Leadership in the Church

BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP

A group of elderly men in Korinthos c 1991

FIRSTLY, A LOOK AT A GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

B. PASTOR, 20/20  Taken from the larger article on the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit"

[4166 Strong, poimen, poy-main, literally a farm-shepherd, or figuratively: the spiritual gift of shepherd/pastor, within a group of Christians.

Within the first few years of my preaching experience, I travelled to a nearby northern wool town to take a communion service at the Baptist Church.   The apparent biblical terminology seemed most impressive: it had a Pastor in charge, and Deacons to help him.   The Deaconate, mainly spiritual ladies, help officiate at the Lord's Table.   At first sight, the terms "Pastor" and "Deacons" looked very correct, but the usage of the former was certainly not biblical.

"Shepherd/Pastor" is the Greek word "poimen": 4 times it applies to the farming-shepherds of Bethlehem, 13 times to the Lord Jesus Christ - where it carries, among other connotations, the thought of Psalm 23, "The LORD is my Shepherd"; and only once to the gift in the Church, where the reference is a plural noun (Ephesians 4:11).    “Pastors" is preferred to "Shepherds", at the discretion of the translators.   The infinitive of the verb is used in Acts 20:28; and second person plural in the aorist tense, is figuratively used, along with "flock", in 1 Peter 5:2: this note is pivotal to the discussion which we are about to follow, because many English translations imply a noun, or title, when a verb is used in the original Greek.   In the New Testament, "Shepherd/Pastor" is NOT found as a title for an Office in the Church.   There are references, in which leaders are told, figuratively, to tend the sheep and feed the flock.   Even in the Old Testament the word is used of leaders in this figurative sense: “the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people”. (1 Chronicles 17:6 c)

Different answers will be given to the question, "What is a Pastor?" by Christians of various backgrounds: some will say that every Minister or Clergyman is a Shepherd or Priest, to some it is the special title within the more progressive non-conformist denominations; but to others of us it is a designation which requires a totally new appraisal and definition.

Significantly then, a digression must be made, to clear the ground by looking at the teaching I am going to outline: that Elders are the correct form of Leadership in the Church.   All too familiar, in all kinds of congregations today, is the format of a single leader, often he, or she, is under intolerable stress, and the position is vestigial of the lowest point in the historical development of the Orthodox and Roman Churches.  These sole leaders often function as: legal, civic, and denominational authorities.

In secular Classical History one sees the distinction between ruling by a single Despot - a Tyrant King; and, on the other hand, by a College of Governors - called an Oligarchy.   If one man, like a Despot, had ruled the Fellowship at Corinth, there might have been more order, but only at a price.   The New Testament clearly teaches the alternative to a Despot (not necessarily despotic): an Oligarchy, in fact – a group of leaders - a plurality of Elders!  I do want to say that we are ever grateful to hundreds of godly men who have carried these titles of Bishop, Reverend, Pastor, or Father, and been fine builders of the Church of Christ.  Sadly, however, some holders of these positions, by their fruits, are seen as not yet converted.


"Anglican Elders?", by Rev Ed Moll, Lutterworth Press, a concept endorse by the Church Society in its Podcasts and Conference expositions.  We must establish the names given to this leadership team, the qualifications to be considered for it, and its duties.This represents a strong stream within the Church of England: "Every Member Ministry", Equipping God's People to Live God's Word, We are a Fellowship contending to Reform and Renew the Church of England in Biblical faith.  This group of churches is almost alone in seeing growth in the twenty-tens (2010-2020)

From the cover of the book:

When John Stott wrote in 2007 that “There is no biblical warrant for the so-called one-man band, in which a single pastor, like a single musician, plays all the instruments,” he was not presenting a new idea; both he and David Watson had been saying this for decades. Is there an authentically Anglican and evangelical remedy to the unbiblical pattern of a solo pastorate?

Anglican evangelicals seem to be caught in a dilemma: on the one hand our biblical convictions persuade us that the leadership of the local church is rightly plural. On the other hand we espouse a church polity in which the prime ordained leader is normally a sole pastor over a congregation. Is it possible to be both biblical and Anglican with respect to plural leadership? Can it be done, and if so, how?

“We are used to the idea that ministry is a team effort, and many churches have ministry teams or elderships.” Page 18, “Crossway”, Number 160 (the magazine of the Church Society)

"Proistemi" in 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 refers to plural leadership.   When the word "hegeomai" stands for leaders in Hebrews 13:7,17, and 24, it is plural in each case, or implied.  This chapter contains ten references to plural leadership.

