Pastor? What Pastor?

 As a disclaimer, I want to first state that these views will not line up with the popular view of church structure. I am not deliberately trying to offend any particular denomination or organization. However, I feel that the bible is being ignored for the sake and man-made ideas.

Pastor

1.a minister or priest in charge of a church.

2.a person having spiritual care of a number of persons.

3.to serve as the pastor of: He pastored the church here for many years.

I would say that these 3 definitions line up pretty well with the popular view of a pastor. Notice the singular headship these definitions apply to this position. The version of the Bible I am using is the NKJV, and I only see the word pastor used once in the New Testament. That reference would be in Ephesians 4:11. In this verse it states how some are given into different roles in the Church. All roles in this list are plural and in every local church there are probably more than one. Although, in the Bible I can’t find the position of pastor as a singular leader of a local church I do see elders. Elder references within the church can be found in the following verses:

• Acts 14:23, Acts 15:2, Acts 15:4, Acts 15:6, Acts 15:22, Acts 15:23, Acts 16:4, 2Acts 0:17, Acts 21:18,
• 1 Timothy 5:17-19
• Titus 1:5
• Hebrews 11:2
• James 5:14
• 1 Pet 5:1, 1 Pet 5:5

After reading these verses regarding church leadership, you may notice that the position of pastor is not found. The structure is clearly Apostles and Elders. You may also notice that Elders are always plural when talking about church structure. When properly chosen and biblical principals are applied, Elders (plural) make great leaders for a church. They are seasoned Christians who understand how to apply the Word of God to their lives, and know it well enough to teach others. When there is more than one Elder, it eliminates the appearance of tyranny that a single Elder may bring.

Another word used in the Bible to describe leadership is Overseer. In some Bible translations an Overseer is translated Bishop. A Bishop sounds royal and authoritative. In my opinion, Bishop is a poor replacement for Overseer. I say that because overseer is plural in the New Testament except when describing qualifications for an overseer or describing Jesus Himself as an overseer. Where your Bible has the word Bishop it has a note that it is literally translated as overseers. It appears as though a little popular doctrine leaked into the translation. No harm though because you can plainly see it means overseer. Bible reference for Overseers or Bishop can be found in the following verses:

• Acts 20:28
• 1 Peter 5:2
• Philippians 1:1
• 1 Timothy 3:1-2
• Titus 1:7

Elders, Overseers and Bishops are how today’s pastors justify their positions. As you can see that there are no references to the position of pastor like we see the role in todays church. The only similar reference I see in the Bible to todays office of pastor is an Old Testament priest, and we know we have an open relationship with God through Christ without need of a priest. We should treat the Elders, Overseers, and Deacons with respect in our churches, and I’m not saying some pastors out there shouldn’t be an Elder or Overseer. All that I am saying is that the structure of today’s church is not what the Bible teaches. Under the current man-made structure, it appears we have a laity. This means that the layman in the church exists, and that’s just not true. Under the new covenant we are all kings and priests (Rev 1:5-6). Where we fall in the Church structure depends on how the Lord calls us to serve Him.

I believe the structure of the Church has reverted back to the Priesthood because of laziness. People, generally speaking, find it easier to let one person run something or be accountable for an organization. In this case Jesus is the head of His church, not just the universal body of believers, but the local churches as well. Under the Biblical model for a church I see it running very smoothly with everyone doing what God has call them to do. Elders, Overseers, and Deacons preach, teach, and handle any administrative functions. They also do visitations, counseling, and various other ministries because they would have more time (unless, of course the have a full-time job in the world and have no time; but that’s another story). They’d have more time because it wouldn’t be one or even a few (in a larger church) trying to do everything. Other members called to various ministries such as evangelism, ministering to the poor, helping widows and orphans, and introducing Christ to inmates would be possible due to a more organized time efficient structure.

Now in conclusion I would like to state that my opinion of pastors, in general, is not a negative one. I think of them as lone Elders or Overseers. These are generally men who would otherwise be an Overseer or Elder. I don’t think they are evil and are up to something no good, nor are they trying to misguide anyone. I just believe they have been brought up in a traditional view of things in which that element was never questioned. Many good pastors have done great things to further the cause of Christ, so please understand this is not an attack on people but a post of Church Structure. Nevertheless, I find that the bible is clear about several men being in charge and not just one.

Next installment coming soon….