Acts
What is a pastor? When we study the New Testament we discover many interesting answers to this question.
¨ The Greek word for pastors found in Eph. 4:11, is the same word used for shepherds. Three times in the N.T. we find this word used to describe Christians caring for other Christians (Eph.4:11; Acts 20:28; 1 Pe.5:2).
¨ The word overseer, bishop and elder are used interchangeably with shepherd.
¨ Acts 20:17, 28-31 teaches pastors to:
1. keep watch over themselves
2. keep watch over the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.
3. shepherd the church of the Lord
4. be on guard against false teachers and those who distort God’s truth to gain a following.
¨ 1 Timothy 5:17-19 establishes that elders:
1. who effectively lead should be well paid especially those whose work is preaching and teaching
2. are to be protected against accusation unless there are two or three witnesses
3. who sin are to be rebuked publicly so that others will be fearful of wrongdoing
¨ Titus 1:5-9 describes the qualifications pastors must possess
¨ Peter taught in 1 Pe.5:2,3 that pastors:
1. should serve from a willing spirit according to God’s will
2. are not to be greedy for money but eager to serve
3. are not to lord over those they serve but rather be good examples
The fulfilled-pastor will readily share that the key to his ministry is that he doesn’t have to do everything! He is not the most important person in the church. He is one of a God-loving, people-serving, faith-breathing, Word-devouring, gospel-proclaiming team of joyful disciples. He knows that God never intended for one person to carry alone the weight of a hundred.
The effective pastor requires protected time to meet with his Father for spiritual nourishment. He needs respected time for him to invest in his family. You can tell much about his ministry from his marriage. He cherishes friends who love him for who he is—not because of his position; friends who discern and apply balm when he is the target of those who throw stones; and, friends who recognize and compensate for his imperfections.
The God-fearing pastor views the pedestal with humility because he knows his own weaknesses and the grace that allows him to minister. He asks for an abundance of prayer for strength, wisdom and protection. His security is not in his profession but rather in his relationship with Jesus Christ. He lives not for applause or popularity, for his hero is the Lion, Who left heaven to lay down His life as a Lamb.
Inspiration
Percentage of pastors who report a major clash with a church member at least once a month: 40
Who feel ill-suited to face the rigors of the pastorate: 50
Who have a lower self-image than when they began ministry: 70
Who say the ministry has influenced their family negatively: 80
