SERIES 1 OF 3 Others are lame. Each of us has turned to his own way. We see that in the specific commissioning of Peter. Don’t presume that your natural inclination for the relationship between the congregation and the pastor is correct. God’s Word tells the pastor to take responsibility for the shepherding care of the congregation—as one who is accountable before God. For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. Likewise, under-shepherds must know that they are under authority, and only then can they do good to the people. Jesus says, “Follow me.”. Then we hear God say, “Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. He preaches 20 minutes … Jesus says, “I am the one who will go out and gather the scattered sheep.” Jesus has compassion on the people because they are like sheep without a shepherd. Another means of protecting the flock that we often don’t realize is prayer. Now right away, people think, that sounds like a potential for abuse of authority. Who is like David who will be Israel’s shepherd-King? “The Central Role of the Pastor !” 1 Timothy 3:1-7. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward." endobj
One day the church will arrive at her destination. Then he presents 3 responsibilities of the congregation: 1) Be a disciple. If you ask, why are there so many fights between the congregation and pastor, Why are there pastors who demand too much, who neglect their responsibility, and why are their congregations who won’t follow good pastors and want bad pastors? God is the good shepherd. Let’s see how pastors do the work of a shepherd. God says that the one who desires to the office of an overseer desires a good thing. They are scattered. Before Jesus leaves the earth, He says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Pastors assumed a greater role in maintaining the organizational life of the congregation, or put more crassly, "running a church"—recruiting, motivating, administering programs. If someone is sick, the health center or hospital is the best place to seek medical attention. <>
Some might say, why do we need a pastor to spend time in prayer, can’t he actually do something. I don’t know whether that is an insult or a compliment. This teaches us that the church has an authority structure. Mike Christ is the pastor of Greenbelt Baptist Church in Greenbelt, Maryland. These people have been butchers, not shepherds. What people need most is not the pastor’s wit, or wisdom, or skill, or even his compassion, but Christ. endobj
Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 that prayer does do something. When Jesus arrives on the scene, it’s like the sheep have been ravaged by a pack of wolves. At the end of the day, even if you disagree with the shepherd (which no doubt, at some point, you will), you want a pastor who works for God. They see it as their job to feed themselves from the sheep, not feed the sheep. He replied, "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”. The answer is because there is not submission to Christ. *T��-�2D�9�. What does Jesus do with His authority? The title of my message today is “The Shepherd: The Biblical role of the Pastor”. In this expository message Dr. Felker presents the primary roles of a pastor, with special focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. Without proper authority, the church is in disorder. Otherwise, you don’t have someone who is feeding you, you have someone who is feeding off you. By Craig Bluemel . “Ah shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! @�9��Op��#���d�q����?߿�@T82�02yV'u��E�ˢ���(�"��HgC}�.����J%��p��`(h��=�X��-+�"����J�/�v���cKP�� K÷�E Vz� ђ�'�(r�t�f%F�R�i�m��{V�$�? The reason behind God telling people about this greater accountability He will demand of pastors is to say, trust them to let them lead you. As a pastor, you provide spiritual leadership to members of a church. Often churche… Paul models this in Acts 20, “You know …how I did not shrink form declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in Christ.”. Now how do we apply this? He concludes with a discussion of what should and should not motivate a pastor to serve well. Your duties include preparing weekly sermons, preaching and conducting worship services. The point I want to leave you with is not shepherds in the church, but I want to lived our eyes to something higher. Follow a shepherd who has a high view of the authority of Scripture, who sees himself bound to Scripture, and who submits to Christ. The apostles say, “We must give ourselves to prayer and the preaching of the Word.” Therefore, I understand prayer is one of the two primary things a pastor ought to do. 1. The pastor’s first aim must be to please God. Unfortunately, some of these, though perhaps well-intentioned, are unbiblical. Let’s look at what the Bible says is the check on that authority. Since the days of John Calvin, church government has consisted of the pastor and the elders, who are elected representatives of the congregation. Under-shepherds need to know the truth so they can oppose false teaching. Sometimes he will correct them. Primarily, they feed them the word. They are scared. God has told the congregation to follow good shepherds. Sermon Series: The Role of the Pastor by Jim Perdue. This is a great offense to Him. These all function with the title of pastors in the role of elders. Therefore, one of the main duties of a pastor is to consistently pray and ask Christ that he accompany his people. This scriptural requirement has doubtlessly over the … And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”. Here are his words giving a brief overview of the series: I have been told on occasion you don’t look like a preacher. The Role of the Assisting Pastor (Exodus 18:13-27). %PDF-1.5
Israel’s history is replete with example after example of wicked shepherds who were quick to sacrifice the people to advance themselves. Sadly today many churches are in disorder. endobj
Actually, pastors did this for many centuries. Prayer is how we put on the defensive armor of God so that we can stand against the evil one. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Peter is responsible for the sheep. As the congregation realizes that they are under authority, it helps the congregation to follow. The wicked shepherds sacrificed the sheep for the sake of themselves. Please pray that God would raise up more shepherds in our congregation. So, Friends, whether you are aspiring to the office of the pastor (which Paul says is a good thing, and I want people to do), or if you hold the office of a member, the most important thing you can do for the welfare of the church is to be one who is faithfully following Christ. I once invited someone to go to a church, and this is what he said: “I won’t go to that church, there is too much drama, and I don’t like drama.”. He lay down His life to receive the wrath that they deserve. Instead, they may have individuals in the congregation perform the duties. The relationship between the pastor and congregation only works if both are submitted to Christ. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Do you want a boss at work who basically things he is god, and he can get away with whatever he wants. Thank you). Finally, pray that God would raise up more shepherds. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. That’s when they get into trouble. ����J���Ţ����g��w���e��K�V9S2X^�Z�Y�\Ҕ���J��|pӁiZ%�V.��f_�e�h`��u�=�gpH����� ޡ�B���eOq�x��t�K_W����ݙ$�9�@D2Z5��2�����h ���|B���\6gU=ԣP���S�*LR���o�
n)��f�G����8'/eC)}? Many people are confused about who even qualifies to be a pastor according to the Bible. THE ROLE OF PREACHING IN CHURCH GROWTH - Centering on the preaching of Dong-Won Lee of Global Mission Church - In Hwan Kim Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008 Mentor: Dr. H. David Chung The purpose of this dissertation is to illuminate the role of biblical preaching in I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Therefore, God says, “Behold I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hands, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. Is it positive, full of faith, and risk … We deserve His wrath. I have been told on occasion you don’t look like a preacher. Studies have shown that after a few years about 80% of ordained pastors drop out of the ministry. This is a privilege for me again to be at a Moody Pastors’ Conference. Paul tells Titus to appoint elders and set the church in order, and I think those two are related. 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