Friday, August 28, 2009

The Pastor's Responsibilities and Duties

THE PASTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES


There are three primary divisions of the elder’s responsibilities and duties. Listed in order

of priority, they first to God, secondly to himself and finally toward others. All too often

members in a church reverse the order, only to the detriment of their personal and corporate

well-being in Christ.

A. The pastor is responsible to serve the Lord first.

1. The pastor elder must exercise a saving faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

(1 Thess. 1:9; Heb. 9:11-14)

2. The elder’s first priority is to serve the Lord first and foremost, before he serves

people. (Acts 20:19; Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4; Eph. 6:6-7; Col. 3:22-24). He serves

God’s people by serving and answering to the Lord first and doing so for the glory

of God (Deut. 10:12; Josh. 24:14, 15; 1 Cor. 10:31; 15:58; Eph. 6:7; Heb. 12:28;

1 Pet. 4:10-11).

a. This was clearly the pattern of God’s true prophets, priests and kings

(1 Chron. 28:9; 2 Chron. 12:8; 34:33).

b. This was also the pattern of Jesus Christ who always did His Father’s will

(Matt. 4:10; Luke 4:8; John 8:26-28)

c. This was the pattern of the Apostles (Acts 4:5-21; 27:23; 1 Cor. 15:58; Col.

3:23; 1 Thess. 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:3; Heb. 12:28).

3. He is to live for Christ

a. Never to be ashamed of Jesus Christ (2 Tim 1:8-11; 2:11-13).

b. His focus is to always be upon Christ (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21; 2 Tim 2:8-13).

c. He will suffer for Christ (Lk. 21:19; 2 Tim. 2:3-7; 3:10-12).


B. The pastor is responsible to keep his life right in relationship to the Lord.

1. All believers are called upon to keep their lives right before God (Rom. 12:1-2; 2

Cor. 4:16; Gal. 5:17-25; Eph. 4:23-24; Col. 3:10; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Thess. 4:1-12;

2 Tim. 2:19-21; 2 Pet. 3:1-11). They are to be faithful stewards of Christ and are

accountable to Him through a biblically balanced life (1 Cor. 4:1-2; 9:17; Col. 1:25f).

2. This is all the more true for pastors, elders and deacons too. The admonition to

Timothy is applicable to those who take on the yoke of ministry, that the pastor or

elder must guard and maintain his life, piety and gifts (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 4:14-16;

2 Tim. 2:19-21) so that he might have the proper capacity to serve others through

Christ (2 Tim. 2:1, 6, 15; 3:16-17). And he should practice and devote himself to

godliness in Christ so that others will see progress in his walk (1 Tim. 4:15). This

is what Thomas Murphy means when he says that “The conversion of souls and

the prosperity of the Church depend on the degree of the pastor’s piety”

(Murphy, 1996, p. 47).

The purpose of taking care of his life in Christ is not for self-actualization or

other self-serving goals but rather so that he may be of greater service to others.

While this might seem odd, a properly oriented life that is saturated with God

through Christ is a far better blessing to others. This is because the greater, more

expansive capacity one has for God the greater his capacity for a fruitful ministry.

Jesus is a model of one who, though sinless, maintained and nurtured his

relationship with the Father, to understand God’s will and to be strengthened from

on high in order to accomplish all that God set for him to do. He always made it

a priority to spend time with the Father before serving others.

3. The pastor or elder is called to train and discipline himself for godliness

(1 Tim. 4:7-11) so as to become more and more like Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18;

1 Tim. 4:14-16; 6:11; Ti. 2:12; 2 Pet. 1:4). After all, the pastor or elder is to

model the life of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 12:18; 1 Thess. 2:10-12; 1 Tim. 4:12;

1 Pet. 5:3), and this is very profitable (1 Tim. 6:6). At minimum this would

include the nurture and improvement of the godly character required of him

according to 1 Timothy 3:1-9 and Titus 1:5-9; but he should also cultivate and

strengthen other qualities God desires of him as Christ’s under-shepherd such as,

but not limited to:

a. Humility (Acts 20:19; 1 Cor. 10:12).

b. Being free of or fleeing the love of money (1 Tim. 3:3; 6:7-11)

c. Being a vessel of honor that is set apart from sin (2 Tim. 2:20-21)

(1) Actively pursuing biblical righteousness, godliness, faith, love,

perseverance and gentleness (1 Tim. 6:11).

(2) Fleeing youthful lusts, pursuing righteousness, faith, love (2 Tim 2:22).

d. Fearing no one or nothing except God (Deut. 10:12; Eccles. 12:13; Psa.

118:6; Isa. 12:2; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:17; 2:17).

e. Being sober-minded about everything (2 Tim. 4:5).

f. Maintaining a clear conscience before the Lord (2 Cor 11:31).

