Just out of curiosity, I went to Biblegateway.com and typed in the word "pastor" under the search function. Surely, with all the emphasis placed on the importance of a single pastor or senior pastor in many churches, I would find numerous examples of the single pastor.First I searched the ESV. I did not find any examples of the word "pastor."
Next I searched the NKJV. The only example of the word "pastor" in the NKJV comes from Ephesians 4:11, which says, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers." Notice that the word is in the plural as opposed to singular.
Next came the NASB. The only example, as above, was Ephesians 4:11 - in the plural.
Next came the HCSB. Again, Ephesians 4:11.
Next came the YLT, with no examples.
Next to the NIV. Again, Ephesians 4:11.
Next to the NLT. Ephesians 4:11.
I was curious about the KJV, so I searched it as well. The KJV uses the word "pastor" or "pastors" eight times. However, this is a mistranslation of what should be "shepherd." The only legitimate use of "pastor" in the KJV is, as we have seen above, in Ephesians 4:11, where it is in the plural.
What should we make of this? It is clear that the biblical writers did not think of the pastorate as a solo position. In fact, they didn't think much at all for the use of the word "pastor."
The biblical writers usually used the words "elder" and "overseer" instead of "pastor." Also, they always speak of elders and overseers in the plural. There was no plan in the N.T. church for a single pastor.
If we believe that the writers of the N.T. knew what they were talking about (and we always say the entire bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit), then it seems we should follow the model they presented. Churches always had multiple elders/overseers/pastors.
There is wisdom, maturity, and accountability in numbers.
14 comments:
Not only is it not emphasized it is also a function that is designed to not perpetuate the division between clergy and laity, but is designed to equip others.
Arthur,
I agree with you that equipping is the key task and duty. Too many single pastors try to do all the ministry themselves.
So what do you make of that? In most American churches the pastor is the only one that seems to be commissioned to do anything...but the Biblcal is that everyone spread and preached the gospel. Do we have it wrong? In many wways, I think so.
Eric,
Another crucial bit I notice in Ephesians 4:11-16, is that the maturation of the church is linked to the proper functioning of the members of the Body (vv. 15-16) as they are connected to the Head, Jesus Christ. This is quite a bit different from any church I've been in. I wonder, has culture blinded us this much?
Eric,
"Too many single pastors try to do all the ministry themselves."
Too many congregations expect the same.
Then there are some churches that start with one pastor, and this pastor sets the rules as to who else gets to be an elder. Only "yes" men are appointed. But, yes, a plurality seems to be what the bible shows. If the body has an influence on who those elders are, then the better.
Dusty Chris,
When we look in the bible, all Christians minister. Elders/pastors do not stand out as special.
We have strayed from this in many ways. Pastors have grabbed too much power. Lay folks have allowed this to happen. There is blame all around.
We need to dare to follow the biblical example.
Laura,
I couldn't agree more. Paul clearly tells us that the goal is maturation of the entire church body. This relates to recognizing Christ as the Head.
When the pastor is seen as special and/or set apart, it leads to problems all around.
Steve,
Many pastors have grabbed for power instead of serving the body. This is a significant problem in many churches.
In most churches I think, as far as the body is concerned, there are some folks who want to serve and do so, and there are others who expect the pastor to do everything.
If we will just let the bible speak, we will see exactly how we should function.
Eric,
I don't have anything to add to your post and the comments that follow except this: I am so excited to see more and more people recognizing that neither the single pastor nor the senior pastor models are scriptural.
-Alan
Alan,
Now the question is: are churches willing to do what it takes to come in line with scripture on this issue?
Eric,
You cannot know the joy I feel as I read what you and your respondents are saying.
My thoughts coincide with Alans.
John,
I have to look at myself and ask, "Am I willing to be biblical?" I hope so.
Eric, et al
"Am I willing to be biblical?"
That is the question. Even in myself, fully convinced that the solo and senior pastorate are unbiblical, resistance still rises to the surface. Such a paradigm shift is going to be a toughy. But it is, I think, most necessary for the health of the church.
Laura,
I suppose it is always difficult to do something that is almost never done or that we haven't seen in practice before. How odd it is to be biblical and counter-church (traditional church that is) at the same time.
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