A Gift for Today...continued

Ministry Gifts - Pastor / Teacher

Whether this is one group of people or two is open to interpretation. However, we shall look at the two functions as one

The word 'pastor' literally means 'shepherd'. It is used of Christ several times in the New Testament (Heb.13:20, 1 Pet.2:25) but only once in the context of the Christian pastor (Eph.4:11). In this passage it is listed as a gift to be exercised not an office to be occupied. Actually any Christian who guides, guards and generally functions as a shepherd in relation to other believers is exercising a pastoral gift. However, today the word has come to stand for an office occupied by one who formally feeds the flock, administers the ordinances, leads the worship and guards the truth.

Looking at the early church we see Christianity as an island in a sea of paganism. The pastor/teachers played an important role in the local church as they were permanent and settled in one place. Printing was yet to be invented so it was the teacher's responsibility to know and pass on the truth of the gospel. People came into the church straight from heathenism, knowing nothing of Christianity other than that Christ had laid hold of their hearts; they were born again. Therefore these teachers opened up the Christian faith to them. There was the constant danger of relapsing into heathenism and the duty of the pastor was to shepherd the flock and keep them safe. The pastoral ministry reveals in a practical way the warm, loving care and concern of God.

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