I addressed the subject of pastor/parish relations (found in the previous post). In the comments that follow I will mention some of the thoughts I shared during evening study. I hope this study ministers to you. I have divided the comments into three parts. #1 elaborates on the models of pastoral ministry. #2 comments on the passages. #3 is a call to action.
PART #1
MODELS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY...
A pastor fills many roles in the life of a his congregation. He organizes and leads his people in the performance of their service to God. Here are a few models of the Pastoral Ministry.
As a COACH he positions his believers according to their gifts, calling and abilities; he teaches them how to serve the body and reach the world.
As a TRAINER he tells believers how to improve their performance through practice and preparation.
As a CHEERLEADER he not only motivates the player, but also builds mutual support with others.
As a GUIDE he leads people away from spiritual and relational dangers; he helps them through difficult and new experiences; he helps them reach the promised land of victory and heaven.
As a SHEPHERD he leads, feeds, protects the flock. The flock does not lead the shepherd.
As a COUNSELOR he imparts knowledge of the word and wisdom for living the Christian life.
As an ENCOURAGER he helps people focus on the power and purpose of God rather than the obstacles and failures.
As a STANDARD BEARER he leads others in the way of Christ-likeness, leading to victory in spiritual battle.
As a TRUMPETER he sounds the signal to attack, retreat and regroup believers.,
As a DIETITIAN he advises against things that impair spiritual health and success and advises believers concerning things that will help them grow.
As a TAILOR he instructs believers in the spiritual attire they should put on and put aside.
As a DOCTOR he evaluates the spiritual health of believers and prescribes the spiritual therapy and medicine they need.
As an MUSIC CONDUCTOR he co-ordinates the lives, ministries and talents of believers into a concert of praise and service to God.
As an OUTFITTER he equips believers for their spiritual journey and adventure.
As a MENDER he repairs broken or strained relationships, dreams, attitudes.
As a LIGHT BEARER he informs and instructs believers in their walk with God.
As an ADMINISTRATOR he organizes and manages the work of the church.
As a CONFIDANT he hears the secrets of people and shares their burdens.
As a WATCHMAN he keeps watch over the church at large and believers individually.
Many of these models carry authority with them. Not only is the pastor given authority to lead (rule) in the lives of his people, his people are expected to follow and even obey this God given authority.
This authority is not inherent to the man in the office, nor is it independent of God. The pastor serves God and others with this authority, therefore it is to be exercised in godliness, selfless love and wisdom.
The believer must always have a clear understanding of the Divine source of the pastors authority. When the authority is not Biblical it is not legitimate.
PART #2
PASSAGES and COMMENTS...
Hebrews 13:17
(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
DLG notes...
Obey or follow pastors (elders, overseers, bishops, shepherds, presbyters) whom God has endowed with authority. Notice the word, “SUBMIT.” While there is a BODY LIFE SUBMISSION for all believers, there is also a PARISHIONER SUBMISSION to pastors. Pastors not only watch for your soul, they will give account for the way they have led you. God requires believers to cooperate with pastors, otherwise they will suffer for their resistance.
Acts 20:28
(28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
DLG notes...
It is God Who has given the elders authority over the local church. Elders, pastors are under Divine commission to watch over themselves and their people.
1 Corinthians 16:15-16
(15) I beseech you, brethren, ye (know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
(16) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helps with us, and labors.
DLG notes...
Believers should submit to those who are devoted, addicted, committed to serving them.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
(12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
DLG notes...
Believers are to be knowledgeable concerning the beliefs and lives of those who lead them. Notice, pastors are over or lead or rule believers, “IN THE LORD,” and they give instruction to those believers. Believers should honor the pastor. Pastors must not abuse their position of authority and believers must not refuse their authority in the Lord. There should be no interpersonal conflicts over authority. Pastors have authority, but they do not have power to force their authority. They have the right to manage the church, but they do not have the right to control the private lives of people. If people will not submit to pastoral authority, they give up their place in the local body.
1 Timothy 5:17
(17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
DLG notes...
The DOUBLE HONOR is in reference to financial support for the pastor, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LABOR IN THE WORD AND IN DOCTRINE (TEACHING).
This same idea is seen in Galatians.
Galatians 6:6-10.
(6) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.
(7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
(8) For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
DLG notes...
VERSE 6, the word, “communicate” refers to financial support. Those who labor, who live their lives in the ministry of teaching (pastor/teacher Ep. 4:11) should be supported in his calling. God illustrated this by saying that the ox who treads the seed should not be muzzled and the laborer is worthy of his hire (De. 25:4; 1 Co. 9:9; 1 Tm. 5:18).
VERSE 7 we are told we will reap what we sow. This is in applies to our material wealth.
