PART 7 THE CHURCH OF GOD OR CHURCH OF MAN
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PASTOR?
So, when looking for a pastor, is there anything else that we should
know about them? Yes, there’s one more thing. And that’s what their
duties are. Do they line up with Scripture? Let’s find out what they
are. We’ll begin in the book of Ephesians.
(Continued below....)
Suggested Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Before we begin, I’d like you to take a look at the words pastors and
teachers. Some believe that these indicate two separate offices, one of
a pastor and the other being that of a teacher. However, these actually
refer to one leadership position of pastor-teacher. Why is this the
case? Well, this has to do with how certain parts of the text relate to
each other.
According to Koine Greek, there’s a rule called Granville Sharps.
What this tells us is that if two nouns are in the same case, i.e.,
either nominative (subject), genitive (of possession), dative (indirect
object), or accusative (direct object), whereby in this instance,
they’re both in the accusative and are connected by a particle
(conjunction) along with the initial noun being preceded by a definite
article (the) while the second noun doesn’t have one, then they’re
considered synonymous, i.e., are the same.
In this verse, the word pastor is preceded by the word some, which in
Greek is a definite article (the – tous). And the word teachers are
preceded by the particle and with no definite article. Therefore, both
nouns pertain to the same office. I know that this was a lot of
minutiae, but sometimes that’s the way it has to be.
With that said, let’s study to find out what some of the functions of a pastor-teacher are?
And by the way, if different sections of Scripture talk about the
same characteristics, then I’ll only include one of the passages in the
study. Please begin by turning your Bible to the book of Acts.
Acts 13:1
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of
Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch,
and Saul.
What we know about this church is that the disciples of Jesus were
first called Christians at this location called Antioch in Acts 11:26.
Mentioned here are the various leadership titles held by certain of the
assembly. Some of them were called prophets, and others were called
teachers. The word teachers (didaskaloi) refer to believers who, with
the special assistance of the Holy Spirit, had the responsibility of
introducing the Christian converts to the beliefs and duties of the
Christian faith.45 And by the way, this is the same Greek word for
teachers that was found in Ephesians 4:11, except that these nouns are
in different cases.
What we’ll take a look at next is what the pastor should be
especially mindful of both for themselves and the congregation. We’ll
also be introduced to something else that might be brought in from those
both outside and inside the church that will try to bring about
disunity and division along with the spiritual medicine that should be
digested by the faithful saints in order to protect themselves from this
poison. Please stay in the same book but go to chapter 20.
Suggested Reading: Acts 20:3-21:4
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
28 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.
The Apostle Paul was conversing with the elders from the church at
Ephesus in a place called Miletus. He reminded them that the Holy Spirit
had made them overseers (one who examines, looks after, or inspects not
only their own but also another’s spiritual state). And as such, they
were described as those who feed the church of God. The word feed means
to tend or lead others to some condition. It can also mean protecting,
guiding, and guarding it46 (the church).
29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall
men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them
And then he conveys to them that after he departs from their company,
there will arise grievous wolves (false teachers who feed themselves)
that will come in from the outside, not sparing (whose intent was to
kill and destroy) the flock along with those from within their own
selves (from within the church), men (under the influence of ambition,
or from the love of power or popularity47) speaking perverse things
(doctrines of immorality and asceticism - that a person can attain a
high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial48; doctrines
that interrupt internal prosperity; doctrines teaching for truth what is
erroneous in itself, and perversive of the genuine doctrine of Christ
crucified49) in order to cause disciples to follow after them and join
their heresy.
31-32 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years
I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now,
brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is
able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them
which are sanctified.
He further instructed them to watch (be alert) and keep these
instructions constantly in their mind as a model that they should do
well to imitate, in that over a period of three years, he warned them
(to put sense before the mind) night and day (continuously). And that it
would be through preaching and the ministry of the Holy Spirit that
they would be built up (applied to a house which is raised and completed
by slow degrees, and by toil; to establish in doctrine and in hope).
