Who is your Pastor?
The
Pastor according to the New Testament
INTRODUCTION
At the beginning
of the last academic year we received a phone call asking to speak to the
pastor of the church. When I replied that we had no single pastor overseeing
the church, the caller became rather nervous and soon concluded that she was
not going to visit due to the absence of a pastor (among other things), despite
her tacit agreement with our doctrinal statement. Usually the first question
among visitors to our morning meeting on the Lord’s Day is, “Who is your
pastor?” The focal point in modern church life today is not the choir or the
building (usually called a “church”), but the pastor or clergyman. If he is a
particularly gifted speaker, a good communicator and teacher, people will flock
to hear him. Members of that congregation will express how they have been
blessed with such a gifted man of God. He is everything to them. Many in
American Evangelical and Bible churches will confess that it is the pastor’s
teaching that draws them to attend any given Christian communion. However, a
close examination of the Scriptures and the history of the church paints a
different picture of the significance and position of pastors, hence the title
of this paper, “Who is Your Pastor”.
The
following paper will contrast the Biblical Pattern for the Pastor and pastors
taught in the New Testament with the prevailing practice in Protestant and
Roman Catholic churches (among others) that a single pastor is the leading
teacher and the principle authority over a congregation of believers. The
assumption is that, since this has been the practice in Christendom for a very
long time, that this it must have biblical authority. It is never questioned.
In fact any investigation into the validity of this pattern is deemed a threat
to some. Thankfully though, “the word of God is not bound” 2 Timothy 2.9. We
will examine some of the history and tradition of the single pastor view in
light of the often overlooked teaching from the New Testament as to the identity
of the Pastor and the pastors leading to the Christ honouring conclusion that
the Lord himself is the Pastor over His own flock and that under-shepherds
should function within the Biblical bounds for the edification of the body of
Christ Ephesians 4.12. Many of Christ’s “under-shepherds” are indeed godly
men, who love the Lord’s people and use their gifts to the glory of God. It
is hoped that such might prayerfully read this little paper that they might
more effectively use their gifts in the manner prescribed by the primitive
church.
It is
beyond the scope of this paper to fully develop church polity (the role of
apostle, pastors, elders, bishops, priests and deacons). That has been done
adequately by others (note a bibliography for further reading) at the
conclusion. The intent here is to exalt the person of the Lord Christ and to
demonstrate that He is the one who deserves the preeminence amongst those who
gather to His blessed Name. Furthermore, it is hoped that this paper might
help those who visit Assemblies gathering to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and ask, “Who is your pastor?” to discover His identity and give Him his
rightful place.
DEFNINTIONS
OF THE WORD “PASTOR”
Dictionaries are
not Scripture. However, the bias in English dictionaries over the centuries has
been theologically misleading. They are based on common usage. Since the word pastor is generally understood
as the head of a church, any translation which translates the Greek word into pastor, perpetuates this understanding. Shepherd [the more
objective word] carries with it the spiritual or Biblical significance of the
ones gifted to do the work, that of feeding the flock.
DEFINITION 1. [Merriam Webster]
”Etymology: Middle English pastour, from Middle French, from Latin pastor
herdsman, from pascere to feed – more at FOOD: a spiritual
overseer; especially : a clergyman
serving a local church or parish”
COMMENT:
“Feed the flock of God” Acts 20. is an important
responsibility given by the apostle Paul. Note well, that the responsibility
for feeding a single assembly (or church), was not given to the pastor! That
may surprise many. Nor was it given to the bishop.
Paul called the elders [presbyter, spiritually mature] (plural) and charged
them with that task. However, the definition given by Webster ignores the
plurality taught in the Acts in favour of the
practices of Christendom. The common practice influenced the editors in their
definition for the noun “pastor”, “a clergyman serving a local church or
parish”. This definition assumes the notion of a clergyman and the existence of
a local or parish church as the standard for the role of pastor. However, such
assumptions make no appeal to
the Scriptures, merely what is practiced in Christendom, which
practice we will examine later. Elders in Acts 20.28 and elsewhere were in the
plural [See also 1 Peter 5.1]
DEFINITION 2. [
“A
shepherd of souls; one who has the spiritual oversight over a company or body
of Christians, bishop, priest, minister, etc; spec. the minister in
charge of a church or congregation, with particular reference to the spiritual
care of his flock.”