But the following two important Greek words are normally used, and they are quite interchangeable - they are used synonymously:

1.  episcopos, ep-is-kop-os [Strong 1983, 1984, 1985], which is commonly translated in the English Versions as either "Bishop", or "Overseer" - Acts 1:20, 20:28;  Philippians 1:1;  1 Timothy 3:1-2;  Titus 1:5-9;  1 Peter 2:25, and 5:2. 

2.  presbuteros, pres-boo-ter-os [Strong 4245, 4850], which is translated as "Elder" (Presbyter) - 1 Timothy 5:1,17,19;  1 Peter 5:1,5;  2 John verse 1;  3 John verse 1;  Acts 14:23, 15:2-23, 16:4, 20:17, 21:18;  James 5:14;  Revelation 4:4,10, 5:5-14, 7:11-13, 11:16, 14:3, and 19:4; and there are various references meaning the Sanhedrin, the Elders of the Jews (e.g. Luke 7:3).

Imagine, in connection with the James 5 reference: you are a first century Christian, living in a small Mediterranean township, and you are taken seriously ill.  Your cousin kindly takes your message to a Church Elder, and very soon several Elders arrive at your home.  They find some cooking oil in the kitchen, anoint and lay hands on you – praying for healing; and God graciously hears their prayer.  This little story illustrates the set-up in the Early Church.  What about your fellowship?  There is no question here about the format of the Elders plural.  A similar vignette is seen in 1 Timothy 4:14 apropos church life.

The two mentions in which the terms are applied to the identical group of men are Acts 20:17-28, and Titus 1:5-9.   Synonyms are a key element in the Hebrew poetry of the Prophets, and the Aramaic poetic form used by the Lord Jesus.   This Old Testament poetic style is called Parallelism, which Luke, whose writing echoes the language of the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek, was obviously steeped in.   Paul also, would be familiar with this form of expression.   Indeed, all the Believers of a Jewish background, in the New Testament, would employ Parallelism in daily conversation - it would be part of their everyday speech....

Some writers and speakers on the subject see the three words: "Overseers", "Elders", and "Pastors", as synonyms.   This is because the English Versions use the noun "Shepherd", when the Greek text has the verb, as I have just demonstrated.   (Cf Acts 20:28, and 1 Peter 5:2) So one has to conclude that the term "Pastor" is not in any sense to be equated with Overseer, Elder, or church leader!

There are indeed, three passages which link Overseers, or Overseer, with shepherding/pastoring the flock.   The Elders in Acts 20:28, were told "to shepherd" the Church.   In a second passage, Peter commands the Overseers to "shepherd the flock of God" (1 Peter 5:1-4), again the verb; here also Christ is called "The Chief Shepherd".   The third statement, also in 1 Peter (2:25), points to Christ: "For you were straying sheep, but now you are turned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."   A most serious thought indeed: Christ alone is called: "The Pastor/Shepherd" - any other individual taking authority would be an antichrist!   The idea of calling a Christian: "The Pastor", is foreign to the Scriptures, and should be avoided at all cost.  Practically speaking, where one person is seen as leader, the organization of proper Elders, even if not in name, must share the burdens of piloting.

Acts 14:21-23 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.  (Derek Prince pointed out that the disciples became a Church, when Elders were in position.)

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the ELDERS of the church laid their hands on you. Translators had a heyday over this Greek term: Council of Elders, English Standard Version; Presbytery, Elderhood, Body of Elders. 

  

(Paul had also laid his hands on Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.)

In the Epistle to Titus (chapter 1:5 ff) we see the apostle being instructed to appoint Elders – plural, in each city – plural.  Today some would say: simply call all the church heads as the college of Elders for that town.  I think not: only some qualify to be Overseers in the New Testament terms, and the concept refers to individual congregations, not a group.

The desired inner attitude of Elders

^{1Pe 5:1-4} To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds (shepherd – verb in the original Greek text) of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

 

When we come to the topic of Prophet, I shall argue that someone who prophesies is, by definition, a prophet; because the term, even from antiquity, has always had a narrow and specific meaning - we use such expressions as: "The expert was asked to prophesy the outcome of the Cup Final/Super Bowl."   Everyone knows that "informed guess" is really intended.   "Shepherding", on the other hand, is widely used in a metaphorical sense: "The teacher gently shepherded her class into the gym."   No one would want to argue that she was therefore the pastor of a church, or that she should have used a sheepdog!   (In education, the much-used term "Pastoral" is a hated word by some, because it appears to come from the Church.)

