It’s been a while, but I’m BACK!!! I have so many exciting topics I want to talk about these next few weeks. It’s funny how God inspires us through those around us, which is why it is important to be surrounded by the right people.
Lately, I’ve been interested in understanding more about the titles used within the body of Christ. This interest grew even more after a Bible study we had in church on gifts and talents.
So what better way to start off by exploring the title of a Pastor?
This title is so easily used, I don’t even know if most of us know what it really means. Sometimes I feel one doesn’t have to do much to be called one, and yet it holds so much weight.
What/who is a pastor?
Purely looking into its terminology, the word comes from ‘Pascere,’ which is Latin for: to lead to pasture, set to grazing, cause to eat. Obviously, this refers to a shepherd because who else leads to eat/graze?
In Hebrew, the word רעה (roʿeh) is used as a noun, also referring to Shepherd.
We can find the first reference in the Bible in Genesis 4:2, where Abel is introduced as a keeper of sheep.
The Bible doesn’t really differentiate shepherd and pastor from each other.
Now the next question is: who/what is a shepherd?
A shepherd is someone who takes care of a flock of sheep. He guards, leads, feeds and herds them, just like how Jesus Christ would.
Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Now it is important to recognize that Pastors are not above the sheep because in their own way they’re also sheep.
Just like us, they can be disobedient, led astray and miss the way. They do not OWN us as we belong to our Father in heaven.
In John 21:15-19, we can see Jesus giving the command to feed HIS sheep.
So how does one become a pastor/shepherd?
On a surface level, you’d think anyone with a following can be classified as a pastor, right? But looking closer into the biblical definition of the word, there’s a lot more to this title/job.
In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, we can find the qualifications needed to be worthy of such a position.
- Above reproach
- The husband of one wife
- Sober-minded
- Self-controlled
- Respectable
- Hospitable
- Able to teach
- Not a drunkard
- Not violent but gentle
- Not quarrelsome
- Not a lover of money
- He must manage his own household well
- Keeping his children submissive
- He must not be a recent convert
- Must be well thought of by outsiders
As you can see, most of these qualifications are required from all believers, but Shepherds are held to a higher standard. This is simply because sheep are gullible, so it’s important to be led by the right person; otherwise, they might all end up in a ditch somewhere.
Being a pastor in its true core is actually nothing to fear; in a way, we should all strive to be one because it requires a certain level of spiritual maturity that is admirable.
So why do people make it their personality? Why are people in a hurry to bear the title without putting in the work? Why has the position been abused?
This abuse happens in both ways!
It’s very ironic that Jesus calls us His sheep because, let’s be honest, we aren’t very sheep-like.
Humans:
- Opinionated
- Stubborn
- Independent and want autonomy
- Question everything
- Hold grudges
- Manipulative
- Greedy
- …..
I can keep going to be honest, which is why I’m genuinely curious to how God sees us. Sheep are gentle, need to stay together in order to be safe from prey, and they naturally have a leader which they follow.
Yet the few good shepherds we have out here are being stressed by the very same sheep they’re supposed to look after. Some will even deliberately want to ruin their shepherds.
It’s a very interesting dynamic; something meant to be so simple and straightforward has become controversial.
Pastors are meant to be respected but not Idolized!
The flock is meant to be taken care of and taught, not exploited.
We need to go back to the Scripture and learn the true intentions of God every step of the way.
Before you submit yourself to anyone; look at their lifestyle, maturity….the Bible says by their fruits you shall know them. You can’t enter a basket with rotten fruits and expect to remain clean.
And when you do find a true leader, who loves God and wants to serve the children of God, don’t make His job more difficult! Be obedient but discerning (because they are humans as well and cannot be perfect).
Stay Blessed x
