Is the preacher the pastor?
Introduction. The denominational world commonly practices what might be called the "pastoral system." This makes the local preacher the "pastor" or overseer of the congregation. Thus, you will often see "...John Doe, Pastor" on informational signs and in ads.
What does the New Testament teach? Jesus desires that His church as local congregations have qualified leaders. In the New Testament, these leaders are designated by three different Greek words (presbuterion, episcopos, and poimen). These three words have been translated into six English words: elders (Tit. 1: 5), presbytery (1 Tim. 4: 14), overseer (Acts 20, 28), bishop (1 Tim 3: 1), shepherd (1 Pet. 5: 2, 4), and pastor (Eph. 4: 11). These terms are used interchangeably to identify the same class of men (see 1 Pet. 5: 1-4, Gk. text). These men had to satisfy specific requirements in order to be selected (1 Tim. 3: 1-7; Tit. 1: 5-11). Among these is a requirement to be married and have children (1 Tim. 3: 2-5).
A biblically defined pastor can be a preacher (recognized and supported). Preachers can meet these qualifications and can be selected by the local church to be pastors/elders/overseers/etc.. Peter was a shepherd (pastor) and a preacher (1 Pet. 5: 1 ff., see also 1 Tim. 5: 17-18). In contrast, while Paul was an outstanding preacher, as an unmarried man he would have been disqualified from being a pastor (1 Cor. 7:7-8). Another thing to notice is that pastor, elder, bishop, and such were not used as religious titles (the King James translators realized this and did not capitalize these words in translation). Religious titles, as such, are forbidden (Matt. 23: 6-12). Also, you do not read about "the" pastor (singular). There were always a multiplicity of pastors or elders in the local congregation (Acts 14: 23, etc.).
The function of preaching has been shamefully reduced in many ways. Too many men (and women) have been proclaimed "pastors" who are unqualified. But in addition, the work of the preacher unfortunately has been lowered in too many congregations to providing "feel good" sermonettes, placation, and entertainment as social workers and political peace keepers (2 Tim. 4: 1-5). May local congregations of the Lord's church always be organized and function as Jesus as the Head of His church requires.
What does the New Testament teach? Jesus desires that His church as local congregations have qualified leaders. In the New Testament, these leaders are designated by three different Greek words (presbuterion, episcopos, and poimen). These three words have been translated into six English words: elders (Tit. 1: 5), presbytery (1 Tim. 4: 14), overseer (Acts 20, 28), bishop (1 Tim 3: 1), shepherd (1 Pet. 5: 2, 4), and pastor (Eph. 4: 11). These terms are used interchangeably to identify the same class of men (see 1 Pet. 5: 1-4, Gk. text). These men had to satisfy specific requirements in order to be selected (1 Tim. 3: 1-7; Tit. 1: 5-11). Among these is a requirement to be married and have children (1 Tim. 3: 2-5).
A biblically defined pastor can be a preacher (recognized and supported). Preachers can meet these qualifications and can be selected by the local church to be pastors/elders/overseers/etc.. Peter was a shepherd (pastor) and a preacher (1 Pet. 5: 1 ff., see also 1 Tim. 5: 17-18). In contrast, while Paul was an outstanding preacher, as an unmarried man he would have been disqualified from being a pastor (1 Cor. 7:7-8). Another thing to notice is that pastor, elder, bishop, and such were not used as religious titles (the King James translators realized this and did not capitalize these words in translation). Religious titles, as such, are forbidden (Matt. 23: 6-12). Also, you do not read about "the" pastor (singular). There were always a multiplicity of pastors or elders in the local congregation (Acts 14: 23, etc.).
The function of preaching has been shamefully reduced in many ways. Too many men (and women) have been proclaimed "pastors" who are unqualified. But in addition, the work of the preacher unfortunately has been lowered in too many congregations to providing "feel good" sermonettes, placation, and entertainment as social workers and political peace keepers (2 Tim. 4: 1-5). May local congregations of the Lord's church always be organized and function as Jesus as the Head of His church requires.