4. He is to put to use the good gift(s) God has placed upon him. In fact, he is called

upon to fan the flame or rekindle the gift(s) of God in his life (1 Tim. 4:14;

2 Tim. 1:6).

5. The pastor or elder is to saturate his life with and properly handle God’s Word

(1 Tim. 5:17; 2 Tim. 3:14-16).

a. Always growing in grace and truth (2 Pet. 3:18)

b. Holding fast to and be nourished on the Word of God (1 Tim 4:6; 2 Tim.

1:13; 3:14-17; Ti. 1:9)

c. Rightly handling God’s Word so as to be approved (2 Tim. 2:15)

d. Contending for the truth of God’s Word (1 Tim. 1:18-19)

e. Guarding the truth (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:12-14).

6. He should bear fruit (Jn 15:8; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 1:10; Ti. 2:7;

3:8, 14)

7. He is to take care of his physical life (1 Tim 5:23).

8. He should not be concerned about the judgments of others (1 Cor. 4:1-5),

neither should he compare himself with others (1 Cor. 3; 2 Cor. 10:12-16).

At the same time he should defend a biblical and righteous ministry in the

cause of Christ against false accusations (1 Cor. 1:6-23; 2:4, 17; 3:6, 12; 4:1-8;

5:14, 21; 1 Tim. 4:12).

9. He must keep his family life in order (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Ti. 1:6).

10. Finally, he and others must understand that his life and ministry is a living

sacrifice to God (Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6; 2 Sam. 24:24; Acts 20:24; 21:13; Phil. 3:7-8).


C. After serving God and attending to his life in Christ the pastor or elder then

serves others, particularly God’s people.

1. The pastor or elder serves through self-sacrifice (Jn. 10:11, 15; cp. Lk 10:34,35) as

a faithful as steward of God’s ministry (1 Cor. 4:1-2; Ti. 1:7), in a manner like Jesus

Christ (Matt. 20:25-28; 23:11-12; Mark 10:43,44; Luke 22:26-27; John 13:1-20).

2. He prays for others (Acts 6:4; Col. 1:9)

a. His priority is to pray, especially for God’s people (Acts 6:4; Col. 1:9)

b. He prays for those who are not believers in Christ (1 Tim. 2:1-8)

3. As an undershepherd to the Great Shepherd he pastors through God’s Word (Jn.

21:15ff; 1 Pet. 5:1ff); ministering the Word of God (Mk. 6:34b; Rev. 7:17; 1 Tim.

5:17; 1 Thess. 5:12; Col. 1:28; Jas. 3:1) in a variety of ways. In fact, the bulk and

thrust of his labors is in the power of God’s Spirit through the Word of God.

a. Publicly reading, preaching, explaining and applying Scriptures (1 Cor. 1:17;

1 Tim. 4:13-14)

b. Preaches in season and out of season reproving, rebuking and exhorting (2

Tim. 4:1-2).

c. Teaches boldly the Word of God (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 6:34; Acts 20:20;

1 Cor. 12:28, 31; Col. 1:28; 1 Tim. 1:3; 3:2, 16; 4:11-12; 6:2-5; Jas. 3:1;

Rev. 7:17) in these and other areas:

(1) Teaching apostolic truth, particularly to faithful men who would teach

others the same (2 Tim. 2:2).

(2) Teaching godliness in Christ (1 Tim. 5:24-6:6)

(3) Teaching older men to be sober, reverent, self-controlled, sound in faith,

sound in love, patient (Tit. 2:1-2).

(4) Teaching the rich to be rich in good works and generosity (1 Tim. 6:17-

19)

d. Feeds God’s people in the Truth (1 Pet. 5:2).

e. Edifies or builds believers up in Christ (2 Cor. 13:10-11; Eph 4:12-16).

f. Convicts the contrary (2 Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:9).

g. Brings comfort to hearers of the Word (1 Cor. 14:3, 31; 2 Cor. 1:4-6; 1 Thess.

4:18).

h. Confronts Sin (1Tim 5:1-2; Gal. 6:1).

(1) Warning of the consequences of sin (Acts 20:31).

(2) Rebuking sin (2 Tim. 4:1-2; Tit. 1:13; 2:15).

j. Admonishes wayward believers to obey God’s Word (2 Thess. 3:15).

k. Exhorts or confronts the opposition with sound doctrine in love (1 Cor.

13:1; Eph. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:24-26).

4. To train them in spiritual warfare, resisting Satan and calling them to their role as

godly warriors (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 6:10-18; Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9).

5. He delegates administrative tasks of lesser priorities for his vocation to others,

such as the deacons in order to concentrate on the ministries of prayer and the

Word of God (Act 6:1-7).

