“8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting {complete equipping} of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect {completeness in spiritual growth, mental knowledge, and moral character} man, unto the measure of the stature {maturity; i.e., to be like Christ} of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love {with the intent of helping other grow in grace rather than merely condemning them and their sin}, may grow up into him {spiritual growth to become a little Christ; the body; the local church as a body of believers grows to be in proportion to its adult head; i.e. Christ} in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:8-16).

     In many churches the idea of pastoral leadership is a thing of the past. There is little understanding by most congregations of what the word of God teaches about pastoral leadership and the Pastor’s authority in the church. Because of this lack of understanding by congregations, many pastors end up struggling with deacon boards or some group in the church to gain leadership. It is a struggle where nobody wins and everybody loses, especially the cause of Christ. It is absolutely essential that what the Bible teaches about the Pastor’s position in a local church is established in your life so you will know what God says about the matter and what authority is given to the pastor by the Lord.

Four Words Used to Describe One Position of Leadership

     There are four separate words used in the Scriptures to describe the one office or position of the ministry of Jesus’ (the Chief Shepherd’s) Undershepherd. The emphasis of each of these terms is upon what the Undershepherds are called of God to do, not upon the position they hold. If they do not fulfill their obligations in function and in role, the terms becomes meaningless. Unless the roles of each are not carefully distinguished, there will be much confusion in the church. Each term defines the function and relates to us the intent of God of how He wants these individuals to be used and viewed within the local church.

Pastor

     The word pastor is seldom found in the New Testament. It is a word that is derived from the word Shepherd. It comes from the Greek word poimaino (poy-mah'-ee-no) and it refers to the supervisory aspects of a guardian or protector (see John 10:11 and I Peter 2:25) as a Shepherd over sheep. It is also translated by the word “feed” in various Scriptures. This is a metaphorical use of the word as it relates to the teaching ministry of a pastor as he feeds the life changing Truths of God’s Word. This word is translated “shall rule” in Matthew 2:6, Rev. 2:27, 12:5, and 19:15. In many other Scriptures the word is used regarding feeding (John 21:16, Acts. 20:28, I Cor. 9:7, I Peter 5:2, Jude 1:12, and Rev. 7:17).

     When Peter says, “feed the flock” (I Peter 5:2), he is describing the role of pastoral care. The word poimaino (poy-mah'-ee-no) has more to do with what the function of the “elder” does than with a position.

“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; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (I Peter 5:1-4).

Teacher

     This is the Greek word didaskalos (did-as'-kal-os). It is used in conjunction with the Pastoral ministry and usually in conjunction with the word preaching. Teaching was what Christ admonished Peter to do when He said to him “feed my sheep.”

“15 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. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me” (John 21:15-19).

     Didaskalos (did-as'-kal-os) is used in the sense of discipleship by teaching people the Word of God in order for them to grow spiritually (see Matthew 28:20).

“19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).

     The method that God ordained for this teaching ministry was preaching (see I Corinthians 1:21). As a result of this, the teacher also came to be known as a preacher (kerux, kay'-roox; see Rom. 1:15-16; 10:14-15; and I Tim. 2:7).

Bishop

     (“Overseer,” I Peter 5:2) this is the Greek word episkope (ep-is-kop-ay'). It denotes the function of a Pastor as an Overseer and refers to the administration of the local church. It does not denote a separate position beyond or above the position/function of the Pastor. In Paul’s instruction to the Elders at Ephesus, he refers to their function as overseers.

“17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, . . . 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 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” (Acts 20:17-18 & 25-28).

     Therefore, the office of the Pastor includes the function of overseership. Accordingly, the Pastor/Elder is also referred to as the Bishop. These are not separate offices, but different functions of the same office.

“1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (I Timothy 3:1-7, see also Philippians 1:1).

     This overseership of the Pastor is what is meant by the term “rule over you” in Hebrews 13:7 and 17 (below). It is extremely important that the Pastor be allowed freedom in this position in that God will hold him accountable for any failures of obedience in the Local Church that he administrates (13:17).

     In some churches deacons are viewed as co-administrators with the Pastor(s). This is foreign to both the Scriptures and New Testament practice. As the Administrator or Overseer of the Local Church, the Pastor oversees every ministry of the Church. He doesn’t do all the work. He oversees it all, co-ordinates it all and makes sure it stays true to the Word of God and on track for Christ.

Elder

     The word “elder” comes from the Greek word presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os). It refers to an individual with mature spiritual experience and the ability to apply the Word of God with wisdom. It is not a position separate from the position of the Pastor, but describes a central qualification of a Pastor (see I Timothy 3:1-7 above) regarding spiritual maturity and well developed self-discipline. Therefore, in the use of the word as the title of a position, it cannot be separated from the central qualification of the Pastor regarding spiritual maturity regarding both the knowledge of and the personal application of the Word of God ( see I Peter 5:1, Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim. 5:1 and 17; and Titus 1:5-7).