So it is, then, that I think "Pastor" cannot be used as a title for Church Leadership.  Why is it used then?  Partly it has grown into a tradition – our Lord did not rate tradition highly, or, ignorance, a desire for power and self-glory, or even the “doctrines/teaching of demons”.

TRADITION

There is a need to deal with the subject of Tradition, although, rather carelessly, I have allowed this study to refer to it at different points.  Sometimes, the writers of the New Testament use the word for the true teaching of the Faith, but a second usage is for the tradition of the Elders, Scribes and Pharisees.  Today, the influence of the man-made traditions is rampant, and destructive.  Note that: one step of reasoning can lead to heresy.

The concepts are well dealt with by Beresford Job (“Biblical Church”), and Arnold Fruchtenbaum (Ariel Ministries, “tradition of the elders”), in their writing, speaking and research (see the Internet).

I had a friend and colleague who was a fine Christian, but of the High Church stream.  Virtually, the only area we disagreed on was that of “tradition”.  We debated it one day sitting in the Staff Room, and I pointed out that our Lord was “crucified by tradition”.  There was no answer to this, but, being a very clever person, he created a smoke screen argument; and was well out of the door, before I could even dream of a reply.  He was a Cambridge University graduate, and the UK Labour Party had offered him a safe seat in Parliament.

The respected American Bible Teacher, William MacDonald, wrote:

“In modern usage, ‘bishop’ has come to mean a prelate who supervises a diocese or a group of churches in a district.  But the word never means this in the NT. The scriptural pattern is to have several bishops in one church rather than one bishop over several churches.  Nor should an elder be confused with the modern pastor, who is primarily responsible for preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments in a local church.  It is generally acknowledged that there was no such person in the early church….”  (“Believer’s Bible Commentary” pp 2134-5, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990)

 

If we asked the congregation at Korinthos, "Who is your Shepherd?" they would have shouted back: "JESUS!"

We may sometimes note that lone leaders in society resort to evil ways for holding their authority.  They may use: cunning, temper, tantrum, moods, insult, innuendo, oppression, and all kinds of underhand manipulation, to bully those under them.  Some who are the sole church-leader would see their position as one to be defended at all cost.   There are Church Members who so identify with their "Leader" and his authority, in an unhealthy basking-in-reflected-glory way, that they also would spill blood to keep his position intact.   I have certainly seen plenty of these.

At Korinthos, Paul would have done his best to appoint a fine team of Elders who were to guide the Gathering (Ekklesia), but the spiritual qualities he required, probably left some formidable men, not to say women, outside the leadership team.   I refer to Corinth, because of the problems dealt with in the Letters to this City Church; they leave us asking: "Why did the Elders not do something about it?"

Let us imagine a conversation in the Church at Korinthos - one of the older Jewish Believers in Jesus is gossiping at the end of the First Day meeting.  As they stand in the shade of the lime trees, and look northwards across the bay, to the far mountains near Delphi.  His thoughts about the Elders were, that they should only be married men with children:

"Children are the crucial test of a man's ability to shepherd the flock of God."

"Do you mean by shepherd, that he must have the gift of being a pastor?" asked his friend, of similar journeyings in life. 

"No, I use the verb, and not the noun.  You must always allow for the imperfections, and, limitations of human language; even God Himself has that problem.  If the noun was used, we would only have to identify the spiritual gift of pastor, and make all those people the team of Elders.   The position of Elder is for human appointment, under God, and we must know what calibre of individual to consider." 

"How many should we have?" his friend persisted with his questions, recognizing their virtue.

"As many as it would take to handle a revolt, of all the unpleasant Brothers and Sisters in the Congregation."

"And how many is that?" 

"You cannot have too many!"

(Quoted from my novel about “A Corinthian Slave”)

 

Here is an interesting problem for today.  A fellowship has sorted things out well, and it has a small number of Elders of high quality.  Unfortunately there is a strong disagreement – let us imagine it is about: a) setting a very high standard of church life by secular standards, and b) lowering the bar to allow new members to grow in using their gifts; Doctrinal Concepts; Personality Clashes; or Reach Out styles.  Whatever the internal war, there is a serious division, which cannot be resolved easily.  Two possible routes to take: 1) bring in folk of apostolic calibre, or simply Elders from other local Ekklesia to discuss a solution; 2) outline the state of affairs to the Congregation, offer several propositions and take a vote – in either case it may be necessary to resign the current Elders, and vote in new appointments.  The number of Leaders may need to be increased!