COMMENT:
How revealing to observe that the most definitive dictionary of English in the
world likewise provides the commonly accepted meanings to the word PASTOR
without regard to the accurate Biblical pattern. Note the verbiage, “in charge
of a church”. This shows the common bias, that a man is the head of a
congregation, whereas The New Testament teaches that Christ is the head of the
body which is His church. Moreover, spiritual care is said to be of “his”
flock. Never does scripture allude to the commonly accepted notion that such or
such a church or congregation is Rev. Smith’s Church. All too often a pastor is
heard referring to “my people” or “my church” or “my flock”. The venerable
Oxford English Dictionary plays into this notion. Finally, the connection made
to pastor as “, bishop, priest, minister” declares the Roman catholic origin to
the generally accepted thought of church “offices” which is fully manifested in
the Church of England, Episcopal, Methodist and other Protestant communions
which have inherited the ecclesiastical heritage of Rome in opposition to the
clear teaching of Scriptures.
DEFINITION
3: [Arndt and Gingrich A Greek-English Lexicon]
“poimen: shepherd, sheep-herder. 1. lit.
…Of the shepherds at Jesus’ birth Lk 2:8, 15, 18,
20…2. fig. b. of those who lead the Christian churches…B Christ 1 Peter 2.25”
COMMENT:
This excellent, definitive scholarly resource traces this word though its use
in the NT as shepherds of domesticated animals and then those who lead the
Christian churches to the Lord Jesus himself in 1 Peter 2.25, “For ye were as
sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your
souls” Note the present position Christ hold over his Flock. He is called “the
Shepherd” (same word translated elsewhere “Pastor”) We
shall see in the next section why Shepherd is to be preferred. Nevertheless,
according to the commonly accepted role of pastor, there is no contextual
reason not to translate the word Pastor here. Christ is the Pastor over his
Flock. Yet how few view Him as the Pastor? He is also called the Bishop, which
means Overseer. The risen Christ is not far off, inactive and incapable of legislating
or administering the activities of His own Flock. A casual reading of the Book
of the Acts demonstrates that the risen Christ was very active amongst His own
via the Hoy Spirit. Many will accept these roles for Christ, yet they believe
that he has somehow delegated this responsibility to others. No, he is alive
and well and active amidst the twos and threes gathered to his Name. “I am in
the midst” “Under-shepherds” have their place , but to
the exclusion of the Christ. None can take His unique Place.
BIBLE
TRANSLATIONS and THE WORD PASTOR
The Bible
is not a dictionary. However, it conveys meaning from the way words are
translated from the originals. The Greek word poimen may be translated shepherd
or pastor
In the
following passages, in the old testament and in the new note the bias toward an
ecclesiastical tradition which is not rooted in the Scriptures but in the Roman
Catholic Church and was added centuries after the church was established in the
1st Century by the apostles.
The
revered Authorized [King James 1611] Version was a translation supported
largely by the Church of England, not by the Puritans. The Puritans favoured
the Geneva Bible. This is significant for many reasons. The Puritans were
Calvinists, evangelicals who mistrusted the ecclesiastical Roman Catholic
leanings of the Church of England. It should be remembered that they ultimately
fled
Authorized Version [King James 1611] “The LORD is my shepherd.” Psalm 23.1
Authorized
Version [King James 1611] “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” Ephesians 4.11
Geneva
Bible 1557 [earlier editions] “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;” Ephesians 4.11
These
should have been translated Overseer, Shepherd and Servant. This has had no
small impact on the polity or views on church leadership for the past 4
centuries since most could not read Greek or had access to lexical tools, but
relied on the English text.
