Role of Pastors

Many people have opinions on the role of a pastor. But I am only interested in what God says is my role as a pastor. These are my thoughts based on 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus which are Paul’s instruction to other pastors on their role as spiritual leaders of God’s people.

1. Watch out and silence false teachers (1 Tim. 1:3-11). The first thing Paul tells young Timothy to do is to “commandcertain men not to teach false doctrine” 1 Tim. 1:3. This work of a pastor involves two very important aspects: 1) Identify faslse doctrine (which is a major responsibility for pastors in Paul’s mind – see 1 Tim. 4:1-7; 6:3-5). 2) Have the courage to use your authority to “command” people in the church to stop teaching false doctrine. Too many pastors are weak and wont confront those that are teaching false doctrine. Paul told Titus: “Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”Titus 2:15. Maintaining doctrinal purity in the church is one of the main responsibilities of a pastor.

2. Maintain Biblical Love in the church (1 Tim. 1:5). Why was Paul so emphatic on commanding people in the church not to teach false doctrine? “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5. Love, unity, and harmony within the church is paramount. False teachings create division in the church which cannot be tolerated. As pastors we must do everything within our power – prayer, teaching, correction, and commanding – to promote love in the church. Depending on the nature of the false doctrine, it can destroy “a pure heart” like Jezebel and her sexual immorality (Rev. 2:20); it can destroy a good conscience by teaching cheap grace that leads to a licence to sin (Rev. 2:14,15); and it can ruin someone’s “sincere faith” (1 Tim. 6:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:14-19).

3. Lead the church in prayer (1 Tim. 2:1-8). Pray for everyone – for all those in authority and for all people for God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4).

4. Maintain God-given roles between men and women in the church (1 Tim. 2:11-15). In the Garden of Eden God established gender roles for the family which He then transfered over to His religious family. Men were to lead and women were to support the men to fulfill their roles (Gen. 2:15-18; Eph. 5:22-24). Men and women have equal value in God’s eyes and both will inherit God’s Kingdom equally (Gal. 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7). But in the family and in God’s family (the church) men are to lead and women support their pastors and leaders.

5. Keep watch for the next leaders (elders/deacons) that God is raising up (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:1-9). At this task many pastors trip up either because they are distracted with the many roles of pastoring, or they are lazy in training up men who want to be leaders, or they fear that a new leader may want to take their spot at the top of the leadership pole (they are insecure leaders). Whatever the case, pastors have a role of constantly looking for new leaders to expand the ministry and hopefully expand the Kingdom of God. When these up and coming leaders have the maturity required in Scripture, pastors should duly recognize them and appoint them as deacons and elders.

6. Guard and uphold the fundamental truths in God’s Word (1 Tim. 3:15). The church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15) and thus pastors must study God’s Word and exalt the truth of the Gospel and all basic doctrines of God (1 Tim. 4:16; 6:20-21; 2 Tim. 1:13-14; 2:15). Paul emphasizes to Timothy the importance of Scripture for salvation and discipleship (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

7. “Preach the Word” (2 Tim 4:2). Pastors are to be men of the Word. This is their primary ministry. When other needs arose in the church that would have distracted the apostles, they delegated those needs to others and declared: “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” (Acts 6:2) Pastors are to dedicate themselves to studying, teaching, and preaching the Word of God in whatever setting they see fit – to the entire church, home groups, Bible study groups, counseling sessions, etc… But we must preach the Word. In so doing we will equip our saints to not fall into false teachings (1 Tim. 4:1-6, 11, 13).

8. Preach the Gospel (2 Tim. 4:2). The Gospel is paramount. The focus of the entire Bible is Jesus Christ – his death on the cross, burial and resurrection. Paul reminded Timothy of God’s desire for all mankind: “…God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” Gospel preaching must be central to a pastor’s life (2 Tim. 4:5). He must never be ashamed of his Lord (2 Tim. 1:8)

9. Keep up with our spiritual disciplines to ensure godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8). Pastors can fall into sluggishness and neglect their spiritual disciplines which will affect their godliness. So Paul tells Timothy “Keep yourself in training for a godly life.” (1 Tim. 4:7b) GNT. Paul command him to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness.

10. Be examples to the believers(1 Tim. 1:12). Pastors must live godly lives and thus be good examples of Christ-like living: “be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity.” (1 Tim. 1:12). Peter told the elders the same thing: “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not Lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:1-3). Pastors should be able to say like Paul: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). This includes having a right attitude towards money (1 Tim.6:8-11; 17-18). Timothy actually followed Paul's example (2 Tim. 3:10-11).

11. Provide effective supervision and leadership of the church (1 Tim. 5:17). Those that do are worthy of being paid well(“double honor). They must know how to treat older believers, younger saints, widows, and when to recognize new leaders (1 Tim. 5).

12. Work towards the multiplication of disciples (2 Tim. 2:2). Timothy was told to grab Paul's teachings and teach them to faithful men who would in turn teach others.  Four generations of disciples.  A pastor needs to work for this type of fruit.

13. Sacrificial Living (2 Tim. 2:3-6, 9-10). Suffering for Jesus through discipline, sacrifice, and hard work should be the lot of pastors. Believers should see that their pastors are the most sacrificial members of the church.

14. Keep Cool in the midst of chaos (2 Tim. 4:5). When chaos is breaking out in the church or events are crashing into the church the pastor must lead with a level head, full of faith and conviction. 
"But you, keep your head in all situations..." (2 Timothy 4:5)