 

Hermann W. Beyer, writes in Kittel: "It is significant ... that there are several episkopa in one congregation, none of which takes precedence."   Commenting on the criteria for appointing Overseers, Beyer wrote: "In this respect Roman Catholic celibacy stands in direct contradiction to the Bible." (Kittel, vol 2, p 617)   We may note that there are many more inconsistencies in the Church leadership that need to be investigated!

Our Lord quotes from Isaiah, and adds His own comment: "'For they replace God's commands with their own man-made teachings.'

For you ignore God's specific laws and substitute your own traditions." (Mark 7:7-8, NLT)

We ask the question: What constitutes this kind of tradition?  Certainly all doctrinal alterations, and where practices are laid down in Scripture.

It amazes me that so many preachers and teachers of God's Word, who hold the Bible in such high regard, fail to implement some of the clear instructions of God the Holy Spirit!

 

An order of helpers who alleviate the pressures on Elders, are the Deacons and Deaconesses; I think the Scriptures do show that women were allowed into this strata of Official - Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:11, NIV margin/footnote; and Phoebe of Kenchreae (in Romans 16:1-2).   There is the possible thought (in 1 Timothy 3:8 ff) that they should be married people.   Presumably they might help in care for the poor, as in Acts 6:1 ff (the first mention of Deacons), with secretarial and accounting duties generally, and officiate in practical, logistical, and many other areas of responsibility.  Here also, God requires an unbelievably high standard of Christian life, and we see that even the secondary level of office holders in Church life, are in the hands of well-accredited people – not just side-lined to hangers-on, or that ever-present danger: the volunteer.

In the Early Church - and ideally in the Body of Christ today - there was a tension between the apostles and the Elders: between the primary gift and the appointed leadership of individual Congregations. This is not unlike what occurs in the life of many Western nations: between the Government and the Judiciary.   To over-simplify this: the Government writes the laws: the Judges make certain that everybody keeps them; even the Government members themselves!   Similarly, Elders will need to stand against false apostles: apostles will be on the lookout for failure among the Elders.

Our current problem is that the last century saw the development of the usage: "Pastor" - for the single, monolithic, Tyrant (in the Classical sense), Minister.   It does not take much imagination to see the march of change from: the Roman Catholic Priest [Even calling the leader "Father" when Jesus told us to "call no man father" Matthew 23:9], to the Anglican Parish Priest, Methodist Minister, Salvation Army Officer, to the Baptist or Pentecostal Pastor.  The obvious fact, that many spiritual and godly men have held such positions is not proof that this is the ideal; or that it is taught in the New Testament.   One of our local Baptist Church leaders identified the issue succinctly: "Can you tell me the name of the Pastor of the Church in Ephesus, or at Rome, or Philippi?"   Of course there was no such position! The whole question is similar to the elitist Gnostic heresy confronted in the New Testament Letters ... do you have a title, have you been to a Theological College?]

The title "Father" is particularly hard for me to write about.  When it is used in Scripture it is either of the obvious biological relationship in genealogies, of God Himself, in His grace, or of specific relationships.  Joseph spoke of himself as being a father to Pharaoh, Paul of being a father to the Corinthian believers, and of Timothy: because he had brought them to faith in Christ, and mentored them. (Genesis 45:8; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2)  Here we see simile and metaphor.   This kind of usage refers to one group or individual, not to everybody, not as a over-arching title, as forbidden by our Lord.  At no point does anyone request to be called "Father".  Who sins most: those who ask for the title to be used of an individual or rank, or those who use this form of address?  We will answer to God for this.  I think of other Christians as Brothers and Sisters; but I do not use Brother as a title in my correspondence.

Rev John Coles (a leader of New Wine Conferences) made these points: when discipling a group in his home he felt a different person from the vicar in his robes on a Sunday.  World War Three almost irrupted when he dispensed with the robes; but he felt much more authentic and real.  Similarly, he found the huge responsibility of a clergyman, being for a limited time frame only; until he developed a team of seven around him to share the burden together: the difference was incredible (a talk at a Fresh Expressions Conference, 2011).

 

Sadly, the only person in the Bible who resembles our use of the word Pastor is an impostor named Diotrephes - who is mentioned in John's short Third Letter.  Fortunately only a few leaders are like this.