OLD
TESTAMENT VERSES NEW TESTAMENT ORDER
1. The Old Testament people of God, earthly
”Now when
these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first
tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high
priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself,
and for the errors of the people” Hebrews 9.6-7 It could be said that there was
a division between the priesthood and the people in the Old Testament.
2. The New Testament People of God (the Church) are a priesthood. Every believer is a priest having equal access
to God. [1 Peter 2.5-9]. There are no intermediaries or intercessors between
the believers and God other than Christ, Who holds the office of High Priest
[Hebrews 9.11] over His Church. [See also Ephesians 5.23 and 1 Timothy 2.5]
The New Testament teaches the most liberating of doctrines,
THE
PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
”But ye are a chosen generation, a
royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2.9
However, a misunderstanding of the Church’s priesthood and a mixing of Law and
Grace will bring about the basis for the clergy and laity system which enslaved
Christendom for 1,000 years and continues to limit the Spirit’s ministry in the
hearts and lives of true Christians who would express their worship in the
liberty of the Spirit.
The apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear
in the New Testament that we are not under the dispensation or administration
of the Law. We are under God’s dispensation or administration of Grace.
“ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6.14
“we are not
under the law, but under grace” Romans 6.15
“ye are not
under the law” Galatians 5.18
The Old
Testament priesthood with its orders of priests and system of sacrifices have been discontinued. All the former legal system is
fulfilled in Christ. The greatest doctrinal problems encountered in the New
Testament, which were largely dealt with by the epistles were the tendency to
return to the Law or the practices of the Law. The Epistles of Hebrews and
Galatians particularly deal with the tendencies.
Since the
days of the apostles, the mixture of the Old Testament Priesthood with the New
Testament functions of apostles, evangelists, pastors and deacons has brought
about the system known as the CLERGY and LAITY. This system supports the notion
of the “office” of Pastor OVER a single congregation (or local church). The
development of this system will be detailed in the next section.
CLERGY
OR LAITY
One of the most disturbing developments early in the church
age was that of the CLERGY and the LAITY split in the churches. This developed
in the third and fourth centuries but was not the pattern in the Acts or the
primitive church.
Andrew Miller writes, “Clericalism, then, we firmly believe
sprang from Judaism. The Judaizing teachers boldly
affirmed that Christianity was merely a graft on Judaism….Ignatius (one of the
so-called “Church Fathers” in the third century), writing to the church at
Ephesus says, ‘Let us take heed, brethren, that we set not ourselves against
the bishop, that we may be subject to God…It is therefore evident that we ought
to look upon the bishop even as we do upon the Lord Himself’ This is
amazing to Protestants, however it is still the way the common Roman Catholics
look upon their leaders. The ultimate extension of this mind set is the manner
which the pope or ultimate pastor is viewed. He can do no wrong and is
infallible (at least when he speaks ex-cathedra). While this system developed
further in the middle ages, and flourishes today in Rome and her offspring
denominations, the spirit of it often filters down into even Bible churches
where some pastor are elevated to places far beyond the intent of the
Scriptures. One man, an elder of a Baptist church was heard to say, the only
man who has the right to interpret the Bible is the Pastor!
“ Scripture teaches that every believer is to be subject to
those in authority in government (Romans 13) and even in the assembly.
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” Ephesians 5.21 Hence,
one who has the gift of pastor or shepherd in the true sense should submit
himself to other believers. This is so different from the religious world where
men hold sway over other men in an inappropriate manner. Furthermore Scripture
teaches “Obey
them that have the rule over you [better translated “TAKE THE LEAD AMONG YOU”
(note the ecclesiastical bias of the KJV)] and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with
joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13.17 However, it is a far cry from
the ecclesiastical power executed in the Roman Catholic and other religious
bodies where men hold the souls of other men in their thralldom and threaten
such with excommunication from heaven or favor with God.
