Pastor: A Term Forgotten In Modern Society
- Details
- Category: Articles
- Last Updated on Monday, 18 June 2012 07:22
- Published on Monday, 18 June 2012 00:00
- Written by Patrick Swayne
- Hits: 2998
People sometimes wonder why members of the Lord’s church do not refer to their preacher as “Pastor,” when to many the word describes much of what their preacher does. Truth be told, these and many others are unaware of the Biblical definition of the word, even who claim adherence to the Bible. The word pastor in the Biblical sense is truly a forgotten word in today’s society, yet if one seeks to call Bible things by Bible names, he would do well to understand its meaning.
The English word pastor itself is only found once in any major translation of the New Testament, that being Ephesians 4:11, which states, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). The Greek text seems to indicate that the pastors and teachers were one in the same group of people, and so many in the world assume that this is the position of the full-time preacher today. However, when one follows the word translated pastor, one finds it again in verb form in Acts 20:28, translated “feed.” Who is given the task of feeding, literally, “pastoring?” In that passage, it is the overseers – a word translated in other places “bishops.” When one studies the word bishop in its New Testament usage, one finds that bishop was a particular office that a man could hold, provided he have specific qualities (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). While a full-time preacher may hold the office of bishop in a local congregation with at least one other qualified man, he may not meet the qualities required. Still, as one can plainly see, the terms preacher and pastor are not synonymous.
The world tends to believe that the one that feeds the flock is the one leading the flock – this is simply not the case in New Testament Christianity. In fact, in the divine arrangement, a plurality of bishops (also called elders, presbyters, shepherds, overseers, and pastors in the New Testament) are to take the oversight of a local congregation and are commanded “to feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28). Many bishops believe that the most expedient way to carry out this command is to use some of the funds collected from members of the church each first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) to employ a full time laborer. They have the authority to do this, as the Bible says, “The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel [receive financial support – see context – PWS] (1 Corinthians 9:14).” Though this full time minister is often the most prominent member of the congregation in the eyes of the world, he is not to be lifted up or exalted above any other member, even if he is also qualified and therefore serves as an elder. When Cornelius attempted to worship Peter, a full-time preacher, Peter said, “Stand up; I myself also am a man” (Acts 10:26).
Today, some full-time preachers have claimed the designation of “Pastor” as a title unique to their profession, and many in the world have allowed them to do so. Some preachers have gone so far as to wear the title “Reverend,” when the Bible plainly states of the Lord, “Holy and Reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:9). However, many Christians and full-time preachers live and abide by the words of Christ, who warned men not to take upon themselves religious titles (Matthew 23:8-10). Christ encouraged men to humble themselves (Matthew 23:12; cf. 18:4; James 4:10). One of the Greek words for minister, which describes all Christians and most certainly the full-time preacher, is literally translated “under-rower.” In this word picture, ministers are shown for what they are – the willing slave of Christ who sits in the galley, serving Christ without thought of fame or fortune.
What may a full-time preacher be called today? He may be called simply a preacher, though all the other Christians in his congregation ought to be such (Acts 8:1-4). He may be called an evangelist, literally, a bringer of good news, though all Christians ought to be that as well (2 Timothy 4:1-5). He may be called a minister, though again this describes the actions of all Christians (1 Peter 4:10). The full-time preacher is no different than any other Christian – he simply is supported to do on a full time basis what all Christians should be doing anyway.
Patrick Swayne was married to Chantelle Marie (Herd) in 2009. Patrick began preaching first as a part time minister and then as a full time minister in the state of Tennessee (2003-2007). He was serving as a minister in Australia, working primarily with the Church Street church of Christ in Melbourne, Australia (2008-2012). He has received formal training from Memphis School of Preaching (class of 2005), Walters State Community College (A.S.), and Amridge University (B.A.). He is currently doing post graduate work at Freed Hardeman University. He counts himself richly blessed by the Lord. |