The characteristics of Diotrephes are that he:

1. Gossiped maliciously,

2. Wanted to be top dog,

3. Refused to receive the itinerant preachers,

4. Prevented hospitality being shown to them, and

5. Excommunicated those who did,

6. Hated the apostles,

7. He did not lead by an exemplary life

8. Noted as an evil person who had not "seen God"!

It was the apostle's duty was to point him out by letter, and later in person - publicly.

SUMMARY: One of the most difficult, but essential, tasks facing the Church today is the re-establishing of the original leadership concept of the Early Church, given by the Holy Spirit – sadly, after only a few hundred years there had been the radical change.   Near Derbe, visited by Paul on his First Missionary Journey, an inscription was recently found, dating from the fourth or fifth century; it reads: "The most God-loving Michael, bishop of Derbe" - suggesting that a single bishop had come to rule the Church, at the city where Paul had appointed a college of Elders.   Today we have one Bishop over many churches: the first Christians appointed many Bishops (Overseers-episcopos) over one church.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

Sadly, some in leadership teams try hard to be elite and DIFFERENT.  I turned to a television transmission of a seasonal service, and thought the clergyman was part of a film about Robin Hood, because he was in pseudo medieval clothes.  We should all note this example of Paul: in dress, communication etc.

One of the saddest comments I heard on pastoring, was apropos a very sick lady - little help was on offer, and anger was shown to the family, when an outsider notified the church of a specific need.  The family’s comment was: “Out of sight - out of mind!”  There was a sequel: some church members put a practical shoulder to the wheel.

The Manchester (UK) Diocese Budget for the year 2015 allocated 70.5% to “Clergy Stipends and Housing Costs (over 9 million GB pounds).  True the biblical Elders were to be paid something for their ministry – alongside their secular employment, presumably.  This balance would release considerable funds for the work of evangelism and care for the poor.

 

To continue this digression one logical stage further, here is a table of the required qualifications for Elders.  The giving of this guidance by the Holy Spirit, implies that He expects the Leaders to be appointed along these lines - by other office-holders, the Congregation, or apostles.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint Elders in every town, as I directed you (Titus)."

"If anyone sets his heart on being an elder, he desires a noble task.   Now an overseer must be ..."    Kittel points out that the use of the singular is simply referring to the bishop as a calling, not that there was only one in each Church.

1 Timothy 3:1-7                    Titus 1:5-9;

1.   Above reproach                         *(Repeated in Titus)

2.   Husband of one wife               *

The unmarried are not suggested; but perhaps a widower, or divorcee (depending on how, why, and when), but with experience of his own children's successful upbringing, and the running of his home.

3.   Temperate

4.   Self-controlled - sensible        *

5.   Respectable - modest

6.   Hospitable - lover of people   *

7.   Able to teach - to a greater or lesser degree

8.   Not given to much wine          *no drunkenness

9.   Not violent.                                *

10.  Gentle - not a striker of people

11.  Not quarrelsome

12.  Not a lover of money - greedy of gain  *no dishonest gain

13.  Must manage

family well - an important reason is given

14.  Must see that children obey with respect   *

(The word for child indicates between a baby and a young person; older offspring may stray away, and they are not indicated here, I think.) 

15.  Not a recent convert - remember Satan's fall

16.  A good reputation outside the Church

Children are believers/ or faithful, trustworthy (see above)

Not overbearing

Not quick tempered

Lover of good

Upright

Holy

Disciplined

Holding to the orthodox teaching, able to encourage and refute.

TOTAL: 16.                         *TOTAL: 16.

It may be too pedantic to isolate the special qualities in the Titus list - several are not all that different: self-controlled and disciplined, for example.

DEACONS, 1 Timothy 3:8-13

1. Husband of one wife - married people

2. Worthy of respect

3. Not indulging in much wine

4. Not pursuing dishonest gain

5. Must manage household well

6. Must manage children well

Not double tongued - sincere

Holding the revealed mystery with a clear conscience

Tested first and found blameless - on probation

Wives/Deaconesses, must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, and faithful in everything.

It is defined as an Office, which, if done well, brings dignity and assurance.

There are several further rules apropos Elders:

"Let the Elders (plural) who take the lead well be counted worthy of double honour (commonly taken to mean financial reward), especially those labouring in word and teaching.   For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain' - and, 'The labourer is worthy of his pay.'”

