(A question related to the sermon preached on Feb. 8):
I have a question. What is wrong with using the word Pastor? It is a well-known word that most people can identify. It is one of the callings that God has for "some" people according to Ephesians 4:11. The key word is "some." All people are not called to be Pastors. It is a high calling. Pastors have a lot of responsibility (see Hebrews 13:17).
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We don't think it's wrong to refer to church staff as pastors (and we don't stand in judgement of anyone who does), but we did try to explain why we refer to our full-time staff people as ministers. The reason is that in the Bible the term "pastor" (as it relates to an official position in the church) refers to elders not ministers. Some ministers (Dave for example) are also pastors (elders). But if we hired a 19 year old guy to work with 6th graders, he wouldn't fit the Biblical definition of pastor/elder. He also wouldn't be equipped to shepherd the flock (although he might one day fit that description.)
ReplyDeleteWe were speaking of the position of pastor/elder, but we recognize that many people will be pastors (people who shepherd and provide guidance for others) without having an official title. The Hebrews 13:17 text uses the Greek word for "leaders" which may apply to ministers and elders. The word "pastors" in Ephesians 4:11 is actually the same form of the word translated "shepherds" in I Peter 5:2. Hope this helps. Again, we weren't trying to make a huge deal about which words we choose to describe our staff, but we did want to explain why we do choose the terms we use.
Thanks a lot for being part of the dialogue.
(Brian & Dave)
I agree that a Pastor is different than a Minister. Every Christian should be a minister, ministering to others, on their job, in their family, etc. But every Christian is not called to be a Pastor. I believe a Pastor is a special calling of God, just like a Missionary. Yes, Pastors are Shepherds, but the word Pastor is commonly used in our language. It would be strange to hear someone say Shepherd Brian, but not strange at all to hear someone say Pastor Brian. Thanks and God bless.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Speaking of words, do you think there is a difference between a Preacher and a Pastor?
Thanks for the comments, Randall.
ReplyDeleteWe do agree that being a pastor is a special calling. One that God gifts certain people to do.
Biblically there is a difference between preacher and pastor, but the way most people use the terms there is not. We certainly aren't offended when people call us pastors. No big deal.
In the Bible, the term "Pastor" refers to Elders but not necessarily "Preachers" or "Ministers." However, many times these titles overlap (a preacher who is also an elder).
And you are right, "Shepherd Brian" sounds pretty strange. Have a great day!
(Dave & Brian)