JOHN 21:16
When people from other religious groups meet me, I am often called pastor.
I MOST OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS COUNTRY BELIEVE THAT THE WORDS PREACHER AND PASTOR ARE SYNONYMUS (MEAN THE SAME THING).
A. It may be a surprise to some, but this is not correct. A pastor,
B. is a man who has met certain qualifications. These qualifications are in 1st Tim. 3 & Tit. 1.
1) To be a pastor, a man must be married and have children; God’s pastors are family men.
2) This requirement automatically excludes some men who are preachers.
3) I know some fine preachers who have never been married. One was at a leadership
4) Meeting yesterday. These preachers do not meet the family requirements for pastors
C. The world has made a mess out of the word pastor.
D. In the world there are “women pastors.” This is not something that pleases God.
E. The Bible says that pastors are to “have a wife.” 1st Tim. 3:2
F. If there was a woman pastor in the church she would need to have a wife.
G. A woman’s spouse would be another woman. This is sinful.
H. In God’s eyes there is no such thing as a woman pastor.
I. Scripture does not use the word pastor as most Americans use it.
1) In the NT there are 6 different words for the same job.
2) If a man is a “pastor” he is also a Bishop, Overseer, Elder, Presbyter, and a Shepherd.
3) Let’s make this parallel. The words, daddy, father, papa, & old man can all refer a father.
4) The Bible does the same thing. Six words are used to describe men who are to “rule in a congregation. These men are:
J. In the NT “elders” (pastors…) are always spoken of in the plural form,
K. Acts 14:23 is an example (READ). Here is one of the six words. “Elders” is plural.
L. “Elders” (pastors, bishops) are to be in “EVERY CHURCH.”
L. However in most religious groups preachers are usually called pastors.
M. Most of these wrongly called pastors run the show. The preacher is the boss;
N. He has the authority; makes most decisions. This is not God’s plan; this is not what the NT O. teaches. Elders, who are the true pastors, have this responsibility.
P. 1st Tim. 5:17 says, “Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor.”
II IN OUR SCRIPTURE READING WE HEARD WHAT JESUS SAID TO PETER, “TEND, PASTOR, CARE FOR, WATCH OVER; MY SHEEP” (JN. 21:16).
A. Preachers in most groups apply this information to themselves.
B. Preachers believe that the church is like a flock of sheep (right)?
C. And their job is to be over the flock (this is wrong).
D. Perhaps some have looked at JN 21 and reasoned.
1) Peter was a preacher; he was told to tend to the flock;
2) I am a preacher therefore I am to tend to the flock.
E. This conclusion misses what is stated in 1st Peter 5. It is true that Peter was a preacher
F. It is also true that Peter was an apostle. These two facts are well known.
G. There is another fact about Peter that is not so widely known. (Read) 1st Peter 5:1.
1) Peter was an “elder”. Remember that “elder” and pastor” are two different words.
2) Notice too the plurality of the word “elders”.
3) It was not a preacher that was running 1st century congregations. Elders were.
H. Elders (pastors, bishops, overseers) may do some preaching. One of our elders (pastors) does this.
I. However, this elder from here is not looked upon as “the preacher.”
J. There is a difference—a Biblical difference between him and me.
K. The jobs of preaching and pasturing are different. Let’s move on to vs. 2 (READ).
1) This information was given to elders. What were elders, in God’s church, supposed to do?
2) Peter said that elders (overseers, pastors) tend the flock. This is exactly what we saw in Jn.21.
3) Flip quickly back to JN. 21:16 & hold your place here. The same org. word is used 1st Pt. 5:2.
4) The KJV translates both words with the term “feed.” The ASV is also consistent but uses the
5) Word “tend.” READ JN. 21:16.
L. Peter was to tend to God’s sheep; 1st Pet. 5:2 shows how he did it. Peter was an elder in the
M. Congregation where he worshipped. Since he was a “pastor” (elder), he had power.
N. Authority came through his being an elder rather than his being a preacher.
III.
WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT DESCRIBES AS
FOR AS ELDERS & PREACHERS IS ONE OF THE WAYS THAT WE CAN IDENTIFY THE
CHURCH THAT CHRIST BUILT FROM THE CHURCHES BUILT BY MEN. THE WORDS IN JN: 21 (TEND MY SHEEP; FEED THE
FLOCK), SOME VERY CLEAR POINTS BEGIN TO EMEREGE.
A. For example, how should the flock is tended to (care for)? I know how many think that church
B. Members need to be treated. I have heard preachers say and I have read in at least one book,
C. “I sure skinned the sheep today. They needed a good licking.”
1) I am reminded of a man who went to school with me. This man liked to step on the toes of 2) Brethren. When this bro. finished, it was hard to tell if you had any toes left.