The Word of God which was delivered would be able to confirm and
establish them amidst the dangers to which they would be exposed in
order to make them heirs [or joint] partakers with the saints of the
blessings in reserve for the children of God.50
What we’ll find out next is another responsibility of a pastor. This
one has to do with what they should proclaim to those who don’t know the
Lord. We’ll find out what this is all about in the book of Romans.
Suggesting Reading: Romans 10:13-14
14bc …and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
These verses claim that in order for an unbeliever to be saved
(redemption or deliverance from sin and misery, and the enjoyment of
peace and happiness), initially, there must be someone who announces [to
them] the gospel message.51 This person can be any believer. However,
when the local assembly gathers together, this proclamation is usually
made by one of the church leaders.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
The Scriptures indicate that in the proclamation of the gospel
message, a pronouncement should be made to the hearers that are unsaved
to acknowledge themselves as being a sinner and expressing a desire to
turn from their sinful ways. This is referred to as repentance. In this
regard, a pastor might declare before the assembly the following words.
If anyone would like to begin anew and have a relationship with the one true God, then repeat these words.
I acknowledge that I’ve sinned in many areas such as slandering
others; having sexual relations outside of marriage; being jealous;
having participated in alcohol or drug abuse; having sex with others of
the same gender; having committed adultery; having taken money from
others in a deceitful manner; having committed rape; having engaged in
pedophilia; etc.
I don’t want to continue in these mental, verbal, and overt sins. I need a new nature.
Romans 10:14a How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?...
The second condition is to believe in Jesus Christ as to who He is
and what He has accomplished. This has nothing to do with what you can
do for God, but this is simply believing in His Son.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
This belief is expressed by calling upon the name of the Lord in
prayer. The words of the prayer which follows can either be spoken
silently or out loud.
I believe in you Jesus Christ, as one of the members of the Trinity,
being deity (having a divine nature), who as God pre-existed time; came
to the earth and took on the form of a man, being born of a virgin (no
sin nature); lived a sinless life; listened to and obeyed the directives
of his Father; went to the cross and paid for the penalty of and
forgave the sins of the whole world; rose from the dead after three
days, never to die again, walked the earth in His resurrection body for
forty days witnessing to over five hundred people, and ascended into
heaven to be seated at the right hand of God the Father.
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of
the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own?
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The result of this prayer is that this person will receive another
member of the Trinity, known as the Holy Spirit, who will come into
their physical body to indwell, thus imparting to them a new nature
along with many other spiritual benefits. If the gospel isn’t preached,
then there will be no receiving of divine life, no personal relationship
with God, no experience of divine power, no understanding of spiritual
truth, and no guidance and leading from the Holy Spirit.
What else we can find out about a pastor’s performance is found in
the book of 1 Corinthians. We looked at this earlier in this study as
one of the qualifications of someone seeking the office of a pastor, but
on this occasion, we’ll take a more in-depth look at it.
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13:1
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
28-29 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. Are all
apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of
miracles?
The Apostle Paul was giving instructions to the believers at the
church in Corinth concerning the non-leadership spiritual gifts of
knowledge, wisdom, etc., at least one of which was given to each
believer. He goes on to mention a different kind of gift known as
leadership office gifts, one of which in particular is teachers. And by
the way, not every believer is called to an appointment to church
authority.
What the word teachers conveys to us is that some of their
engagements are that they’ll emphasize [the] accuracy of words and a
love to study. They’ll delight in research to validate truth.52 And
they’ll give instruction in the Christian faith of truths already
revealed and written down.
What we’ll learn next about the duties of pastors is what it means
for them to be over the assembly and admonish it. These truths are found
in the book of 1 Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12a And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among
you,…
Paul was instructing the believers at Thessalonica to know (respect
and obey; not to be ignorant of their needs or to be indifferent to53)
those, who are in the leadership positions of the church that labour
(wearisome toil) among them unless it’s obvious that they were out of
God’s will. These were believers who worked hard to provide pastoral
care for the flock, probably in their spare time [since,] in the early
church, local church leaders often carried full-time jobs outside the
church.54 Even though the words elders or pastors aren’t used in these
verses, it’s believed that this was the title being referred to
here.