"Do not receive an accusation against an Elder unless on the testimony of two or three witnesses.   The one sinning before all rebuke; that the rest also may have fear." (1 Timothy 5:17-20, Green)  One would expect to find some of the Eldership Team who are evangelists, and some who are teachers of the Word.

This is a required practice in Judaism and Christianity, in any serious issue [hence Four Gospel writers.]

^{Deuteronomy 17:6} On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

^{Deuteronomy 19:15} One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

^{Matthew 18:16} But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

^{2 Corinthians 13:1} This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

.

^{Hebrews 10:28} Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.   They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.   Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you ... Greet your leaders [and all the saints]." (Hebrews 13:17-24)

"To the Elders ... shepherd(s of) God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.   And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:1-4, NIV)

All these points are relevant, and particularly so at certain times.   The plurality of the leadership is clear.   Finance is involved; but it must not be paramount.   The servant heart is vital, as is zeal for the calling.   Extreme lording over people must not be part of the picture - as sometimes happens; in the 1980's the "Shepherding Movement" aimed to succeed where pastoral care in the traditional churches left much to be desired; but it went too far, and those who fell for it, had to repent.

The apostles made the initial appointments, but perhaps later it may have been by any suitable means - by the membership voting, or more likely by the existing body of Elders making new officers.   Leadership positions in university Christian Unions were filled by the votes of membership being made first, as a guide, but the final choice was by the outgoing leaders.  The detailed qualifications suggests that the appointments could be made by: apostles, existing Elders, or the Congregation. 

Acts 15 shows the original apostles and Elders working together at the Council of Jerusalem.    

Does it seem unfair that only married men, with well behaved, believing, children can be considered for the post of Elder – and possibly, by implication, Deacons?   A second reason may be that single men, or those without children, are particularly valuable as people who can move about more easily in the service of Christ.  Perhaps Priscilla and Aquila, who moved about the Roman Empire in pivotal service, are an example of this: Rome (Acts 18:2), Korinthos (Acts 18:1-3), Ephesus (Acts 18:19), Rome again (Romans 16:3 ff), and back in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19).  When they are noted in greetings in Paul's letters, there is no mention of children ...Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19. The premises they owned, perhaps for their businesses run by slaves, were most suitable as venues for the congregations.  Their practical aid was always in evidence.

How do the two gifts of deacon and pastor relate to the Offices of Deacon and Elder?   The two Offices fulfil for the larger congregation - but in a totally different sense, what the gifts do at a more individual level.   If the gifts were equated with the Office, there would be no need for the careful selection procedure; as I said earlier, we would simply have to identify the gifts!  There is a massive difference between the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the examination of character and life required of potential Elders.  We have developed human traditions; it is quite clear from the Gospels that Jesus is not in favour of Tradition, but very much against it – we do well to have this in mind.

In a climate of Church life where the Pastor, or individual leader, is the norm, it is very difficult to brake away from that pattern; and the way out will be different in each case.   But the problem must be carefully dealt with and the Congregation fully instructed.   One finds various sad inconsistencies, if not non-sequiturs, being employed: "First among Equals", "All are equal, but some are more equal than others", "Professional Elder", "Paid Elder", "Lead Elder", or "Leader of the Eldership Team" - simply to avoid grasping the nettle, and bringing about the necessary change.   I have seen the use of the title Pastor to sidestep the strict requirements of Eldership in the Epistles - a most devious ploy.  There is the obvious danger of a dynamic person being tempted to rule-the-roost – sinful egotism and ambition, a leading businessman, a politician, a famous sportsperson.  Here is a test of his constant humility.

Government laws of charitable status may create a problem to be overcome.  

In any organisation of some size there will be delegation of authority, and various people must be free to work within their calling.   Finance must be found for some of them - Elders must clearly receive remuneration (1 Timothy 5:17,18).   However, all workers in a Church should be answerable to the Elders, who must take responsibility for all major decisions.   In the present climate, even churches that claim to have resolved the issue of Elders, must constantly review the state of affairs to see that there is no sliding back.   The denomination known as Christian Brethren, has successfully endured for well over a hundred years in the care of Elders - it probably started in Dublin, in 1829.   They do not eliminate all the problems, but the machinery is in place to handle them.  For most churches to develop a more biblical leadership, there will be the need for: teaching, time, humility, bravery, and wisdom.

