I am a Preacher

August 14, 2007
1:03 p.m.

By: Joshuah Ellis

It has happened many times. I am enjoying a conversation with someone I have just met. We have already gone over the places we grow up, what we do for a living. Most likely we have already laughed over something we have in common. Then, the question comes out. ''So you're a pastor, huh?'' Anymore, I am not surprised by this question as it has happened more than once. I simply smile and explain that I am a preacher and not a pastor. The following question is what has given me the inclination to write this very article. ''What's the difference?''

As I understand, it is a common belief that the preacher and the pastor are basically the same thing. This is why people frequently assume that I am called the pastor. The Bible, however, makes a very clear distinction, between the two, that we would do well not to overlook. ''{11} And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...'' (Ephesians 4:11-12). See there? Paul mentions both evangelists and pastors. This clearly shows us that they are NOT the same thing. What is a pastor then? According to Strong, pastor (poimen in Greek) literally means shepherd. This word is used in the Bible to refer to one who tends sheep in a literal sense, but it is also used here to refer to those who are charged with tending the flock of a local congregation. ''Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood'' (Acts 20:28).

So far we have noticed things that are not uncommon as far as the general understanding of what a pastor is. However, there is more. The Bible does not offer any specific qualifications that a man needs to meet before he can become a preacher. There are, however, some qualifications that a man must meet before he can be eligible to be considered a pastor or elder (episkopos in Greek), as they are sometimes called (1 Peter 5:1). Also note that these men are called bishops in other places (1 Timothy 3:1). You will see that though the specific names may be different, their qualifications and responsibilities remain the same. So what qualifications does a man have to meet before he can become a pastor/elder/bishop/overseer? We can see these qualifications in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The individual must be the husband of one wife, the father of faithful children, not given to wine, able to teach, and not a novice. These are just a few, but we can easily see that if a man can meet these qualifications, he would be an excellent shepherd in the Lord's church as all of these things, in the individual's life, translate to the necessary characteristics of a leader.

There is one more common misunderstanding regarding pastors. Many people believe that it is acceptable to have one man as the pastor or overseer of the congregation. This is yet another mistake. Notice with me a few passages. ''From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church'' (Acts 20:17). ''This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul'' (Acts 11:30). ''So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed'' (Acts 14:23). See the similarities. Every time elders/pastors are mentioned, there is more than one. This shows us that there was a plurality of overseers in the congregations of the early church. Since there has been no revelation from God since then, which has changed this (2 Peter 1:3); we are to abide by this God given example.

It is unfortunate, but there are many who teach that one man can be a pastor/overseer of a congregation. There are those who teach that unmarried men can serve as elders. There are also some who ignore completely the qualifications of the Bible and simply appoint men who are ''older.'' It is not my intent to offend or to be unkind to anyone. However, it is important that we consult the Bible when we start appointing men to serve as bishops over the Lord's church. One day, I hope to be an elder. However, at this point I am not qualified. Until that time when I am qualified, I will simply smile and answer the question, ''So you're a pastor, huh?'' the same way I have today.

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