Many times the question is asked, “Who is the pastor where you go to church?”  Unfortunately, the word pastor has been tossed to and fro in the religious world to the point that most have forgotten the Biblical usage of this word.  The original meaning of the word conveyed the idea of a shepherd, one who was given the task of feeding and caring for sheep.  It is consistently used this way throughout the Bible.  The word pastor is found 9 times in the Bible—8 times in the book of Jeremiah and once in Ephesians (4:11).  The word pastor as used in the book of Jeremiah did not carry the idea of a preacher in the Lord’s church, for Christ’s church had not yet been established in the days of Jeremiah.  Neither does the word pastor carry the meaning of a preacher in the Lord’s church as used in Ephesians 4:11.  In the list of those to whom God gave miraculous gifts until God’s revelation to man was completed, Paul makes a distinction between preachers (evangelists—see II Tim.4:1,5) and pastors.
     God, in His infinite wisdom, designed the church in such a way that one man would not “pastor” the flock.  Had the church been designed in such a way, many power-hungry “pastors” could lead the flock of God down any path they might choose.  God planned the church to be overseen by a plurality of pastors in each local congregation.  Paul left Titus behind to ordain elders in every city (Tit. 1:5).  Paul and Barnabas ordained elders in every church (Acts 14:23—notice it does not say “an elder”).  The terms elders and pastors may be used interchangeably, for elders are given the same responsibilities as are inherent in the idea of pastors.  When Paul called for the elders from the church in Ephesus, he charged them to feed the flock of God, over which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers (Acts 20:17,28).  Peter charged all elders to feed the flock which they had been appointed to oversee (I Pet. 5:1-4).  The qualifications for those who would be pastors/elders/bishops (all terms descriptive of the same office) can be found recorded in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
     It is the case that a preacher can be a pastor, as long as there are one or more men with whom he will share the duties of shepherding the flock.  The next time someone asks you the question, “Who is your pastor?,” remember the Biblical usage of this word and give them a Bible answer.
 
     Do you have a Bible question that deserves a Bible answer?  Do you want more information about this subject?  Feel free to contact the Mabelvale church of Christ at 455-2548 or by fax at 407-0072.  We now may also be reached by e-mail at mabelval@cei.net, and have a web page at www.cei.net/~mabelval.  On the web page you will find archives of all of the “Ask a Bible Questions” to date, as well as other items.  Also, tune into the Search television program on Sunday mornings at 8:00 on channel 4.