Some readers may raise their eyebrows to see such a challenge being issued in Uplook. Rest assured we will soon explain what is meant by the title— but first, we have a scenario for you to consider.
The believers at Downhill face a dilemma. Harold started the assembly in his home 40 years ago and has faithfully served the congregation ever since. However, he is now 83 and too unwell to continue. Over the years, two other qualified men came into the assembly and served with Harold as shepherds. However, one of them, Frank, has just learned that his firm is relocating, and he will have to move away. That means that the other, Bill, will be left as the sole elder for the 60 people now in fellowship.
Questions: Would it be wrong for Bill to serve as Downhill’s only pastor, since no one else seems qualified to serve with him? Can you suggest a way in which this situation might have been prevented?
Back to justifying our title: If we strip the word “pastor” of its common ecclesiastical connotation, and use only the meaning of the word as it appears in Scripture, then it will soon become clear that our title can be left as is. Most subscribers to Uplook will be aware that the words “overseer,” “elder,” and “pastor” refer to the same person, and that in Scripture they are used in the plural rather than the singular. A careful reading of Acts 20:17-28 will confirm this, for the elders of verse 17 were informed that the Holy Spirit had constituted them overseers (v. 28) and that they were to shepherd (“pastor”) the church of God.
It is unfortunate that the synonym for shepherd, pastor, is frequently misapplied to a single person who controls, or is in charge of, church ministry and activities. Thus “pastor” has become an office rather than a work; an honor rather than a humble service. In accordance with God’s Word, we would dare those qualified to take on a true pastoral role, not looking for honor among men on this earth but being content to wait for the Chief Shepherd’s return. He will richly reward those who have served under His direction (see 1 Pet. 5:4).
It was as the Good Shepherd, the ultimate Pastor, that our Lord served on earth. He gave His life for the sheep. In this all may follow His example, for we are told that we should lay down our lives for the brethren (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 3:16). This may not mean suffering literal martyrdom, but it will certainly require us to give up personal interests, time, and resources for the good of others. If you think that is a tall order, look again at Calvary.
This column is for elders, but not exclusively so. In the above paragraph we referred to what the Holy Spirit says through the Apostle John, that “we” (meaning all in fellowship, not just those taking oversight) “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” This challenge applies to young believers as well as old, to female as well as male. Even though women and young men are excluded by Scripture from church leadership (1 Tim. 2:11-12; 3:6), there are ways in which all members of the body ought to show care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25).
One does not get a shepherd’s heart overnight; it is something that develops slowly. Early signs of pastoral concern may be observed in a young man who does not merely teach his Sunday School class, but voluntarily makes time to visit with his students; or in one who spontaneously drops in to see an elderly saint who is too ill to attend the meetings of the church. When an elder sees such spiritual growth he should, when appropriate, take the younger man with him on house calls and otherwise seek to encourage him. Can you think of additional ways in which the “Downhill Dilemma” might have been prevented?