Why do we have pastors in our churches?

Why do we have pastors in our churches?

Some would say that they feed us. Some would say that they lead the ministry functions of the church. Some would say that they lead the Sunday morning service. These may be part of the answer, but they are not the complete story.

In the first three chapters of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul lays the base for pastoral ministry. Our great salvation is taught in beautiful detail in chapter one. In chapters two and three he teaches how diverse people are one in Christ. His ministry to the Gentiles is an example of this.

Chapter four begins with Christ’s victory in our salvation. He then gives diverse people and gifts to his Church for the work of ministry.

Some of those gifted people are pastors.

There are five contrasting pairs that sum up the role of a pastor.

Pastors should lead us so we are not spiritual infants but mature Christians

Pastors should lead us so we are not tossed about by waves but knit together in love.

Pastors should speak the truth not deception.

Their ministries are not based on human scheming but on Christ

They are not to serve themselves but build up others in love. (Ephesians 4:14-17)

We have pastors in our churches to build us up to be stable, serving, loving ambassadors for Christ in our fallen world.

Questions for consideration:

In light of this passage how should you pray for your pastor?

How should you pray for your life in Christ?