In the world of modern churches, there are so many different kinds of pastors that it is hard to know when to start or how to think. Pastors are encouraged to think of themselves as special people, as "men of God," as worthy of honor, as deserving to have other people submit to them.
Yet, scripture seems to present a very different picture. Scripture speaks of shepherds (which is what the old Anglo-Saxon term "pastor" means), and shepherds are not proud men, but are servants of the needs of the flock.
Scripture does not call pastors "men of God," but says that we are all equally the sons of God (men and women) and equally "men of God." The plumber who serves God is as much a "man of God" as the pastor who serves God.
Scripture does not grant pastors the power to dictate to people, but the duty to serve people.
Yet, we find ourselves in a situation where "pastors" demand what they ought to earn, the right to be heard, the right to be honored. Those who "rule well" are entitled to double honor, but how many rule well? Those who "work hard" at preaching and teaching are to be specially honored, but how many work hard at preaching and teaching? If they teach only 2 or 3 times a week, on a full-time salary, this seems to be something less than "working hard."
In reality, men are empowered by God (not by themselves) to serve as elders, as pastors, as shepherds, as overseers. They are not special, but their God is special, and all glory is due Him, not them. They are to be humble men, servant-minded, not pugnacious, kind, gentle, not soon angry, not violent or emotional when challenged.
How did we forget these simple truths?
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Yet, scripture seems to present a very different picture. Scripture speaks of shepherds (which is what the old Anglo-Saxon term "pastor" means), and shepherds are not proud men, but are servants of the needs of the flock.
Scripture does not call pastors "men of God," but says that we are all equally the sons of God (men and women) and equally "men of God." The plumber who serves God is as much a "man of God" as the pastor who serves God.
Scripture does not grant pastors the power to dictate to people, but the duty to serve people.
Yet, we find ourselves in a situation where "pastors" demand what they ought to earn, the right to be heard, the right to be honored. Those who "rule well" are entitled to double honor, but how many rule well? Those who "work hard" at preaching and teaching are to be specially honored, but how many work hard at preaching and teaching? If they teach only 2 or 3 times a week, on a full-time salary, this seems to be something less than "working hard."
In reality, men are empowered by God (not by themselves) to serve as elders, as pastors, as shepherds, as overseers. They are not special, but their God is special, and all glory is due Him, not them. They are to be humble men, servant-minded, not pugnacious, kind, gentle, not soon angry, not violent or emotional when challenged.
How did we forget these simple truths?
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."