At 09:25 PM 9/8/99 -0500, Mark W Jones wrote:
>
>I thought Jesus was the shepard and we were the sheep? I see the model
>of the decon board in the new testement but where can I find the model of
>the pastor? Is there one?
Yes, there absolutely is a model for the pastor/shepherd (same word in
Greek) in the local assemblies. There is a great deal in the New Testament
about the 5-fold ministries (apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and
evangelists) and other ministries in the church (deacons/servants,
administrators, helps, music, etc.). Try looking up some of the above key
words in your concordance.
Here is one key quote. Paul said "Follow me as I follow Christ." We aren't
to blindly follow a human who isn't following Jesus Christ, but you will
indeed be blessed when you find a pastor who is following Jesus Christ and
follow him.
There are deep and dangerous ditches to avoid on both sides of this road:
(1) Rejecting all pastoral authority other than Jesus Christ is rebellion
against Jesus Christ Himself, because He set up the 5-fold ministries.
(2) Overbearing "pastors" on a power trip who "lord it over" their flock
and DEMAND complete submission and claim that people can't hear from God
except through them are never following Jesus Christ. Run away from them as
fast as your feet will take you.
In between, we have pastors with pure hearts who might occasionally "miss
it," but they are anointed with the Holy Spirit to feed you the Word of God
that you need. They are genuinely concerned for their flock, and speak the
truth in love. They are motivated by the love of God and His people. They
persevere in spite of misunderstandings, rebellious and disruptive people,
spiritual battles, and more. May God bless the REAL pastors! We need them.
They need our support.
I thank God that I am blessed with a pastor that I trust and cheerfully
support. I pray for him (and the whole church staff) regularly. I defend
him. I listen to him. I draw on his anointing. He supports the many
ministries of the church (including Royal Rangers) in a style that is
exemplary. We are growing spiritually, and I fully expect to see
outstanding miracles even more often than we see them now. Glory to God!
This is normal.
I've also had the misfortune of watching a pastor slip in his walk with God
and destroy a local assembly as well as his marriage, many years ago. I
still pray for that man from time to time, but I don't follow him.
Some people seem to project their own problems on the pastor. If you want
to know how to tell the difference, feed your spirit with the Word of God,
be filled with the Holy Spirit, and listen to what the Holy Spirit is
telling your spirit. You will most assuredly know the difference. (Read 1
John -- the whole thing -- more than once until it sinks in.)
___
Michael Paul Johnson aka Soaring Golden Eagle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
http://eBible.org/mpj Rocky Mountain Outpost 207 New Creation Church
Jesus Christ is Lord! If Jesus came back today, would you be READY?
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