In truth, every scripturally gathered assembly does indeed have a Pastor. The important distinction is that the Pastor of each local assembly is the Lord Jesus Christ, and not a full-time paid person as the word “pastor” is often understood to be.
Our first consideration is the New Testament Greek word “poimen” which is translated “pastor” in the King James Version (KJV) rendering of Ephesians 4:11. In every other place “poimen” is used in the KJV it is translated “shepherd.” With this in mind, let us consider the following passages where it is used of the Lord Jesus Christ:
- Matthew 26:31….He is the smitten Shepherd
- John 10:14……….He is the good Shepherd
- John 10:16……….He is the one Shepherd
- Hebrews 13:20….He is the great Shepherd
- 1 Peter 2:25………He is the overseeing Shepherd
- 1 Peter 5:4………..He is the chief Shepherd
Since our God has given the Lord Jesus Christ to be the Head over all things pertaining to the Church (Eph. 1:22), can it be that a mere mortal should either be assigned or assume this incredible title over a local church? While many may pay lip service to our Lord’s headship of the Church, in both language and practice the word “pastor” usually signifies a hired person who is viewed as the “leader” of that local church.
The common practice in most mainstream denominations is to have a full-time paid person who is in charge of the local church. They set the tone for the doctrinal positions, do the bulk of the teaching and preaching, handle most of the personal counseling, and oversee the agendas of the various committees. They are typically graduates of a recognized seminary or Bible School. The church’s board of trustees or a similar governing body will interview candidates for the “pastor’s position” as the need arises, and will hire someone, with agreed upon employment terms and a job description. This may be generalizing a little, but this is the pattern usually followed. Having said this, we do not deny that many who follow this pattern have a love for the Lord, sincere motives, and a desire to serve Him. However, if we stand upon the truth that our entire body of Christian teaching and doctrine is to be sourced in the Word of God, then we will all look in vain to find the above procedures, persons, or titles in Scripture.
With the Lord Jesus Christ being the true Pastor of each local church, the New Testament instead describes a plurality of elders in each local assembly who work as under-shepherds or overseers among the saints, and not over them. Their qualities are described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These descriptions were given to both Timothy and Titus so that they could recognize and establish those who were doing the work of elders. The Holy Spirit raises up overseers to “shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28), giving them the desire to care for the people of God (1 Timothy 3:1). It is always spoken of in Scripture as a work to be done, not a position to be held.
Modifications to the scriptural pattern with traditions formulated over time is not how a local assembly should be governed. Instead, let us “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). While the New Testament pattern does leave room for flexibility in some functional facets, there is no recorded instance in the New Testament where a full-time paid person governs a local church. As we meditate upon the one true Pastor of the church, we will quickly conclude that no mortal has Christ’s credentials, abilities, or authority. He is God’s choice and should be ours as well.