12b …and are over you in the Lord, and admonish
you;
These leaders were also mentioned as being over (presiding over) them
under the direction of the Lord, and admonishing (put the assembly in
mind of the truth; to warn them of danger; to exhort them to perform
their duty; to admonish if they go astray55) them.
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And
be at peace among yourselves.
Likewise, the assembly of believers are implored to esteem (honor)
them very highly in love for their work’s sake so long as they gave God
the glory.
A pastor’s obligations aren’t easy. Putting the assembly in mind of
the truth can offend many, especially when conviction comes because some
don’t want to hear about sin and restoration. For certain pastors, the
easy way to get around this is to ignore any teaching on it, which
allows the members to live the same way as they did before they were
saved. While they claim to be born again, and they very well could be,
there’s no evidence of the new life they profess to have received.
In the next verse, from the book of 1 Timothy, we’ll find out what the pastor should give attendance to.
1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Timothy was instructed by the Apostle Paul to give attendance (to keep putting his mind on; to devote himself):
To reading - the public reading of Scripture.
To exhortation - the explanation of the [Scripture] passages that are
read, making their meaning and relevance clear to the gathered
congregation.56
To doctrine - the act of teaching a systematized body of teaching.
What else pastors should be known for is that they should rule well
and labour. We can find out what these words are all about by staying in
the same book and proceeding to the next chapter.
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.
In some churches, there were many pastors. However, it’s possible
that not every one of them could devote themselves to the local
assembly, as some of the others, because of the obligations of work and
family. Those who were able to rule well (manage the spiritual interests
of the church) should be counted worthy (deserving) of double honor
(deserving of recognition), especially those who labour (with wearisome
effort) in the word (of proclaiming the message) and doctrine (directed
at believers, making clear to them what Christians should believe and
the implications of their faith for their lives57; [categorical
(topical) instruction and explanatory (verse by verse) teaching58]).
By the way, I’ve heard some suggest that the words double honor mean
getting paid double the money, or as we could say, getting paid
adequately on the basis of their ministries.59 If this were a possible
rendering, I’d agree with the latter idea that those in leadership
should receive the appropriate financial compensation based on their
involvement.
What we’ll take a look at next is an area of the ministry that pastors need to be on active alert about.
1 Timothy 1:18-19
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a
good warfare;
At this time, in the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul was aware that
false teachers had crept in that were teaching doctrines contrary to
the gospel itself.60 Having brought Timothy there to address this issue,
he reminded him of the prophecies that were unveiled concerning him
beforehand, which proclaimed that his ministry was approved by God. And,
in this regard, there were two things that he needed to hold onto in
order to persevere in this endeavor.
19a Holding faith, and a good conscience;…
The first one was holding faith (sound doctrine). This is another way
of saying that as to the truth, he was to live according to its
dictates, that a good conscience may be ever preserved.61 Likewise, if a
pastor applies pertinent truth to his life in all circumstances, then
the second thing, a good conscience (honestly following what is right),
would be developed.
19b …which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
However, if decisions are made by any spiritual leader or believer
that accepts false teachings which promote the leadings of passions and
indulging in carnal propensities, then the faith they had chosen to rely
on initially would be destroyed. If this were the case, then the
following statement holds true. Bad doctrine usually starts with bad
conduct, and usually with secret sin.62
Another aspect of the ministry of a pastor is they should know how to
deal with believers that have aligned themselves with false teachers or
false teachings. Please go to the book of 2 Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
Timothy was instructed by Paul not to strive (not to be harsh or
cruel) but be gentle (in demeanor), apt (ready and skilled) to teach,
and patient (to endure any difficulty without complaining).
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the
truth;
And if there were those that oppose themselves (who’ve placed
themselves in opposition to the servant of the Lord and true doctrine by
aligning themselves with false teachers) that he, Timothy, In meekness
(humility) should instruct them (by reproof (rebuke) and admonition (a
warning or mild criticism to correct some fault63)64 with the hope that
God would give them such a view of the error which they have embraced,
and such regret for having embraced it,65 that they would repent to the
acknowledging (embracing) of the precise and correct knowledge of the
truth.
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
So that they may recover themselves (come to a right mind; to no
longer think wrong thoughts) out of the snare (of false teachings; of
the allurements to sin) of the devil, who has held them captive (bound
to do his will).
