What Kind of Pastor?

One of the matters that has long bothered me about the “Office of Pastor” is the pansy like, soft and malleable, gentle and non judgmental aspects of the word “pastor.” The church is filled with pastors who would probably function much better as counselors or even social workers. These “pastors” often spoil their flock by being all things to all members.

I prefer the term “under shepherd.” 1 Peter 5 talks in terms of “shepherding” the flock. A shepherd has authority. Sheep are dumb. Sheep need a shepherd. Of course the Chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ, which makes the office of Elder or Pastor one of an under shepherd.

Sheep don’t know where to find food...or water...or any of the necessities of life. So too, followers of Christ need to be led...to be shown where to find food...in scripture...in fellowship...in right living. I continue to be amazed at the number of self-professed Christians who possess nothing more than a third grade Sunday School level education.

The under shepherd serves to save the sheep when they have found themselves caught in a rift, or when they have wandered astray. Most congregations seek a pastor/under shepherd who knows his stuff, his Bible, real life, the perspicuity of sin, the consequences of it, and the grace of God Almighty. But few want one who will remind them of that and feel free to point out their sins, when necessary.

To that end, I also believe that the office of pastor/under shepherd has long lacked support for the prophetic element incumbent on it. The act of preaching itself is proclamation. IT IS NOT TEACHING. Congregations who focus their services on “worship” and “teaching” completely miss this. Bible Study, Sunday School, etc – Teaching. Preaching – Proclamation. “This IS the word of the Lord!”

The Lord God Almighty says to Ezekiel as he prepares to send him to Israel:

“When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 3:18-19.

There is an urgency in bringing the word of God to the people of God and this is especially true for the church today.

Along these same lines there comes a time when people need to be left to experience the consequences of their sinfulness. It’s a hard thing to do, but letting go is another part of this puzzle and it applies to pastors as well as to laity.

There are times when, like in the Corinthian Church, we need to turn folks over to Satan “for the destruction of their flesh” (1Cor 5:5). There are times when, like Paul tells Timothy, we are instructed to turn folks “over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme” (1Tim 1:20). There is no shame in turning your back on them.

Even the disciples were admonished as they were sent out: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matt 10:14)

It is time that undershepherds and laity alike, (the very body of Christ) decide that it is living in an apostate age, an age of moral degradation, amongst a perverse people. And many need to feel the discomfort which scripture will being to any and every believer caught in the web of sin...that they might be saved on the Day of the Lord.