VERSE 8 we are told that sowing our material wealth to the flesh will return to us as corruption and sowing our material wealth to the Spirit (supporting the ministry of the word) will produce eternal life. The eternal life it produces is not our own, since salvation is the gift of God. When our material wealth is sown to the Holy Spirit's work of evangelist, pastor/teacher, it produces eternal life in other people.
VERSE 9 encourages believers to be faithful through the difficult times; the return is not always seen in this present time.
VERSE 10 tells us to help other people with their material needs, especially believers in need.
1 Peter 5:1-5
(1) The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
(2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
(3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
(4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
(5) Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
DLG notes...
Here is a short list of responsibilities placed upon pastors.
VERSE 1... This is addressed to elders, pastors.
VERSE 2... We are to feed (teach) the flock of God, which He has assigned to our keeping. Do not forget, authority (leadership) is a service rendered to God and others, it is not for the purpose of serving self.
VERSE 2... We are to take authority (leadership) of the church, not begrudgingly or out of obligation, but from a heart of service and love. We should not lead for the love of money or material gain, but for the good of those we serve. We should be eager in our service.
VERSE 3... We are to lead by example not by force.
VERSE 5... Young people are also expected to yield or submit to their elders in the Lord. Ultimately, the whole church is to have a spirit of submission rather than mastery (Ep. 5:21).
Hebrews 13:7
(7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
DLG notes...
Again, God calls on believers to give material support to those who lead, rule over them, especially those who teach the word. Also, believers should follow the example of faith seen in godly leaders.
PART #3
CALL TO ACTION...
Point #1-
If you have a pastor who leads Biblically, but you do not follow, repent and obey God, your victory and the well being of your soul might hang in the balance. Remember what Paul said.
Colossians 1:28-29
(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(29) Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
Your pastor does not have to be perfect, however, he must meet Biblical standards (requirements). As long as he is Biblical in his personal life and in the performance of his calling, he should receive your confidence and support.
Point #2-
If you have a pastor that does not live or lead Biblically, find one who does, and follow him. This includes doctrinal issues. This could mean changing church leadership or changing churches.
This is not an excuse for people who are malcontent by nature or are the self appointed judges of pastors. This is a directive to the humble, sincere, servant of God, who has a pastor that is evidently not leading in a way that is consistent with the word of God.
A moral failure must be dealt with on one level, but this article addresses the leadership failure in the pastor. When he is not leading according to the Bible, the church can give the pastor a chance to change. If he will not change, then the church should change pastors. If the church will not change pastors, then you should change churches.
You must dedicate yourself, your family, your friends, your money, your time, your energy, your abilities, to the work of your local church and the leading of the pastor. If it is not going in the right direction, you need to make the break and do the right thing yourself.
If it is not good enough for your money, it is not good enough for you, your family, your friends, your time, your energy, your abilities. If the church will not be Biblical, then you need a new church.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
(14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
(15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believes with an infidel?
(16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
(18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 7:1
(1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
ADDENDUM...
PART #1
MODELS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY...
A pastor fills many roles in the life of a his congregation. He organizes and leads his people in the performance of their service to God. Here are a few models of the Pastoral Ministry.
As a COACH he positions his believers according to their gifts, calling and abilities; he teaches them how to serve the body and reach the world.
As a TRAINER he tells believers how to improve their performance through practice and preparation.
As a CHEERLEADER he not only motivates the player, but also builds mutual support with others.
As a GUIDE he leads people away from spiritual and relational dangers; he helps them through difficult and new experiences; he helps them reach the promised land of victory and heaven.
As a SHEPHERD he leads, feeds, protects the flock. The flock does not lead the shepherd.
As a COUNSELOR he imparts knowledge of the word and wisdom for living the Christian life.
As an ENCOURAGER he helps people focus on the power and purpose of God rather than the obstacles and failures.
As a STANDARD BEARER he leads others in the way of Christ-likeness, leading to victory in spiritual battle.
As a TRUMPETER he sounds the signal to attack, retreat and regroup believers.,
As a DIETITIAN he advises against things that impair spiritual health and success and advises believers concerning things that will help them grow.
As a TAILOR he instructs believers in the spiritual attire they should put on and put aside.
As a DOCTOR he evaluates the spiritual health of believers and prescribes the spiritual therapy and medicine they need.
As an MUSIC CONDUCTOR he co-ordinates the lives, ministries and talents of believers into a concert of praise and service to God.
As an OUTFITTER he equips believers for their spiritual journey and adventure.
As a MENDER he repairs broken or strained relationships, dreams, attitudes.
As a LIGHT BEARER he informs and instructs believers in their walk with God.
