Way back in early December I wrote the following “What’s Brewing” column. I’m editing it to use today because it is still relevant for Scott Valley Berean Church.
It’s funny how we put so much emphasis on a term found only once in the Bible. The word “pastor” is only found in Ephesians 4:11. “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers”. Even there the word could be translated “shepherds”.
A pastor is really a shepherd, and in my understanding, one of several shepherds in a local congregation. It seems the pattern in Scripture is that there would be multiple shepherds, or elders, in a local church.
Their responsibilities are clearly laid out in Scripture. The Ephesians 4 passage indicates that the shepherds are also teachers, and are given to a local congregation to equip the ‘saints’ for the work of service. In Acts 20, shepherds are to guard God’s flock from doctrinal error. 1 Peter 5 supports that instruction, emphasizing that the shepherding is to be by example, not with authoritative words. The Apostle Paul wrote three letters to young shepherds giving further instruction on their role. “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
We are searching for the next ‘shepherd’ for Scott Valley Berean Church, and I believe making progress. (More news on that this Sunday!) We have an excellent committee that is doing their due diligence in that process. Please continue praying as we move forward. Pray that the Lord would provide just the right ‘shepherd’ to join with the other shepherds in ministering to ‘the flock of God”.
Pastor John