The Greek word KLEROS means 1. lot (i.e. pebble, small
stick, etc;) or 2. that which is assigned by lot, portion, share [Arndt and
Gingrich] In New Testament times a stone or a small stick was used in making a
decision. This was done in the choice for the successor to Judas. It was made
by lot or choice. The hand held the sticks. It would be agree upon that the
shortest or the longest would be the winner. An appointed person would make the
choice or draw the stick. It is used in the New Testament of that which is
God’s choice or chosen people.
1 Peter 5.3 reveals the KLEROI (KJV heritage) belongs to
God, “God’s Heritage” God’s lot, his personal possession. The elders (NOTE THE
PLURALITY: not the pastor or the elder, but the elders) who feed the flock are
not to be lords over them. The flock or people of God were not pastor “Jones or
Smiths” church, as we often hear in the religious world. How often clerics
refer to “my people”? No official or even apostle much less pastor or elder is
ever seen calling a church or assembly, “mine”. Such language is foreign to the
New Testament. The only one who has the right to use this kind of verbiage is
the Lord himself; “If my people who are called by my name shall humble
themselves and pray…” 2 Chronicles 7.14 or “…I will be their God, and they
shall be my people” 2 Corinthians 6.16b.
Christendom has “hijacked” this term KLEROS and degenerated
it into a category never intended by its etymology or usage in the Scriptures.
It became an upper tier for those who were specially trained for something
called “the ministry” or holy orders. They were chosen from the ranks of
seminarians. They came from the ranks of those who were more educated than the
common people. They were the schoolmen. They were the monks and the priests who
ruled over what became known as the LAITY. The word
Noting the fact of the priesthood of all believers it must
be stated with vigor, EVERY TRUE CHRISTIAN IS GOD’S CLERGY. There is no
division or upper tier and lower tier in Biblical Christianity. There are
different gifts. Every believer has a gift or gifts from the Spirit to be used
in the Body of Christ for the glory of God and the edification of the same. The
passages on gifts are in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.
THE
DEVLOPMENT OF THE SINGLE PASTOR IN HISTORY
A.D.
66 [Apostolic era]
In Acts 20.30, the apostle Paul warned the Elders of the
Church at
A.D.
90 [Apostolic era]
There was early fulfillment of this prophecy recorded in
III John. It seems that there were three leaders in the assembly, Gaius,
Demetrius and Diotrephes. In this letter, reference is made to one who rose up
from within the ranks of three elders in an assembly. Note his character and
his deeds “I
wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among
them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which
he doeth, prating (gossiping) against us with malicious words: and not content
therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them
that would, and casteth them out of the church. One commentator wrote, “The aged Apostle had written to a church which allowed one
Diotrephes to exercise an authority common enough in later ages, but wholly new
in the primitive churches. Diotrephes had rejected the apostolic letters and
authority. It appears also that he had refused the ministry of the visiting
brethren (3 John 1.10), and cast out those that had received them.
Historically, this letter marks the beginning of that clerical and priestly
assumption over the churches in which the primitive church order
disappeared. (Scofield Reference Notes 1917 edition)
AD
100 – 500 [Post Apostolic era]
In the last section, reference was made to “that clerical and priestly
assumption over the churches.” This began to accelerate during the post
apostolic era with the
rise of the Clergy or the CLERGY LAITY SYSTEM
Ultimately it became the primary polity of many centers of
Christendom, the Coptic, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and the powerful
Roman Catholic Church in the West. The growth of the clergy constitutes a large
study in Church History far beyond the scope of this paper. However, its
importance requires some mention of the salient events of these times.
AD
1500s [Middle ages]
Protestant Reformers continued with the Roman system
Liberating thousands from the of superstition and
darkness where the simple gospel was exchanged for a works system which neither
gave life nor liberty to the hearers, the Reformers Luther, Calvin and others
continued many of the practices which had been entrenched in the Roman Catholic
church for nearly 1,000 years.
