The Pastor: Terms and Tasks

A pastor is not over the elders. He is one among equals. He specializes in laboring in the word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Here we explore the terms and tasks of a pastor.

1. The terms that are used of the pastor

1a. The term elder - Titus 1:5
It is not a word that speaks of age
Rather it speaks of spiritual maturity
it is an Old Testament term (Numbers 11:16)

1b. The term bishop - Titus 1:7
A synonym of the word elder
1 Timothy 3:1-2 - a bishop must be blameless
It is a God-given burden to be a bishop or elder
Philippians 1:1 - bishops and deacons

1c. The term pastor
Ephesians 4:11 - pastors and teachers
The noun is used of Christ as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)
The verb is used of overseers who are "to feed" the flock (Act 20:28)

2. The tasks associated with these terms

2a. The pastor's task is to care
John 10:11-13 discusses shepherds that do not care
The shepherd's task is to make sure sheep are safe
This involves (Ezekiel 34)

• provision (34:2)
• protection (34:8)
  Acts 20:28-30 - protection from the wolves and error
  The food is the teaching of the word of God (Hebrews 5:12)
  The task of the sheep is to eat
  The pastor's task is to feed with the truth of Christ

2b. The bishop's task is to give oversight (Hebrews 13:17)

2c. The elder's task is to rule
1 Timothy 3:4-5
The term elder involves a sense of authority but never dictatorship
Ruling is not bullying or domineering
Ruling involves care
The elder is to give direction and leadership so that your soul is not ruined and you are not damned