The next charge of a pastor that we’ll take a look at is described in
words that, for many of us, when we hear them, it might cause us to
have a different connotation (secondary meaning). A book of the Bible
that, for some reason, I haven’t done much research from, i.e., the book
of Titus, is where we’ll proceed next.
Titus 2:7-8
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be
condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having
no evil thing to say of you.
The Apostle Paul instructed Titus to show a pattern of good works in
his life. When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was that a
pastor should be someone that does good things for people. Buy food for
a family in need. Council them, when needed. Help pay a bill that
they’re delinquent on. But to my surprise, these words mean something
entirely different. The words good works in this context have to do with
the many facets of doctrine (one’s manner of teaching) that should be
comprised of godly integrity.
The first feature in one’s manner of teachings is uncorruptness. This
means that the elements of his teaching should include honesty,
sincerity, and purity of motivation.66 Something else is that it
[shouldn’t] corrupt or vitiate (to impair the quality of67) the morals
of others. Everything in his teaching was to be such as to make men
purer and better.68
The next component is gravity. This has to do with having an
acquaintance with the subject (biblical topic) at hand. It also implies
that in the manner [in] which a message is delivered insures respect, in
character, opinions, [and] deportment69 (conduct).
The next ingredient is sincerity. This has to do with the reality
that his life is a representation of his doctrine in morals.70 It also
means that a pastor is someone whose character [isn’t], and cannot be,
corrupted.71
The final detail is sound speech that cannot be condemned. This
teaching is one that’s accurate and spiritually helpful. It’s also such
that nothing said is [rash] or reprehensible, or that can give [offense]
or cause the ministry to be blamed.72
I don’t know about you, but that was extremely informative.
The next few verses will be taken from the book of 1 Peter and
they’ll inform us as to what a pastor’s duties and attitude should be
concerning certain aspects of the ministry.
1 Peter 5:1-3
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;
The Apostle Peter was addressing the many pastors who were overseeing
various churches scattered throughout different countries. The first
thing he asked them to be engaged in was to feed the flock. The word
feed means to implement all duties and responsibilities a shepherd has
for his flock.73 He goes on to say that their oversight (a spiritual and
physical guardianship74 (care); to see their needs and provide what
they require) shouldn’t be by constraint (the idea of doing something by
force, necessity, or compulsion)75 but rather willingly (gladly; as a
work which you love).
And then, he mentions another characteristic that shouldn’t be
prevalent in a pastor, which is a hot topic today. He shouldn’t
discharge his ministry for filthy lucre (in accepting a job purely for
monetary considerations;76 for disgraceful gain, becoming such if [it’s]
made the motive of the minister’s service) but of a ready mind (from
the promptings of love).77
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
And finally, a pastor should neither be as being lords over God’s
heritage (those who are put in their care). The word lords mean someone
who exercises an unreasonable use of power with bad intention. They are
those, who like little kings or dictators, constantly shout orders over
the body of believers. But rather, they should be ensamples to the
flock. The word ensamples means that they’re those who imitate the
character of Christ in their lives. Their authority is expressed from
the influence of reason, persuasion, and example.78 They lead others by
their examples of mature Christian character.79
There are a few other things to know about a pastor that they should
exemplify in their duties and character, as the Apostle Paul reminded
Timothy. Please turn in your Bible to the book of 1 Timothy.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the
believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity.
Paul encouraged Timothy to keep on becoming an example (model) to the
assembly of believers, which hopefully would be imitated or followed by
them in these various aspects of his life.
In word - teach nothing but the truth of [God] because nothing but
that will save souls.80 This also includes speech that’s honest and
loving.
In conversation – in his walk, behavior, or manner of life (actions) that were to be controlled by the Word of God.
In charity - the motivation of his life should emanate from God’s
love. It’s a love [that] impels the one loving to sacrifice himself for
the benefit of the person loved.81
In spirit - inner enthusiasm and excitement in whatever is done.
