Beth-El Baptist Church

01/13/2007

Greg Tomlinson


What is the difference between a pastor and the members of the congregation?


There are many people who view pastors and the congregation as being in vastly different realms of holiness while others see absolutely no need for pastors of any kind. It is important to understand the difference and the roles each plays.


  1. What is a pastor?

Jeremiah 3:15; 23:1-2 Acts 20:27-30

Ephesians 4:11-15 Titus 1:5-9

1 Peter 5:1-3 John 21:15-17

1 Timothy 3:1


Common phrases used for a pastor is elder, bishop, and overseer. These are essentially the same office. Note that this is an 'office' (1 Timothy 3:1) which indicates a official set of requirements within the body of Jesus Christ. The pastor is given particular duties of feeding and caring for the flock (congregation) and as such he is a type of leader amongst the congregation. Their work is to be centered on teaching the congregation the very Word of God and not their own thoughts. They are to minister (serve) and care for the congregation as being an underling of Jesus. The flock is not the pastor's but it is Jesus'.


  1. Is there a need for pastors?

Acts 14:21-23; 15:1-6 Titus 1:5


Paul was very specific that pastor's (elders/bishops) need to be appointed in every church or assembly. There is a biblical requirement for church leadership. Part of that church leadership includes the deacons.


  1. Is there any particular difference between Pastors and the congregation?

Jeremiah 17:15-16 Ephesians 4:6-8

1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:1 1 Peter 2:7-10; 5:3-6

James 5:14-15 Matthew 23:8-12

1 Corinthians 11:1 Acts 17:11


Pastors are also a part of the flock. They are a part of the body of Jesus Christ and as such they are under the authority of Jesus Christ. He is the great shepherd, the pastor is an under-shepherd. The pastor is not closer to God but he has different responsibilities. Every member of the congregation also has responsibilities. While the shepherd are responsible for the feeding of God's people, he is not responsible for their salvation nor for their obedience before God. Every believer is responsible for their own behavior. The pastor is to being the scriptures to light so convict the congregation of their sins and to help and encourage them in their relationship to God. The pastor is to be properly “honored” according to his obedience to the scriptures and his ability to lead. The congregation is called to verify the teaching and preaching of the pastor. That is why it is so important for the congregation to be familiar with the scriptures so that they can


  1. How should pastors be viewed by the congregation?

1 Timothy 5:17-19 Hebrews 13:17-18


Pastors out to be viewed as honorable and as examples, in as much as they teach the Word of God and they follow the Word of God. While no man, whether pastor or otherwise, is perfect, the pastor is to be faithful and obedient to the scriptures.



Summary:


The congregation has been called to be followers of their pastor, in as much as the pastor is a follower of Jesus Christ. The pastor is to be viewed as someone concerned with the souls of the people and desires the best for them. This sometimes means teaching things from the scriptures that hurts and that causes anger and resentment from the congregation. It is important to evaluate what is taught with the scriptures to ensure that personal angry reactions to the teaching is because of errors in the teaching as opposed to personal sin that needs to be corrected. Whoever is wrong, according to the Word of God, needs to repent and turn to God. A pastor is not to be viewed as some sort of super Christian but as a sinner, saved by grace, called into the ministry of Jesus Christ to be shepherd amongst the flock of God. He is not a greater person but one with greater responsibility.