As an ADMINISTRATOR he organizes and manages the work of the church.
As a CONFIDANT he hears the secrets of people and shares their burdens.
As a WATCHMAN he keeps watch over the church at large and believers individually.
Many of these models carry authority with them. Not only is the pastor given authority to lead (rule) in the lives of his people, his people are expected to follow and even obey this God given authority.
This authority is not inherent to the man in the office, nor is it independent of God. The pastor serves God and others with this authority, therefore it is to be exercised in godliness, selfless love and wisdom.
The believer must always have a clear understanding of the Divine source of the pastors authority. When the authority is not Biblical it is not legitimate.
PART #2
PASSAGES and COMMENTS...
Hebrews 13:17
(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
DLG notes...
Obey or follow pastors (elders, overseers, bishops, shepherds, presbyters) whom God has endowed with authority. Notice the word, “SUBMIT.” While there is a BODY LIFE SUBMISSION for all believers, there is also a PARISHIONER SUBMISSION to pastors. Pastors not only watch for your soul, they will give account for the way they have led you. God requires believers to cooperate with pastors, otherwise they will suffer for their resistance.
Acts 20:28
(28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
DLG notes...
It is God Who has given the elders authority over the local church. Elders, pastors are under Divine commission to watch over themselves and their people.
1 Corinthians 16:15-16
(15) I beseech you, brethren, ye (know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
(16) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helps with us, and labors.
DLG notes...
Believers should submit to those who are devoted, addicted, committed to serving them.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
(12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
DLG notes...
Believers are to be knowledgeable concerning the beliefs and lives of those who lead them. Notice, pastors are over or lead or rule believers, “IN THE LORD,” and they give instruction to those believers. Believers should honor the pastor. Pastors must not abuse their position of authority and believers must not refuse their authority in the Lord. There should be no interpersonal conflicts over authority. Pastors have authority, but they do not have power to force their authority. They have the right to manage the church, but they do not have the right to control the private lives of people. If people will not submit to pastoral authority, they give up their place in the local body.
1 Timothy 5:17
(17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
DLG notes...
The DOUBLE HONOR is in reference to financial support for the pastor, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LABOR IN THE WORD AND IN DOCTRINE (TEACHING).
This same idea is seen in Galatians.
Galatians 6:6-10.
(6) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.
(7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
(8) For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
DLG notes...
VERSE 6, the word, “communicate” refers to financial support. Those who labor, who live their lives in the ministry of teaching (pastor/teacher Ep. 4:11) should be supported in his calling. God illustrated this by saying that the ox who treads the seed should not be muzzled and the laborer is worthy of his hire (De. 25:4; 1 Co. 9:9; 1 Tm. 5:18).
VERSE 7 we are told we will reap what we sow. This is in applies to our material wealth.
VERSE 8 we are told that sowing our material wealth to the flesh will return to us as corruption and sowing our material wealth to the Spirit (supporting the ministry of the word) will produce eternal life. The eternal life it produces is not our own, since salvation is the gift of God. When our material wealth is sown to the Holy Spirit's work of evangelist, pastor/teacher, it produces eternal life in other people.
VERSE 9 encourages believers to be faithful through the difficult times; the return is not always seen in this present time.
VERSE 10 tells us to help other people with their material needs, especially believers in need.
1 Peter 5:1-5
(1) The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
(2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
(3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
(4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
(5) Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
DLG notes...
Here is a short list of responsibilities placed upon pastors.
VERSE 1... This is addressed to elders, pastors.
VERSE 2... We are to feed (teach) the flock of God, which He has assigned to our keeping. Do not forget, authority (leadership) is a service rendered to God and others, it is not for the purpose of serving self.
VERSE 2... We are to take authority (leadership) of the church, not begrudgingly or out of obligation, but from a heart of service and love. We should not lead for the love of money or material gain, but for the good of those we serve. We should be eager in our service.
VERSE 3... We are to lead by example not by force.
VERSE 5... Young people are also expected to yield or submit to their elders in the Lord. Ultimately, the whole church is to have a spirit of submission rather than mastery (Ep. 5:21).
Hebrews 13:7
(7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
DLG notes...
Again, God calls on believers to give material support to those who lead, rule over them, especially those who teach the word. Also, believers should follow the example of faith seen in godly leaders.
PART #3
CALL TO ACTION...
Point #1-
If you have a pastor who leads Biblically, but you do not follow, repent and obey God, your victory and the well being of your soul might hang in the balance. Remember what Paul said.
Colossians 1:28-29
(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(29) Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
Your pastor does not have to be perfect, however, he must meet Biblical standards (requirements). As long as he is Biblical in his personal life and in the performance of his calling, he should receive your confidence and support.
