Basic Baptist Doctrine

Bethel MBC; Lesson 18; 6/17/08

From a lesson by Elder Kent Welch

Taught 2/7/02

Pastors

The term “pastor” or “pastors” appear a combined 8 times in the Bible.  All but one of these instances occur in the book of Jeremiah, which is interesting as we associate pastors with the Lord’s church.  The Lord’s church, of course, was not in existence in the days of Jeremiah.  The only New Testament use of the word “pastor(s)” is found in Ephesians 4:11. We will discuss tonight the office, qualifications, duties and responsibilities of pastors as we relate to the office within the New Testament church.

Ephesians 4:11

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”

I. Definitions

The primary meanings of the Greek word translated “pastor” are:

1. to pasture, tend, graze, feed, shepherd

2. to associate with, be a friend of

3. to be a special friend

One Bible Encyclopedia defines the pastor as, “literally, a helper, or feeder of the sheep”.

II. Qualifications

I Timothy 3:1-7

1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;  3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;  4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)  6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.  7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1. Blameless

This does not infer a pastor must be perfect or without sin.  He is, after all, just a man.  However, it DOES mean that he must be blameless or “without reproach” before the eyes of the world and his congregation.

2. Husband of One Wife

 This has been the subject of many heated discussions, but I feel that it remains rather simple in explanation.  It states that in order for a man to be QUALIFIED to be a pastor, he must be the husband of one wife, not at a time, but period.  Any man that God calls to preach may (must) do so, although he may not be qualified to be ordained as a pastor.  If a man’s wife is deceased, that man is no longer bound to that marriage and thus is NOT in error or danger of disqualification if he remarries.  The disqualification from being a pastor comes from having more than one living wife (ex-wife). 

3. Vigilant

John Gill’s commentary states the following:  “vigilant; or wakeful and watchful, who is diligent in his business, and attends to his care and charge; is watchful over himself, his words, and actions.”

4. Sober and of Good Behavior

A pastor must be sober, or moderate in all things, physically as well as spiritually.  He must act in accordance with the dignity of the office he holds.

5. Given to hospitality

Provides for the needs of all…strangers, church members, sinner s and friends alike must be welcomed in his presence.  “Given” refers to being prone or likely to exhibit this characteristic.

6. Apt to teach

This speaks towards being willing AND able to teach.  A pastor must be responsible for teaching the Word of God correctly as the Lord reveals it to him.  Some are all too willing while they are, at the same time, unable or poorly equipped in the work.  Others are very able, but seemingly are unwilling.

7. Not given to wine

A pastor should not be “given” or dependent upon wine or alcohol.  Remember that in the days of the Bible writers wine was routinely utilized for its medicinal properties.  However, virtually all Church Covenants imply the practice of abstinence from alcohol by all members.  Therefore, in order to remain blameless, a pastor should (in today’s society) remain a “tee-totaller” and refrain from any and all uses of alcohol. 

8. No Striker

Not referencing physical violence, but rather a lashing or striking out verbally.  His composure should remain in check at all times, especially in times of stress and hardship.  It is during these times that his leadership may be leaned upon most heavily.  A pastor should be as meek as was the “Good Shepherd”, our Lord.

9. Not Guilty of Filthy Lucre

A man serving as a pastor should not be greedy or covetous.  Past scandals pertaining to tele-evangelists have clearly illustrated the dangers and temptations presented to men which allow themselves to be tempted by such.  A man who preaches for monetary profit is serving the wrong master.

10. Patient

A pastor must be exemplary in enduring troubles and trials without complaint.

11. Not a Brawler

Being called to a pastorate surely means an end to any street fighter’s career.  It should be plain that fighting, whether it be physical, verbal or emotional has no place in the life of a pastor.  This particular qualification refers mostly to the physical type of conflict.

12. Not Covetous

A pastor must not be guilty of wanting what he does not have or hoping for more of something he does possess.  Many a person has been destroyed by wishing for the unattainable.  A pastor must provide living proof that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

13. One that ruleth well his own house

A pastor’s home, marriage, and children should be on display for the flock to see.  The pastor’s family should not be held to a standard of perfection any more than the pastor himself, but the pastor’s entire life must be translucent to those he serves.  Sadly, there are many a joke pertaining to “preacher’s kids”.  A person’s children give the most honest insight into how a man lives in the privacy of his own home.  If a man talks and preaches one way, but his family are completely different….that is clear evidence of hypocrisy.

14. Not a Novice

Pastors require a certain degree of wisdom and experience.  Young men, either in natural life or Christian life, are more at danger of failure when placed into the role of the pastor prematurely.  We are instructed in the Bible to “lay hands on no man suddenly.”  The reason for this is that they might avoid falling into the condemnation of the devil.  What is the condemnation of the devil?  PRIDE.  There is no surer way to ruin a young preacher than to tell him repeatedly how great he is!  Elder H. C. Vanderpool once said, “Don’t be concerned when no one is patting you on the back.  Get concerned when everyone is!!”

15. A good report of them which are without

Accusations can be extremely harmful, whether they are true or not.  It is essential that a pastor be free from even the hint of wrongdoing.  His reputation should be above reproach to those in the community and influence of the church.  If a pastor becomes a determent or embarrassment to the church due to his behavior or reputation outside of church, he should be asked to step down as being unqualified.

III. Duties and Responsibilities

a. Pastor to the church

                - He is to feed, watch over, counsel and love the flock

Acts 20:27

27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

A pastor is responsible to reveal the unpleasant as well as the pleasant.  If we find ourselves with preachers that only share pleasant things with us, they are not giving the whole counsel of God. 

b. Church to the pastor

            - Continual prayer on his behalf; for his own life, his preaching, his relationship with the Lord, his family…..a spiritually prosperous pastor will yield a spiritually prosperous church!

            - Financial support 

            I Corinthians 9:14

            14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.