Is there a difference between a pastor and a preacher? lets continue from where we stopped in part 1
Pastors must protect the flock from false teachers and doctrines. Paul warned the Ephesian elders upon his departure, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:28-30).
This is why one of the pastor’s primary jobs is to teach. They must equip their people with sound doctrine so they are ready when someone attempts to bring in false doctrine.
Notice, “from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). Often people from among the body will attempt to steal disciples from the pastor. It often comes in the form of, “What do you think about this?” Or, “I’m not sure I agree with what the pastor said.” Also, “What do you think about the decision the leadership made?” They start by casting doubt in people’s heart concerning the pastor and/or leadership. This is where division typically begins – through the tongue (James 3:5-6).
This is what Paul was dealing with when he said, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:2-3).
Division can be dealt with on the congregational level before it ever gets to the pastor. When God’s people are well equipped by a pastor’s teaching and shepherding, they can stop divisiveness before major damage is done. Paul said, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
When divisiveness begins, abruptly stop it. This is not the time to be gentle, but swift. Rebuke is needed to arrest it. Say something like, “Stop it now. I don’t want to hear any negative talk. That is my pastor, leader, elder, etc. I love you, but I don’t want to hear this type of divisiveness. Please, shut up!” This may seem harsh, but if action is taken right away, many church splits can be avoided.
Pastors must go after stray sheep. A pastor/shepherd goes after lost or stray sheep. Jesus dealt strongly with this in Luke 15. He illustrated it with three examples: lost sheep, coin and son. If a person has missed two to three weeks of church, something is apparently wrong. I understand the pastor may not be able to always do this himself, especially when a church has grown beyond a certain point, but he can make sure it is being done. This is where delegation is needed.
This can also apply to following up on visitors. Get contact information for anyone who visits your church and make sure someone reaches out to them. A letter or e-mail should be sent out to them the following day after they visit the church. Before the following Sunday, they should also be contacted by phone and/or receive a personal visit. Many visitors (who could have been a wonderful addition to the church) are lost because they are not followed up on.
Pastors must spend time in prayer. It was Samuel who said, “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way” (1 Samuel 12:23 KJV). A Pastor has a constant burden to pray for his people, even when they are in rebellion.
Pastors must have vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). A pastor is constantly seeking vision for the church as to what God wants, and plans accordingly. Some translations have “progressive vision”. The vision the pastor receives is continually unfolding.
Pastors must provide order and structure. Paul instructed a young pastor named Titus, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city” (Titus 1:5 NASB). Set in order what remains or what is lacking. A pastor should be constantly planning and seeking the Lord regarding how to organize and structure the church. Structure is imperative for the success, prosperity, and growth of the church. This is progressive. As a church grows, it will need restructuring at every new stage of growth. God can bring us new people, but if we do not structure for growth, we will not be able to maintain it.
Are you a pastor or a preacher?
Individual pastors may not always have expertise in every area I mentioned, but they will at least see the need and have a burden for each of these aspects of pastoring. Where a pastor may be lacking in a particular area, God will bring in someone who makes up where he lacks, “You are complete in him” (Colossians 2:10 KJV). It’s important to lay ego aside and let them help when God brings them to you.
Prayer: I pray the Holy Spirit will complete you as you pursue your calling. May God grant you the grace to run with all diligence the race and calling you have received from Him. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10 NASB).
God Bless you
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