Biblically Speaking: What are Pastors?

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:11-13)

In our modern Church context, the role of the Pastor is central to every local assembly. In fact, in many cases, the Pastor is actually expected to be the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, and Teacher for the whole local church, when in fact, biblically, it is clearly separate from these roles, and has a very specific function.

The word for “pastor” comes from the Latin term “pastorem”, which means “to shepherd.” The word is actually only used once in the entire Bible, and that is only in the description of the five-fold ministries of Eph 4. However, the concept of “shepherding” is much more common throughout the Bible, and so we will look at what the term means for God’s Church.

As with all of the aspects of the five-fold ministries that we have examined so far, Jesus is our prime example of this gift, just as He is the perfect example of an Apostle, Prophet, and Evangelist. Jesus is the greatest Pastor of all, calling Himself “The Good Shepherd.” (Jn 10:11:16). Just as a pastor is the head of a local church, ultimately every pastor is submitted to Jesus, who shepherds the entire church at large (Col 1:18). As the Good Shepherd, Jesus watches over His sheep, leading them, caring for them, feeding them, and protecting them. His role is mirrored by the earthly ministers who are called to these tasks.

Biblically, and in our modern churches, pastors are leaders and overseers of a local assembly. It seems, within New Testament context, that the biblical “elders” and “overseers” were considered pastors, instructed by Scripture to “shepherd” believers within a designated community of Christians (Ac 20:28; 1Pe 5:2). Jesus Himself is referred to as the “Shepherd and Overseer” of our souls (1Pe 2:25), which may confirm the idea that “overseers” and “shepherds” (pastors) are referring to the same role. As well, passages such as 1Pe 5:1-4 and Titus 1:5-9 use the terms “elder” and “overseer” interchangeably, indicating that they too are the same role.

So then, it appears that the biblical terms of “pastors”, “overseers”, and “elders” are all describing the same single office. They were mature believers who were appointed to lead (or join a team of leaders) the local assemblies (Ac 14:23; Tit 1:5), and were responsible for caring for God’s people (1Ti 3:5).

By examining the requirements and instructions placed on elders and overseers, we can learn much about what a biblical “pastor” is. As well, by reading through Paul’s “Pastoral Letters” to Timothy and Titus, we can add to our understanding, as we study the teaching that Paul gave to these local pastors to help them in their ministries.

First of all, just to reiterate the basic definition, pastors are shepherds of God’s flock. Evangelists lead people to Jesus; Apostles lay foundations, build, and establish new things; Prophets hear what God is saying to His Church and share it - and Pastors nurture and care for the sheep. There are believers that are placed under a pastor’s watch that he/she is responsible for (1Pe 5:2). With the LORD as the best example of a Shepherd for us (Ps 23; Jn 10), we can deduce that pastors will lead God’s flock (Ps 23:2), feed God’s people (ibid), guide them through life (v.3), protect them (v.4), and be so committed to loving and caring for their own that they lay down their lives for the sake of those under their care (Jn 10:11).

Pastors set an example for God’s people (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3). As the most visible members of the church, and the ones sitting in leadership over it, pastors are observed by everyone in the church, and so must live in such a way that others can view them and be inspired by the godliness and faith that is being modeled for them. Paul’s charge to the pastor Timothy was to set an example for his flock “in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1Ti 4:12).

Pastors are required to “be above reproach” (1Ti 3:2) and “blameless” (Tit 1:6). Scripture actually lists some very specific character requirements for pastors, including that they be the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, not overbearing, not pursuing dishonest gain, that they are lovers of what is good, and that they are upright, holy and disciplined. (1Ti 3:2-6; Tit 1:6-8). While no one is perfect, and while this is obviously setting a high standard, this makes it very important that a person actually be called by God to the ministry of pastoring, and not just take it on by their own will. If one is called, there will be grace to live up to biblical expectations. If not, it will be impossible, and that will lead to nothing good!

Pastors are called to “correct, rebuke and encourage” the church —“with great patience and careful instruction.” (2Ti 4:2). Through good teaching and sound instruction (1Ti 4:11), a pastor feeds the sheep from the bread of God’s Word, and at times, corrects behaviour that is sinful and out of line with Scripture (2Ti 4:3; Tit 2:1). Ultimately, encouragement will be a part of every pastor’s ministry (Tit 1:9; 2:15), as they build up the Body of Christ and assist each believer in their walk with Jesus.

Like a good shepherd, pastors protect the sheep. Paul warned the pastors at Ephesus that after he left, “savage wolves” would come in among them (Ac 20:29). Pastors fight to keep the wolves away, whether those “wolves” are manifested as unscriptural doctrine (1Ti 4:1-6), false prophets and teachers (1:3-7;4:2-3), or sinful behaviour (2Ti 3:1-5). A good pastor is not afraid to stand up boldly for truth, to call what is false “false”, and to point out sin for what it is. These are the actions of a loving, caring shepherd who wants to see that the sheep are kept from harm.

Pastors can be teachers of the Word (1Ti 3:2; 4:13). In our modern context, most pastors are expected to be teachers to some degree. Whether through sermons, bible studies, or even just sharing a verse of encouragement with a person in need, pastors know that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2Ti 3:16). The Word of God is the ultimate tool and the ultimate authority for pastors to use with their people.

However, it is important to note that Scripture says that “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1Ti 5:17) The wording of this passage indicates that there will also be elders whose work is NOT preaching and teaching. Not all pastors are gifted teachers; some have great concern for the flock and are more drawn towards the personal “care” side of pastoring, rather than the teaching side. Regardless, every pastor will have a strong knowledge of the Bible and use it to lead them in their ministry, whether they are public teachers or not.

Pastors are supervisors of the administration of church business (1Tim 5:3-16). Deacons are given to assist leaders in this task (Ac 6:1-4), but as overseers of the church as a whole, pastors will be involved in managing the practical affairs of an assembly.

Pastors are called to the ministry of training and releasing others under their care (2Ti 2:2; Tit 1:5). Paul specifically tells Timothy not to do it all on his own, saying that “the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2Ti 2:2). It just makes sense, really; one believer can accomplish much, but a hundred equipped and anointed believers can accomplish much, much more. A good pastor sees the potential in the people under his care and knows how to equip and release them into their God-ordained purpose.

Pastors are called to be gentle (1Ti 3:3; 6:11; 2Ti 2:25). A shepherd who walks into a flock of sheep and is overly bold, sudden, or harsh, will find that the sheep scatter and stay away. Scripture commands pastors to be gentle, as the Good Shepherd is gentle with us. The sheep will follow one who they trust, and in order to properly care for them, a shepherd must be able to get close to them. Gentleness will allow these things to happen.

It is important to recognize the “noble task” of pastoring (1Ti 3:1), while at the same time understanding the great responsibilities that it entails. True shepherds will share the heart of the Good Shepherd, who loved His sheep so much that He died for them. Jesus did not come seeking title or prestige; He came, not to be served, but rather to serve others Himself (Mt 20:28), and to lay down His life for His flock (Jn 10:15). True pastors will walk in the same manner; they are here to serve, and to sacrifice of themselves for their flocks’ sake. In so doing, the sheep under their watch will be built up, fed, cared for, protected, and edified in their relationship with Jesus.

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