6. The minister’s godly office created by Christ (2 Cor. 3:9; 4:6). The minister is

responsible with other elders in the church to perpetuate the office with sound,

godly and faithful men who are gifted, called, and qualified (1 Tim. 1:11; 3:1-7;

4:14). It must be perpetuated through the laying on of hands by ordained elders

of the church (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 14:23; 19:6; 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:6)

7. He must always keep before him the goal(s) of his God-ordained ministry:

a. To equip the saints to do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12) in the faithful

exercise of their gifts (1 Cor. 12; Rom. 12).

b. To form Jesus Christ in the community of God’s people through love

(Eph. 1:15-23; 3:14-21; 4:13; Col 1:224-29; 1 Thess. 3:11-13; 1 Tim. 1:5)

until that community is a like one mature man who lives

(1) In the unity of the Faith (Eph. 4:13)

(2) In an intimate full-knowledge of the Son of God, deeply in love with

Christ and becoming more like him in every way (Eph. 4:13)

(3) In truth that is spoken and expressed through love (Eph. 4:15)


D. The pastor’s of elder’s duties are enumerated through the many roles he has:

1. As a self-sacrificing servant (Matt. 20:27; John 10:11, 15; Lk. 10:34, 35; 1 Cor.

4:1)

a. Of God (2 Cor. 6:4; Ti. 1:1, 7) and of Christ (Phil. 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:24)

b. Of God’s people (2 Cor. 4:5)

c. Who serves God and his church with diligence (Rom. 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1

Tim. 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:15).

2. As a loving shepherd of the flock of God (Jer. 3:15; John 21:15ff; Acts 20:28;

1 Pet. 5:1-2)

a. Who leads (Mark 6:34) and guides (Matt. 2:6; Acts 7:10, 14; Heb. 3:7,

17, 24)

b. Who protects (Acts 20:28-30; Jn. 10:12; Ti. 1:9; 2:1; Eph. 4:14; 1 Pet. 5:8;

1 Jn. 4:1-3)

(1) From enemies within (2 Tim. 2:16-18; Jude 12f).

(2) From enemies without (Mt. 13:24f; 2 Cor. 11:12-15).

3. As a priest, though a believer-priest like all other believers he

a. Intercedes and prays for God’s people (e.g.: 1 Sam. 12:23; Acts 12:5-9, 12;

Rom. 10:1; Eph. 1:18; Col. 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:1, 2; Jas. 5:16)

b. Serves as a leader in worship.

4. As a peacemaker or reconciler (Matt. 5:9; 2 Cor. 5:18-19).

5. As a preacher of the gracious Good News of Christ (Rom. 10:14; 2 Pet. 2:5)

6. As a professor-teacher (see above)

7. As a parent

a. Like a father (Matt. 13:52; 1 Cor. 4:12-21; 1 Thess. 2:10-12; 1 Tim. 3:5;

Philem. 10).

(1) Who sees to it with fellow elders and the deacons that widows in need are

taken care of (Acts 6:1ff; 1 Tim. 3:5-16; Jas. 1:27)

(2) Who also oversees with elders and deacons the needs of orphans (James

1:27).

(3) Who, with the elders through the service of the deacons, takes care of the

needy in the church (Luke 14:13; Acts 2:45; 4:35; Rom. 15:26; Gal. 2:10;

Eph. 4:28; Jas. 2:2-6)

b. And like a mother who gives birth (Isa. 66:7; 1 Thess. 5:3) and who nurses

(1 Thess. 2:7)

c. A nurturer and disciplinarian (Matt. 18; 2 Cor. 7:8-13)

8. As a model of godliness (Psa. 101:2; 1 Cor. 4:6; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6;

2:10-11; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9; 1 Tim. 4:12; Ti. 2:7; Heb. 12:2; 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:11-25;

5:3; 1 Jn. 2:6; etc.).

9. As a ruler with fellow elders over Christ’s church (1 Thess. 5:12, 13; 1 Tim. 5:17;

Heb. 13:17)

a. Overseeing the church of Christ (1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12; Rom. 12:8).

b. Exercising judicial discipline (Matt. 18:15-19; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5;

1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:20; 6:3; Ti. 1:13; 2:15; 3:10; Rev. 2:2,

14, 15, 20).

c. With Christ’s authority, but not lording it over God’s people (Matt. 20:25-26;

Mk. 10:42-43; 1 Pet. 5:3).

10. As an evangelist (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 20:21; 21:8; 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Tim. 4:5; Tit.

1:5)

a. By faithful testimony of Christ in life and lip (Acts 20:21; 1 Thess. 2:2).

b. By giving the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 3:21-28; 11:6; Gal. 3:1-9; 1 Pet. 4).

11. The pastor or elder is also described in roles as a messenger (2 Cor. 8:23), a

good worker (2 Cor. 6:1; Phil. 2:25), a soldier (Phil. 2:25; 2 Tim. 2:3-4), an

athlete (1 Cor. 9:24-25; Phil. 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:5; 4:7-8; Heb. 12:1) and a farmer

(2 Tim. 2:6).


(APPENDIX J The Perfect Pastor, p. 369)

© D. Thomas Owsley

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