As I said earlier: "To pastor, may be caring for a third former in the school Christian Union; or serving a senior executive in the House of Commons or in Industry."   A definition of a pastor may be something like this: a Christian man, woman, or child, who has been given the ability by the Holy Spirit to help others grow in their spiritual life, by counsel and appropriate teaching.   Their service will usually be to individuals or small numbers.

On the positive side, everyone needs someone to pastor them.  If we ask the question: Who are the close friends we go to for advice?   Our answer will indicate those who are personal pastors to us.  For many years, mine have been: a senior family-friend, a medical doctor, and a college lecturer - only one has had academic theological training.

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted"/"faithful are the wounds of a friend"

"Secret" is the first part of the word "secretary"; similarly, the commitment of the counsellor to keeping secrets is vital!   The first three letters of the word "PASTOR" do not stand for Public Address System.   "PASTOR" could well stand for: Private and Secure, Trustworthy - Operating Responsibly.   Much of what we call counselling is pastoring - certainly where teaching is included; if support and practical help is given, other charisms will be used.

The antique communities had their city, town or village Elders - as we see in the Old Testament.

The spiritual leaders and mentors of Israel, in Ezekiel's day, are collectively and metaphorically referred to as Shepherds.   Here they are indicted for their failures: caring for themselves and neglecting their flock.   "You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not care for the flock.   You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured.   You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost.   You have ruled them harshly and brutally.   So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for the wild animals.   My sheep wondered over all the mountains and on every high hill.   They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.   "... For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.   As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so I will look after my sheep.   I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness ... I will bring them out [to safety] ... I will pasture them ... I will tend them in a good pasture ... They will lie down in good grazing land, and they will feed in a rich pasture ... I myself will tend my sheep and make them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD.   I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.   I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and strong I will destroy.   I will shepherd the flock with justice.   I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them and be their shepherd   ... You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, my people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD." (Ezekiel 34)

The metaphorical language of this chapter covers much more than human pastoring, there are also aspects of Divine Judgement, and of the Davidic Messiah.   It shows what caring does not mean, on the one hand; and many of the key facets of the true calling to pastor God's people, on the other.   Like other gifts, it shows something of God's nature, the Body of Christ, working for the maturation of the Ekklesia.

The Twenty-Third Psalm, also, has much to teach us.   The Divine Shepherd provides: all true needs, rest, food and drink, restoration at the deepest level, righteous guidance, his comforting presence in times of danger and threat, protection and rescue, his supply of provisions - unhindered by the presence of enemies, healing to the point of good health, the assurance of goodness and love, and a stable home.   We know that the eastern shepherd leads his sheep - they willing follow him to good pastures; but by far the stress here is on the Shepherd's care and loving provision.   We can also consider Psalm 28:9, and Psalm 100:3.

The uniqueness of our Lord Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who is dedicated to serving the sheep to the point of death, is seen in John 10:1-15,27-30; in contrast with the hireling shepherds, and thieves and robbers, who run away from danger, or climb up some other way into the fold - to steal, kill and destroy.   He talks of one flock and one shepherd!

We can often tell when the gift is clearly absent - where there is no searching for the straying ones, only dividing and scattering the flock of God.   There is the story of a farming-shepherd who aspired to be a spiritual pastor.   One day, five of his sheep escaped from his farm and ran down the village road.   The husband of a Christian lady ran out and stopped their mad exodus, she telephoned the farmer, and he held them up until the farmer arrived - within four minutes.   The lady attended the fellowship he pastored, but slipped away: he never visited her!

The pastoral gift means that we will always have time for the people we are given; there is always a cost - as with all the gifts, but also rewards.

The linking of "Pastors" and "Teachers" in Ephesians 4:11 should not be lost on us; the same thought is often present in other passages.   We have Jesus's words to Peter in John 21:15-19: "Feed My lambs...Take care of My sheep.... Feed My sheep."   Feeding obviously indicates teaching.

It is said that we cannot relate closely to more than ten or twelve people, or families, and there are commentators on the subject who apply this to leadership, and to pastoring relationships among Christian friends.

There is a curious little test of the picture I have given of Elders: Peter is the only apostle who is also called an Elder.   We do know that he was married - but there is no mention of any children.   Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, and Titus, are not spoken of as being married.  (Mark 1:29-31, 1 Corinthians 7:7, 9:5, 1 Peter5:1)

How could we change?

In my travels, I attended an Anglican church, which was facing a huge decision that would affect its work for a good half century.  The vicar was under considerable pressure, so I encouraged him to allow the Church Council to share or even take the full responsibility – they would outlast the vicar’s term of office in any case.  There was a huge success.  This represents a gradual move away from monolithic leadership.