BEGINNING AT THE BEGINNING

     A major mistake is commonly made regarding the Pastor’s calling. Many local church congregations mistakenly believe that they call a pastor. That is not true. God calls a pastor to a local church ministry. A congregation’s vote is not an election of a pastor. A congregation’s vote is to confirm their belief that God has called a particular pastor to lead them. Congregational Polity presumes that the majority of a congregation will make spiritual decisions as led by the Spirit of God and will vote the mind of Christ.

      Once God’s call upon a Pastor is confirmed by the vote of a congregation, the leadership (overseership) of that local church is to be turned over to that Pastor’s direction. As he spends some time in a locality, God will reveal to him the direction and changes that need to be made to move that local congregation forward in its spiritual growth and service to the Lord. As long as the pastor is not doing anything unscriptural, to resist the him is to resist the Lord. However, it is the Congregation’s responsibility to insure that he remains Scriptural in his practices. His administration of the Church is to be purely Biblical.

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7).

     The word “remember” of Hebrews 13:7 sets the tone for God’s instruction regarding a congregation’s first responsibility to their pastor (Under-shepherd). It is from the Greek word mnemoneuo (mnay-mon-yoo'-o). “Remember” means to be constantly aware of this person. “Remember” means to continually think of and feel for him. Interestingly, it is in the imperative mood, which means it expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the One commanding. Therefore the word “remember” relates an absolute command of God demanding full obedience. Anything less is sin. Following a Pastor’s leadership is an obligatory responsibility that should be given meticulous consideration before choosing not to do so.

     “Them which have the rule” is translated from the Greek word hegeomai (hayg-eh'-om-ahee). Its meaning centers upon the word “rule.” It refers to leadership or overseer authority, in this case this authority is a divinely appointed one. In the calling of a pastor to a local church, Jesus transposes His headship over that congregation to the pastor. This word is in the Participate Mood, which means it is used as a verbal noun. That means this word defines the pastor’s position and authority as Overseer of a local congregation.

     I Peter 5:1-4 further defines the role of a pastor in a local church.

“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; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (I Peter 5:1-4).

     In I Peter 5:1, the word “elders” is from the Greek word presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os). It was a word used of those who, in separate cities, managed public affairs and administrated justice. Among the early Christians it was used to describe those who presided over local assemblies of believers. The NT uses the terms bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably. The term “elder” ascribes mature spiritual experience and wise understanding to an individual. In this context, what they are is also who they are.

     In I Peter 5:2, the words “feed the flock” gives us part of God’s job description for His pastors. The Pastor (poimen) is God‘s appointed guardian or protector over God’s local flock. In the Old Testament, the strength of a house was dependant upon the strength of it’s leader. Jesus is the “Chief Shepherd” (archipoimen; ar-khee-poy'-mane). Jesus is the only authority higher then the pastor.

     In I Peter 5:2, once a pastor is called to be the Shepherd of a local church, he is commanded to “take the oversight” of that local congregation. “Oversight” is from the Greek word episkopeo (ep-ee-skop-eh'-o). This is the bishopric function of the Pastor. He oversees, or administrates, the church. He oversees every ministry of the church. He doesn’t do all the work. He oversees it all and co-ordinates it all. He makes sure it stays true to the word and on track for Christ.

     A local congregation is not administrated by a church “board” or a “Board of Deacons.” The pastor is not the church’s “hireling” who is supposed to do all of the spiritual work of the church. It is not called of God to do all the praying, or all the yard work, or all the painting, or all soul winning, or all the visitation. He is called to “perfect the saints for the work of the ministry.” In other words, he is called of God to train the congregation he leads to do those all those things.

“11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 5:4-11-12).

     According to I Peter 5:2, the Pastor‘s ministry should not be “by constraint.” It is not something a man should be forced into, or compelled by another person to do. It is not a vocational choice. It is a calling of God. Therefore it must be done willing and voluntarily. Every congregation needs to be regularly reminded that their Pastor is there because God has compelled him to be there. Once he is fully persuaded in his mind that this is God’s will for him, he cannot leave that position regardless of how poorly he is treated, how carelessly he is compensated, or how miserably his people follow his leadership.

     A Pastor does not serve a congregation “for filthy lucre’s sake.” He is not in the pastorate merely for material gain or for power and position. That often means that congregations do not take adequate financial care of their Pastor. A congregation should never ask a Pastor to make sacrifices they are not willing to make.

     When a church cannot pay its bills, the first bill usually not paid is the Pastor’s support. Most churches are built upon the faith of pastors who live so sacrificially that if most of the members of their congregations were forced to live on the same amounts they would be on welfare.

     So Hebrews 13:7-17 is talking about congregational responsibility and accountability to their Pastor. First, “remember” means you are to be constantly aware of the Pastor’s authority and be sympathetic and submissive to that authority. The Pastor, on the other hand, is to be careful that this does not go to his head and he is to be extremely careful not to take advantage of people because of it. He is to lead, not Lord.

     Secondly the ultimate authority and ruling force of the church is always the Word of God (Hebrews 13:7)

“17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward” (I Timothy 5:17-18).

    The Pastor is supposed to labor in learning the Word and teaching the Word. Deacons and congregations are to do the work of the ministry so that the Pastor will have time to “labour” in the Word.