Point #2-
If you have a pastor that does not live or lead Biblically, find one who does, and follow him. This includes doctrinal issues. This could mean changing church leadership or changing churches.
This is not an excuse for people who are malcontent by nature or are the self appointed judges of pastors. This is a directive to the humble, sincere, servant of God, who has a pastor that is evidently not leading in a way that is consistent with the word of God.
A moral failure must be dealt with on one level, but this article addresses the leadership failure in the pastor. When he is not leading according to the Bible, the church can give the pastor a chance to change. If he will not change, then the church should change pastors. If the church will not change pastors, then you should change churches.
You must dedicate yourself, your family, your friends, your money, your time, your energy, your abilities, to the work of your local church and the leading of the pastor. If it is not going in the right direction, you need to make the break and do the right thing yourself.
If it is not good enough for your money, it is not good enough for you, your family, your friends, your time, your energy, your abilities. If the church will not be Biblical, then you need a new church.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
(14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
(15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believes with an infidel?
(16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
(18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 7:1
(1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
ADDENDUM...
(I added this at the end of the service)
FINDING AND MAINTAINING A SENSE OF GOD'S TRANSCENDENCE AND IMMANENCE WHEN WE GATHER.
Church architecture contributes to the sense of God's transcendence. The lofty spires point heavenward and stand above the surrounding institutions of life. The "Cathedral" ceilings were designed to give the sense of own finiteness and the greatness of God when we enter a grandiose sanctuary. The swelling tones of the pipe organ, filling the hall and reverberating off of the stone walls conveyed the idea of God's glory.
Small sanctuaries, storefronts, libraries and living rooms do not always lift us to such awe inspiring awareness. This is why we must come to service with a sense of WONDER, LOVE AND PRAISE within ourselves. We must prepare ourselves to come into the presence of the living God. We must realize we are not just "getting together" or meeting to fulfill an obligation. It is an opportunity to meet with the King of kings, the Lord of the universe. We must come prepared to worship in spirit and in truth, for God is looking for such people.
We should sense God's glory, greatness and transcendence when we gather together. However, transcendence without the sense of His immanence can distance us from Him and from one another. We can all enter the hall, and then wall ourselves off from one another through formality and liturgy. We need to come into His presence and know that He is with us and He hears us and He loves us.
True worship has a sense of His immanence. This is why I have always tried to break down the barriers of self absorption or separation between people at the beginning of a service. We have come together to worship/study corporately. If we have barriers between us, we will also have barriers between ourselves and God.
Opening ourselves up, breaking down the barriers should not lead us to a crass familiarity, but rather to a warm and loving encounter with God and His people.
We must come with open hands, to give of ourselves to God and open hearts to receive from Him.
The greatness of God is not in a structure, but in the temple of God, which is our bodies. We are the temple of God. He indwells us. When we come together we form the greater opportunity for God to reveal Himself.
FINDING AND MAINTAINING A SENSE OF GOD'S TRANSCENDENCE AND IMMANENCE WHEN WE GATHER.
Church architecture contributes to the sense of God's transcendence. The lofty spires point heavenward and stand above the surrounding institutions of life. The "Cathedral" ceilings were designed to give the sense of own finiteness and the greatness of God when we enter a grandiose sanctuary. The swelling tones of the pipe organ, filling the hall and reverberating off of the stone walls conveyed the idea of God's glory.
Small sanctuaries, storefronts, libraries and living rooms do not always lift us to such awe inspiring awareness. This is why we must come to service with a sense of WONDER, LOVE AND PRAISE within ourselves. We must prepare ourselves to come into the presence of the living God. We must realize we are not just "getting together" or meeting to fulfill an obligation. It is an opportunity to meet with the King of kings, the Lord of the universe. We must come prepared to worship in spirit and in truth, for God is looking for such people.
We should sense God's glory, greatness and transcendence when we gather together. However, transcendence without the sense of His immanence can distance us from Him and from one another. We can all enter the hall, and then wall ourselves off from one another through formality and liturgy. We need to come into His presence and know that He is with us and He hears us and He loves us.
True worship has a sense of His immanence. This is why I have always tried to break down the barriers of self absorption or separation between people at the beginning of a service. We have come together to worship/study corporately. If we have barriers between us, we will also have barriers between ourselves and God.
Opening ourselves up, breaking down the barriers should not lead us to a crass familiarity, but rather to a warm and loving encounter with God and His people.
We must come with open hands, to give of ourselves to God and open hearts to receive from Him.
The greatness of God is not in a structure, but in the temple of God, which is our bodies. We are the temple of God. He indwells us. When we come together we form the greater opportunity for God to reveal Himself.
