First, I'd like to discuss why I asked the questions in the first place. It has to do with how we interpret scripture.
As far as I know, there is no command in scripture for churches to have pastors or elders or overseers. So however you think those terms should be defined, there remains no imperative that they must be part of bodies of believers.
Therefore, if you believe that churches should have pastors (or elders or overseers), this means that you think that we should apply to the church today at least some of what scripture suggests, describes, and/or models for us. That was a "wordy" sentence. Let me try again. If you claim that churches should have pastors, then you also believe that what scripture models and describes for us still at least somewhat applies today. You must think that we should follow, in the life of the church, more than simply what is commanded.
I bring up this issue because as I blog about the church, I routinely come in contact (through blog comments or e-mails) with Christians who bristle at the idea that we should follow what is given to us in scripture as principle, description, or model. With good intentions, they insist that although we should follow what is commanded, we are free in other areas.
What I find fascinating is that I've never met a single Christian who simply follows what is commanded for church life. Instead, the tendency is to pick-and-choose to follow some of what is given in principle and model, but to reject the rest of it.
I simply ask that in the life of the church we strive for consistency in how we interpret and apply scripture. Since we are all sinful we will never do this perfectly in this life. Despite our failings, we should at least make an attempt to be consistent in how we approach scriptural application as it relates to the church.
As we do this, we may come to differing conclusions from our brothers and sisters in Christ. That's fine. But at least we will have made an attempt at consistency.
Now to my answer to the above questions. Yes, I think churches should have pastors. Let me be specific. I'm referring to men within the body who are well known to be godly, humble, self-sacrificing servants. These men are recognized as elders not because of some sort of vote, but because the saints recognize their character. These men pastor or shepherd the flock through service. This, of course, does not in any way preclude the members of the body from pastoring one another.
If I had to point to one bible passage that speaks most strongly to the benefit of pastors to the church, I'd turn to Ephesians 4:1-16. That passage points to the the gift of pastoring for bringing about maturity in Christ within the body.
Not surprisingly, my answer sounds a lot like your answers in the comments.
12 comments:
I think the real question isn't whether churches have pastors or not. Any church gathering that has been around a while will have pastors. The bigger question is how do we recognize them, how do they function, how do they relate to the rest of the church. Pastors (i.e. mature servant leaders) will occur naturally in any church, the question becomes what to do with them!
Arthur,
I agree. Also, I know that you believe that what is modeled is important along with what is commanded. God probably didn't command it because, as you say, churches will naturally have pastors and pastoring.
Eric,
Elders,recognized by the congregation, but no "official" titles?
John,
Exactly. Sadly, we've seen and experienced the damage to the priesthood of believers that those official titles can do.
Eric,
Ah... you tricked us! I'm usually the one that does things like that.
I like it!
-Alan
I'm glad to see this conclusion :) Sheep have a way of running in many different directions and priorities. We do need a Shepherd in the Church. But having a congregation that reads the Bible and prays individually, and is able to help others in need is the ideal model of a Church. The Pastor isn't the only one working or making decisions after the service.
Karen,
Thanks for commenting.
Here's a question for you: Why do you think elders/pastors are always mentioned in the plural in the bible, but today's churches so often have only one?
That's a good question- made me do a little digging in the Bible. My first thought is that in most Churches the Pastor is paid a salary today. Smaller Churches simply can't afford more than one Pastor. Where in the New Testament, the apostles were tent makers and didn't want to be a burden to others. They earned their own salary. The elders truly aren't acknowledged today like in the Bible. To me that seems sad- someone who has walked with the Lord for many years is a great blessing and has some wisdom that shouldn't be wasted. My Church has several Pastors- youth, evangelism, main Pastor... We have elders but they don't seem to speak much. Wonder what we're missing out on? To be honest, I'm not even sure what the criteria is to be an elder in our Church. Some Churches name an elder by years of attendance.
Karen,
Back in the bible the role of elder was the same as overseer and pastor. If they are separated, the distinction is simply a man-made one, not a biblical one.
You are right that in the early church the elders/pastors did not receive salaries. Therefore, it was no problem for churches to have multiple elders. Once the unbiblical practice of paying elders/pastors salaries crept into the church, then it made it very difficult on small churches.
Whenever unbiblical practices, which are always based on man's "wisdom," are introduced into church life, problems will arise.
That's why we do best when we strive to follow the biblical model.
Thanks for pointing that out! I haven't payed as much attention to the make-up of the Church when I study the Bible as I should. Probably because I'm a servant and go to Church to worship rather than lead :) You do make a good point about following the Biblical practices. I've always seen them as people who collect tithes and offerings. Very interesting :) Our Church plays loud contemporary music- we have some elderly people but probably not as many as the more conservative Churches. These are the folks who have great stories to share and seem silent these days. Thanks for sharing this. And of course, the Church isn't yet perfected in Christ.
Karen,
The most exciting thing that I've read in the last few days was when I read what you wrote: "That's a good question- made me do a little digging in the Bible."
I hope keep digging, especially when it comes to the church. I think you will be surprised at what you find, especially as a servant not a leader.
If I can make one suggestion, start your next study with this statement: "[I] go to Church to worship."
-Alan
Thanks for the encouragement Alan! I love digging into the Bible. Here's my blog Hope Faith & Life. I've been blogging from my quiet times. I keep thinking I want to study Ephesians again next, I'm studying the Psalms now. I will pay more attention to what it says about the Church. "I go to Church to worship." As a servant the Lord leads me to the most interesting ministries. When I worked in an office I walked with a friend during lunch and would share Bible verses. She accepted Christ and joined a good Church. Now that I'm working at home I joined a prayer forum, we actually get to see God's miracles sometimes :) When I'm at Church, I try to watch for people in need and the Lord has sat me next to some interesting folks. God's amazing isn't He? He can use anybody when we worship Him.
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