More Joy Ministries
Full Bible Study
The Greek word for pastor is poimen. Paul uses this term in Ephesians 4:11 when listing spiritual gifts.
While translated as pastor in that single instance, the word appears sixteen other times in Scripture as shepherd. We must recognize that the Bible describes the gift of shepherding rather than a specific office of pastor.
Possessing the gift of shepherding does not mean a person holds the office of senior pastor. This gift functions effectively in many roles throughout the church.
You can use the terms shepherd and pastor interchangeably.
As a shepherd, you possess the capacity to serve God by overseeing, training, and caring for a group of Christians. You lead and feed the flock as a coach of the team.
Your primary focus remains the welfare of the sheep under your care. You function as an extension of the pastor to oversee your specific portion of the congregation.
Shepherds are masters of one primary task. Many pastors of large churches possess a dominant gift of administration in addition to their shepherding heart.
Other pastors may lean heavily on the gifts of evangelism, teaching, or exhortation.
Ephesians 4:11 implies that the gift of shepherding requires the gift of teaching. If you lack the gift of teaching, God has not called you to the pastorate.
The position demands the gift.
Sunday school teachers and small group leaders are shepherds just as the senior pastor is a shepherd. They are effectively pastoring small churches within the larger body.
The role requires the gift.
First Corinthians 12:11 states that God divides gifts to every man severally as He will. This means God grants capacity according to His design.
He places individuals in positions that match their specific ability to care for either ten people or hundreds.
Acts 14:23 describes the appointment of elders in every church, showing that leadership is meant to be plural. First Timothy 5:17 distinguishes between elders who rule well, noting different ranks among them.
Those who labor in word and doctrine receive double honor. Sunday school teachers and group leaders function as these junior elders in the modern context.
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