in sound (wholesome) doctrine and to refute and convict those who contradict and oppose it [showing the wayward their error]. (Titus 1:7-9 AMP)
But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians]. Urge the older men to be temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, and in the steadfastness and patience [of Christ]. (Titus 2:1-2 AMP)
And show your own self in all respects to be a pattern and a model of good deeds and works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity [having the strictest regard for truth and purity of motive], with dignity and seriousness. And let your instruction be sound and fit and wise and wholesome, vigorous and [b]irrefutable and above censure, so that the opponent may be put to shame, finding nothing discrediting or evil to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8)
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody. (Titus 3:1-2)
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:9)
I believe that every Pastor and leader in a church should study 1, 2 Timothy and Titus frequently, they will prove to be of great value to the Pastor and also the congregation. Our own words tend to sway us into dangerous territories, but the Word of God will never sway us and it stands forever, as the Bible says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
While my own words will wither and eventually fade, Gods Word will always stand. We all should trust the Word of God, this is a trust with no regrets, all purity, and without fail. A sound teacher and a responsible shepherd will stand on this truth, and with every step taken will it be proven as our absolute in all things.
It’s All About God.
J.M Blase © 2015