Shalom,

Today I want to take a look at Pastors. Jeremiah has this to say:

Jeremiah 23:1-4 (KJV)
1Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
2Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
3And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
4And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

The Hebrew word for pastors and for shepherds here is the same word: ra'ah, which means : to tend, to feed, to shepherd, to rule, to teach. Pastors are to be as shepherds to the sheep. A natural shepherd is responsible for looking out for the sheep, for keeping them safe, for providing access to food and water. A spiritual shepherd, a pastor, is responsible for all of these things and also to teach the people God's Word so they can learn to feed themselves and so help other people. God says here that He was upset with the pastors (shepherds) that were not feeding His people. They were neglecting His sheep! He says He would deal with those evil pastors according to their deeds and He would give His people, His sheep, good shepherds (pastors) who would do the job right! Those who would feed the sheep!

We read in Ephesians that after Jesus rose to heaven, gifts were given to men and those gifts included these:

Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV)
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The Greek word for pastors here is: poimen, which means the same as the Hebrew word above! The meaning is clearer here, though, in that the word "and" in verse 11 means "an added thing" or "a continuing thought", except in the first and last instances. In those cases the word is the Greek word: kai, which has the idea of "accumulation". It means "both", so that what we really have here is that God has given us pastors who are also teachers! You cannot really pastor a congregation if you can't teach them the Word of God so that they really can grow up in the things of God. The reason for giving all of these ministry "gifts" was for the perfecting (the complete furnishing or equipping) of the saints (all born again believers are saints!) for the work of the ministry. We've got work to do and pastors are to do their part in preparing us for that work!

So what are we saying today? We are saying that the main job of a pastor today is the same as it was then, to feed, guide, teach and train the sheep! If you are attending a church where the pastor does not teach the Word of God, you need to find yourself another church! You need to prayerfully ask your heavenly Father where He wants you to attend so that you can be properly prepared for the ministry He has called you to. Every believer is called to minister the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ, some from the pulpit, most just one on one with people we come in contact with. If you don't attend any church and you think you will just learn on your own, you are also wrong! God Himself gave pastors who teach His Word because that's how He wants it to be! There are some things you will never learn until you are submitted to the teaching ministry of a pastor.

Find out where God wants you to be. Study to show yourself approved unto God. Be about the business that He has called you to and you won't be able to stop the blessings!

Have a great day in His love!

Shalom in Him!