Believers in the West have tended to lose the art of visiting homes: we need to regain this balanced habit of encouraging, and having Christian fellowship.

A Pakistani observes:

“I gave up everything, including my family, for Christ, and all I got was meetings"

"Mohamad feels that genuine fellowship and practical support is lacking in churches describing stories of Christians from all walks of life who have experienced a lack of care. These include a single friend in Scotland who has never been invited to visit anyone from her church, and an elderly man who was not visited by his church leadership or house group members while in hospital. Rather than making excuses for our own inactions, he calls on us to treat each other as we would our own family.”

(January/February 2015  IDEA magazine p 25) 

The term “Pastor” for a church leader should be stopped!  Even though it is ubiquitous. 

For example: we have moved into a new house, in a district that is strange to us, and select a promising church for worship and commitment.    We discover, it is run by quite a large group of Elders, assisted by Deacons and Deaconesses, who employ several full-time workers.   At the close of our first visit, someone who is slightly older than ourselves welcomes us, helps us to settle in, and over the weeks becomes our close friend and personal pastor.   Miracles like this still do happen I can assure you!

In nations where persecution is rampant, having a Pastor or Vicar is often a severe weakness: the extremists who attack can easily reduce the fellowship to impotence, by taking the single leader away.  A group of leaders is far more stable and practical, for many reasons.  In about the year 2000, I spoke on the phone to a representative of Open Doors UK about this issue.  Their attitude is to leave local doctrinal issues as they are.  What do you think?

A WISE LETTER SENT TO THE EDITOR OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY (BMS) MAGAZINE “ENGAGE”, IN SPRING 2015: IN ANSWER TO AN EARLIER ARTICLE ON THE IDEA OF LONE CHURCH LEADERS – “SUPER PASTOR, DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SUPERHERO TO BE AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH LEADER? ”.

Dear Editor,

The super hero theory of leadership comes from a discredited management theory of the 1930's taken up by, among others, Adolf Hitler.

The most successful leaders are humble people drawn from within the organisation who work with a team for the benefit of the organisation and not for their own benefit.

Since leadership cannot be taught, in spite of what some management schools claim, and leaders only succeed if they have people who are prepared to be part of their team. BMS needs to look at developing people who may never be leaders themselves but could play a key role in a successful leadership team (like Andrew, Philip, Matthew etc).

John R Hudson

[I know a local Pastor who had a valued biography of Hitler on his bookshelf!  He was one who threatened to thump me.  An influential American churchman commenced his lecture on this subject with a similar biography of Hitler - and not a biblical exposition.]

The ministerial systems in many denominations are open to abuse.  Church Members of leadership abilities may have been in the congregations for decades - they know the congregation, the locality, and attributes well; and then a new Minister arrives to lead, and through lack of research and wise advice, imposes himself - often damaging God's work irreparably. 

Read Church History, if you are interested in seeing the sad degeneration of the Kirk in so many areas.  Whilst on a military (Royal Air Force) course on spiritual leadership, a Scottish Chaplain recommended a fine book published by The St Andrew’s Press.  My favourite, over many years, has been “The Story of the Church” by Professor A. M. Renwick, with additional material by A. M. Harman. [Inter-Varsity Press, ISBN 0-85111-590-X)


Mentoring has been discussed to frightening, complex proportions; far from the fine beautiful, trusting, simple, steel sharpening steel friendship, of the Holy Spirit's Gift of the biblical pastor.  At one time I could draw on my four personal pastors for: high-level medical advice and Eschatology, insight into Church History and New Testament Greek, blunt Yorkshire tell-it-as-it-is, and a wise Centurion (non-commissioned officer).

 

Let us imagine a quite large fellowship: its twenty-five Elders are sitting round a long conference table.  Half way down the left-hand side is a muscular, stocky foreman of a council team of trash bin emptiers.  Towards the far end of the right-hand side is a tall tanned CEO of a large firm of 1,114 employees including an R and D team of Graduates, and listed on the Stock Exchange.  Beyond him is a Group Captain (RAF retired).  These last two men need to make a most conscious effort to keep themselves on ground level, and never in any way, exert the dominating attitudes required by their secular positions, and frequently defer to their humbler companions.

Continuity is the great gift of a true Eldership.


PASTOR IS A GODLY GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO INDIVIDUALS, NEVER AN OFFICE.