the gift of pastor

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Sonrise Christian Center July 13, 2014 9am & 11am Services Pastor Dan Hammer Fivefold Ministry Series

THE GIFT OF PASTOR INTRODUCTION: 1.

Philippians 1:1, “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons…”

2.

There are three Greek words for the same office or ministry. a. Presbuteros = elder b. Episkopos = overseer or bishop c. Poimen = pastor

3.

Confusion sometimes comes because we use five English words: elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, or overseer.

4.

Acts 20:17, “From Miletus [Paul] he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.” (Here they are called elders) a. Acts 20:28, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” b. They are called elders in vs. 17, but in vs. 28 they are overseers and they are “to shepherd” the church of God.

5.

Titus 1:5, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…” a. Titus was to ordain elders. b. Titus 1:6-7, “...if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop [or overseer] must be blameless…” c. In I Peter 5 the concepts are used.

Sonrise Christian Center July 13, 2014 9am & 11am Services Pastor Dan Hammer Fivefold Ministry Series

6.

There was plurality of leadership in the local church. a. Acts 14:23, “So when they had appointed elders in every church…” b. I Thessalonians 5:12, “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you...” c. Hebrews 13: 7,17,24, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow; Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account; Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”

*Acts 15 shows leadership in plurality. James the leader among leaders, but working as a team. 7.

Let’s look at the gift of pastor.

BODY: I.

PASTORS ARE TO RULE A.

Elders, as pastors, are to rule. 1.

I Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

2.

“To rule” in the New Testament indicates a degree of authority and discipline. a. Matthew 2:6(KJV), “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” (rule = shepherd) b. Revelation 2:26-27, “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father;” c. Responsibility requires authority.

Sonrise Christian Center July 13, 2014 9am & 11am Services Pastor Dan Hammer Fivefold Ministry Series

II.

A PASTOR TEACHES A.

Titus 1:9, “...holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” 1.

B.

Pastors are to teach others. 1.

III.

This can include small groups, personal counseling, etc.

II Timothy 2:2, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

A PASTOR SHEPHERDS A.

Jesus is the example of a good shepherd. 1.

John 10:11-15, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

2.

The shepherd - sheep relationship is an intimate, personal relationship.

Sonrise Christian Center July 13, 2014 9am & 11am Services Pastor Dan Hammer Fivefold Ministry Series

B.

Four concepts of a shepherd ministry. 1.

The shepherd lays down their life for the sheep. a. They serve God and their people.

2.

The shepherd must know his sheep in a close personal relationship.

3.

The shepherd must be personally knowable and accessible to the sheep.

4.

The shepherd is required to speak and lead the sheep.

APPLICATION: 1.

Pastors feed the sheep.

2.

Pastors rule as shepherd servant leaders.

3.

Pastors teach the people.

4.

Pastors shepherd the people.

IV.

THE FIVE SPHERES OF PASTOR (see chart)