AD
1800s [Modern era]
The nineteenth century saw the rise of another movement in
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your
Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in
heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master,
even Christ. Matthew 23.8-10
AD
2004 [Today]
Today’s professing churches retain the practice of the “One Man Ministry” or Single Pastor over a Single Congregation. It has become more complex as men have recognized their inability to keep up with the demands of a large congregation. There are in some places a more scriptural plurality with elders. Yet there is the existence of the “Senior Pastor”. Is this an intrusion into the Biblical title reserved only for the Lord Jesus, “When the Chief Shepherd shall appear…” in 1 Peter 5.
THE PROBLEMS OF SINGLE PASTORS
1. Displacement of the function of the Holy Spirit
The New Testament makes
it abundantly clear the one who leads (or ought to lead) in all things is the
Spirit of God. He seeks to choose to use whomsoever “he will” in the
congregation of believers gathered to the Name of the Lord [1 Corinthians
12.11]. This is God’s ideal. The Philippians had gift. They had a plurality of
leaders (“bishops and deacons” –literally “overseers and servants”. There was
no false doctrine or immorality to contend with as with the church in
In Darby’s comments on his tract, “Notion of a Clergyman” he underscored the
results of that system as it pertains to resisting the work of the Holy Spirit,
“It is a question of the dispensational standing of the Church in the world – a
statement that that depends wholly on the power and presence of the Holy Ghost,
and that the Notion of a Clergyman contradicts His title and power, on which
the standing of the Church down here depends. It is the habitation of God
through the Spirit. Scripture is clear, that if the Gentiles do not abide in
God's goodness, they will be cut off like the Jews.
2.
Misplaced Affection
To be sure, the Lord Jesus taught us, “This is my commandment, that ye love one
another as I d you.” But is
love or devotion to be directed to one group or person more than another? This
reached a level of excess in an article in a Christian publication recently
entitled, “Nine ways to love your Pastor” in which the following was suggested;
‘write a note telling the pastor how good a particular sermon was.” and
‘Remember birthdays and anniversaries of each member of the pastor's family.
Find reasons to celebrate—like the anniversary of your pastor's arrival at your
church as well as other memorable milestones. Occasionally include the entire
church in the festivities.’ among others things. These were called “pastor
pick-me-ups” Another asked, “"How can a church show love and appreciation
to its pastor?" The answer was, A
church can pay its minister well.
Another book was written on How to Keep the
Pastor You Love Jane Rubietta explores the "flip
side" of pastoral care--caring for your pastor.
3. Misplaced Dependence
It is necessary when young in the faith to have
guides. This is taught everywhere. One must walk before one can run. Yet Paul
strongly challenged the Hebrews who were stunted in their spiritual growth with
these words,
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you
again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such
as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is
unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe”
When persons are spoon fed, there may be the tendency to rely on the teacher
and not study on his own. How often we hear “The pastor said so” or “My pastor
teaches this or that”. A faithful pastor is to be commended if he is faithful
to the Word of God. But, what of growth? What of
development? Paul told Timothy, “Study to show thyself
approved unto God.” Was that admonition for the clergy? Was it for a leader. Timothy was a representative for Paul at
Perhaps
the reader has recently visited a hall where Christians were gathered. You
witnessed a simple meeting. There was no entertainment. There was no apparent
leader. As a sincere true believer in Christ, you appreciated the fact that
there was order. You were reminded of the Scripture, “let all things be done
decently and in order” 1 Corinthians 14.40 Yet, you noted that there was no
raised platform, no pulpit, no elevated desk. In fact, no single person was
“running” the meeting. Various men stood and gave thanks to God for His Son.
Others spoke to the Lord Jesus and expressed their appreciation for his lovely
person and his suffering on the cross. Still others gave out hymns which were
sung by all in great dignity and reverence. At one point, another gave thanks
for the simple emblems on the table in the center of the room, a loaf of bread
and a single cup of wine which was passed between the believers in remembrance
of the One who was said to be “in the midst”. Another arose and brought a
challenging yet worshipful address to the saints, which was followed by a
closing hymn. There was no chaos. There was no rush or discord. How can this
be? Who was in charge? Where was God’s man? Where was the pastor? Let the
reader be reminded that the Lord is not only “in the midst” but on the throne
on high. He through instrumentality of the Holy Spirit desires to use
whomsoever HE wills in the exercise or conductance of the meetings of the
saints. 1 Corinthians 12.11 Those with gift,
evangelists, pastors, teachers, administrators etc. are to be sensitive to the
leading of the Lord the Spirit and use their gifts to the glory of God.