In faith - in all [trials,] show to believers by your [example] how
they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God.82 Along with this, be
faithful to thy trust, to thy flock, to thy domestics, to the public,
to thy God. … [Honestly] keeping, preserving, and delivering up when
required, [whatever] is [entrusted] to [your] care; as also in improving
whatever is delivered in trust for that purpose.83
In purity - an upright and morally blameless life, and specifically
as referring to being free from any immoral acts, especially acts
related to sex.84
Well, we’ve covered quite a few sections of Scripture that have
helped us get a clearer view as to the responsibilities as a pastor. I
have one final group of verses for us to look at. I think that these
spells out what should be considered the most important outcomes for any
church. Please turn to the book of Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:11-13
11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ:
Ultimately, what godly leadership should strive for are seven things. Are you ready to find out what these are all about?
The first is the perfecting of the saints. The word perfecting means
equipping someone or something so that it might serve the purpose or do
the work for which it was brought into being.85 The word equipping means
to furnish or provide with whatever is needed for use.86 So, what do we
need to be provided with? We need to be provided with instruction that
will be useful in correcting all [that’s] deficient87 in our lives.
The second thing is the work of the ministry. This is another way of
saying for the work of Christian service. In what manner? Those in
leadership should train the believers, given in their care, in the art
of winning souls and of teaching and preaching the Word.88
Thirdly, for the edifying of the body of Christ. The church is
edified through the instruction of divine things for the purpose of
promoting their spiritual lives.
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:
Fourth, until all are brought into the unity of the faith. This is a
state in which faith in the Son of God shall characterize all.89
Fifth, until all are brought into the knowledge of the Son of God.
This refers to the church not only having the correct and precise
knowledge of Christ but also experiencing His power.
Sixth, so that every believer becomes a perfect man, i.e., a spiritually mature man.
Seventh, until all are brought into the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ, i.e., where everyone becomes fully mature with the
sum of the qualities which make Christ what He is.90
Wow! What a way to end this chapter. That was enlightening and comprehensive.
As I’m sure, you’re aware that we’ve been presented with a lot of
information about the leadership office of a pastor when choosing the
right church to attend and remain in both in this chapter and the
preceding ones. I’ll admit, what we’ve gathered can be overwhelming. So,
what should we do with all this data so that it can be used in a
somewhat simplistic manner?
You might be thinking, how do I begin sorting out all that has been
presented in this study? This is where I come in. Leave that to me. What
I’ll try and do is compile a checklist that contains verifiable godly
indicators for ordination and verifiable ungodly indicators that would
disqualify someone for ordination. This same concept can be applied when
your deciding whether to remain in the church you are attending or
might attend.
But, before I present what I’ll call a checklist or the Bible rating
for choosing a pastor to co-labor with, we have one more study to
undertake. And this has to do with this question. What are the
indicators that would disqualify someone for an appointment to the
church hierarchy? While we’ve already accumulated quite a bit of
information that would support such, subsequently, this will help us in
determining what is contrary or unacceptable for acceptance. Sometimes
what is contradictory isn’t always easy to disseminate.
So, in the next chapter, we’ll take a look at what constitutes ungodly teachings and character.
Website: http://bit.ly/1RQnYJ8
Endnotes
45Calvin.
46Barnes.
47Barnes.
48Dictionary.com.
49Adam Clarke.
50Barnes.
51Adam Clarke.
52Motivational Gifts.
53Barnes.
54Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament.
55Barnes.
56UBS New Testament.
57UBS New Testament.
58The Pulpit.
59The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.
60UBS.
61Adam Clarke.
62The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.
63Dictionary.com.
64Thayer’s Greek Lexicon Pc Study Bible version 5, 2006. BIBLESOFT. WEB. 19 January 2022 ˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.
65Barnes.
66UBS.
67Dictionary.com.
68Barnes.
69Barnes.
70Calvin.
71Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005. BIBLESOFT.
WEB. 19 January 2022
˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.
72The Pulpit.
73Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament.
74Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament.
75UBS.
76UBS.
77Barnes.
78Barnes.
79The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.
80Adam Clarke.
81Weust.
82Barnes.
83Adam Clarke.
84UBS.
85Weust.
86Dictionary.com.
87Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown.
88Weust.
89The Pulpit.
90Weust.
