On Monday, we started our two-part series about pastors who try to blend in with the world. They try to seem hip to the times, but are they displaying worldliness as they do so? We pick back up with this topic as we discuss what role a pastor or leader plays in building up the church.
If you missed Part 1, you can find it here.
The Office of Pastor
What role should a pastor fill? What are his responsibilities to his congregation and to the Lord? Where would we go to find that information?
1 Timothy 3:1-3
This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Titus 1:5-7
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
1 Peter 5:1-5
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Ephesians 4:11,12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Acts 20:28-31
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Blameless. Sober. Humble. Shepherd. Teacher. Equipping the saints. Protecting the flock. If you have a pastor with these qualities, praise ye the Lord! Please pray that God will raise up more men like that to fill the pulpits all across this great land!
I really like the ministry of David Cloud at http://www.wayoflife.org. I really believe he is a sound Bible teacher. You can go to his website and find some great information about the role of pastors.
All Things to All People
Many times, when a topic like this is brought up, people will want to quote this verse from Paul:
1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
But is Paul really saying here that we have permission to act or speak in any worldly way we want in order to reach someone for Jesus? I don’t think that is what it means.
What Paul is stating is that his approach to witnessing to a Jew or Gentile might be different. Why? They have different backgrounds and varying exposure to the Word of God, so to walk them to the cross, we might go about it a different way.
How you talk to a hardened atheist versus how you talk to a homeless person will probably be different.
But Paul is clear throughout his writings that the gospel never changes. Truth never changes. The only way to get to heaven never changes. Jesus never changes. Now how we get to that part of the conversation may be different depending on who we are chatting with. Being able to adjust to someone’s background and experiences is a sign of empathy and humility. Meet them where they are, grab their hand, and walk them to the cross.
Pleasing People or the Lord
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Do we really need skinny jeans, soul patches, rock and roll music, fog machines, and light shows to preach the message of God? I think we all know the answer to that question.
I spoke at a church one time, and the pastor was dressed in a nice suit. When the next service came, which was more geared toward college-age and young people in their twenties, I noticed as he introduced me that he had changed his clothes! He was wearing jeans and a shirt. Was that necessary? I sure didn’t bring a change of clothes! Everyone knew he was the pastor. What would be the reasoning behind changing your attire before you addressed a different group at your church?
Abstinence
But God takes how we represent Him a step further:
1 Thessalonians 5:22,23
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is telling us to avoid even the appearance of evil! Wow. That is an interesting thought. He is challenging us through Paul to live a holy life in an unholy world. He is telling us that we should use discernment and maintain a good testimony with everyone around us.
Does that mean you can’t drive a nice car or live in a nice home because someone might think you are greedy? Does that mean you can’t eat in a restaurant because other people there are drinking? Does that mean you can’t dress nicely for an occasion? Does that mean you can’t take a vacation? Does that mean…
It almost seems like we have to leave this world to avoid worldliness, but we are torn. We want to leave this world to be with Jesus, but we also want to do His work while we are still here. There are still more people to reach for Jesus, and it is another day to hand a tract out or plant a seed through a conversation with someone.
Philippians 1:23,24
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Personal Example
A couple of months ago, I stopped into a restaurant that I had been to before for lunch. The people there are very friendly, and they always come up to greet me and chat. I had a new waitress, Michelle, that day. Awesome. Someone new to witness to! If I go to the same establishment, I ask which waiters are on shift and try to get someone new so I can plant a seed with them.
Michelle and I had a great conversation, and she took some materials. She let me know it was her birthday! Perfect day to witness to her and bless her. Then she invited me to her birthday party that night! A bunch of the coworkers were going, and they wanted me to go.
Well, her party was at an establishment that does karaoke, and drinking goes on there. What did I do? I decided to pop in later that evening. They were all going there after they finished their shift. They know I don’t drink, so they made sure I had plenty of water to partake of.
I went with one specific purpose: to do some witnessing. Mission accomplished! The waiter in that place actually knew me. He worked at a car dealership where I test-drove a vehicle five years ago! Josh wanted to chat some more and talk about life. Things had changed a lot since the last time we connected.
I had tracts and booklets in my pockets. I had some good conversations with the people there and was able to give out some materials and even hit up the security guards when I left.
Keeping it in the World
We live in interesting days. So much worldliness everywhere we go. But should we be bringing that worldliness into the church?
All I know is that the older I get, the worse and worse and worse I look in skinny jeans! Looking forward to wearing those white robes of righteousness someday soon!
Have a great week. Be bold. Know your Bible better today than you did yesterday. Open your mouth and let the truths of God’s Word and what Jesus has done for us flow off your lips into many lives!
Until the nets are full,
P.S. I prayed for Gary as I was putting this newsletter together. I ask that you do the same. Thank you!
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