In the
subject of the church and its order, there are two opposite principles working
in the realm of Christendom or Christianity: Man’s order and a Divine order. In
man’s order there is the exaltation of man, ultimately leading to the man of
sin. In the divine order there is the subjugation of man, leading to the
exaltation of The Man of God’s own choosing, none other than the Christ of God
presently exalted in heavenly glory. In man’s order there is always a man at
the top. In the divine order there is a Man at the top. The question is, which
man? What does Scripture teach concerning the Man of God’s own choosing?
“In all things He (Christ) might
have the preeminence” Colossians 1.18
However,
this is not the way of the churches. In the Roman Catholic denomination we hear
of “his eminence Cardinal Cushing” or in Protestant domains we hear of
“Reverend Smith, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of East Anglia” or similar
words. Elsewhere we hear of the senior pastor or the youth pastor often mixed
with reverend or other title which tends to uplift the individual to levels of
importance never imagined in the Scriptures or seen among the early Christians
in the Book of the Acts. In Scripture, no one is call
Reverend but the Lord God, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of
the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalm
89.7
May we
ever keep the following before us as we think of the Person and Ministry of
Christ, In all things he must have the preeminence. In
other words Christ must have first place in all aspects of New Testament church
life and mission.
HEAD
OF THE CHURCH
The Pope is the Head of the Roman Catholic Church. The Archbishop
of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England. The Metropolitan is the
head of the Eastern Orthodox Church. On and on it goes with man being exalted
to the detriment of Christ. What saith the Scripture? Who is the Head of the
Church? Scripture must be allowed to speak: “Christ is the head of the church:
and he is the saviour of the body.” Ephesians 5.23; “And he is the head of the
body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in
all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1.18; All
evangelicals, Biblical Fundamentalists and others would subscribe to the fact
that Christ is the head of the Church. However, they would then “qualify” that
by the following, He is the head of the universal church body. But what of the local manifestation? After all, Paul wrote
to the Corinthians, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
Are there then two bodies? One local (
To suggest as many do that the local pastor is the head of
a local company or group of believers is a grave error, usurping a place which
belongs only to Christ Jesus Himself. This was akin to the problem manifesting
itself in III John. In the assembly there a man by the name of Diotrephes
“loveth to have the preeminence among them” The result, he didn’t received John
and others who came to the assembly. This was an early example of one who
usurped the place of Christ. He was preeminent. However, Scripture teaches in
the strongest possible language that the Son of God should in all things have
the preeminence. How sharp is the contrast with Biblical Christianity with the
practices of
"Lord, what is man?" Yes, with deep adoration,
Gladly prolong we this wonderful theme;
Jesus, divine One, Thou Head of creation,
Head of Thy church, which Thou cam'st to redeem!
CONCLUSION_WHO
IS YOUR PASTOR
The Scriptures
teach that there are shepherds [pastors] among
the flock Ephesians 4.11. They should develop their skills by studying the
Word of God 2 Timothy 2.15. These men are in the plural where they flourish
and are not to be “lords [plural] over God’s heritage, but being examples
to the flock [singular]. The flock [note they are also part of the flock John
10.] are to follow their lead, receive their teaching and go to them for and
advice. All of this is within the scope of the Bible. However, we must never
forget Who the Pastor is.
“The Lord is my
Shepherd [Pastor]” Psalm 23.1 When under-shepherds have done their part,
it is to Him the sheep must ultimately go to, for He is the “Wonderful,
Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9.6
If the Lord Jesus Christ is not
YOUR PASTOR, then you have NO PASTOR.
Leonard
Layne