3) Matter if the brethren needed it or not. Paul did say, “Reprove, rebuke, and exhort…”2 Tim.
4) 4:2; Sin must be addressed and condemned. Jesus did that. The apostles followed suit.
D. Even literal sheep need to be reproved and chastened. Good shepherds do not have flocks that are
E. Bruised and bloody. Shepherds are not continually beating the animals that they watch.
F. The same should be true in congregations.
1) There are times when members can become unruly/Sometimes a good knock in the head is 2) required. For the most part this does not need to be a weekly ordeal.
3) Pastors and preachers need to abide by this lesson.
G. Tending to the flock (a congregation) suggests other things.
1) Form JN. 21 and 1st Pet. 5 we may conclude that a flock needs: Watched over.
2) Fed a good diet; guided into path of right; and wrong. Have its sick and straying cared for.
H. God referred to elders as “pastors” (shepherds) for a reason. There are parallels between caring I for people & caring for sheep. Shepherds who watch over literal sheep can benefit from helpers.
1) If you were to contact the American Kennel Assoc. You would be told that 16 breeds,
2) Of dogs are recognized for sheep herding.
J. Shepherds use dogs to return wander ship sheep back to the flock. These dogs defend the flock.
K. Properly trained dogs are a real help in keeping the flock together.
L. In the realm of shepherding animals, help is beneficial. In God’s wisdom, help is also available
M. In the spiritual realm as elders work to “pastor” (shepherd) the flock, they are to have herds.
N. These helpers are referred to as deacons in 1st Tim. 3. Deacons work with the elders and other,
O. Members in various areas. To be identical to the church Christ built we need deacons.
P. At this congregation there are men who are qualified to be deacons.
R. It is now time to turn some of our attention to this matter.
S. As we enter into this phase of the Lord’s work, there will be some questions; people might ask,
1) “Who will be selected?”; “How will the chosen men be picked?
2) By what date will we have deacons?” Who will be involved in the selection process?”
3) What will our deacons do?
T. These are important questions & I have some answers.
1) Regarding a date, there is not one. The elders have not said “We will have deacons by…
2) I do know that there is an interest in having deacons. Before the shell of the new building is
3) Completed whether this happens or not remains to be seen.
U. Some may ask, “What will our deacons do?
1) The elders have some ideas. They would also be open to suggestions.
2) If you see an area where a deacon could be used, make a suggestion.
3) The elders may or may not adopt your ideal. Your input is valued and appreciated.
V. To this thought I would add a “PS” If you have suggestions about deacons please take them to the
W. Elders, I am not a “pastor” (elder) and this information is for the elders. I would also ask that
X. If you are a deacon candidate; do not come to me and ask?
1) “Will I be selected?” I will not know the answer to this? If you are a deacon candidate and
2) You are not selected, Please do not come to me and say, “Why wasn’t I picked?
3) I will not have an answer for you. 1st Peter 5:2 says that elders are to tend to the flock.
4) The task of selecting and appointing deacons is in their hands. I have given detailed
5) Information about some of the qualifications they have the right information to make
6) Scriptural decisions. If after the selection process is completed & announced, you have some
7) Questions or comments take the matter to them this is scriptural and proper.
Y. If you are a man and wondering, “Will I be considered?” I do know this the elders are leaning
Z. Towards conducting personal interviews. If a man fits the basic qualifications found in 1st Tim.3, A. The elders will likely meet with him at least once, things will go from there.
B. In matters like this life tells us that not everyone is chosen. To the men who will be meeting,
C. The elders I say this: Be prepared for rejection. Not being chosen is painful. Few people enjoyed D. Being turned down. If you are not selected, realize that the devil can use that against you, anger, E. Jealously and hate can be stirred up by Satan. Do not let the devil do that to you.
F. For the men who are chosen, the devil may also target you. Thoughts of “I was selected and he G. wasn’t; I’m a better Christian: these kinds of thoughts are wrong. The sin would not only be
H. pride; you might believing a lie. Some men might not be picked because of circumstances. 1) The elders could say to a young man who has a wife and young children.
2) “We are interested in having you as a deacon, but not right now.
3) Another brother might be extremely well qualified;
4) Because of the job that he has being a deacon would be difficult.
I. There are several things that will come into play during the selection process.
CONCLUSION:
1) The less that I know about the proceedings the better. If you are picked I will be happy for you.
2) If you are not picked I will be hopeful that at a later time you will have another opportunity, 3) to become a deacon. Elders are here for our benefit. This is one of the ways that they can help.
4) Your constant prayers and support for them will be appreciated.
5) I you are someone who needs help, they are interested in you.