The Church Series: Pastors R' US!
There is an idea that we do not really need our Bible, Church, and especially Pastors. Some are questioning the purpose, and motives of them.
How do Pastors really impact our overall lives? Why do we even need them?
What is a Pastor?
Google says:
“A minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation.”
The root of Pastor comes from the word of pasture; which Google (2015) defines it as:
“Land covered with grass and other low plants suitable for grazing animals, especially cattle or sheep.”
What are sheep?
Google says:
“A domesticated ruminant animal with a thick woolly coat and (typically only in the male) curving horns. It is kept in flocks for its wool or meat, and is proverbial for its tendency to follow others in the flock.”
AND
“A person who is too easily influenced or led.”
In Biblical vernacular, Children of GOD are referred to as “sheep.” GOD is seen as our Shepherd, our Keeper.
Psalm 121 (KJV):
1I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Pay close attention to the highlighted text in the first definition of sheep: “is proverbial for its tendency to follow others in the flock.” Proverbial means “notorious for.” It is in sheep’s nature to follow each other—no matter what. I do not know why this behavior reminds me of our flesh. If we are not conscious of our actions, we will let our flesh dictate our path. If sheep were did not have a Shepherd, they would roam carelessly, getting themselves into danger. They are accustomed to “following the crowd.” This is why we need to be pastured, pastored.
Again, If we are not careful, the world will lead us through fleshly trends that are deemed “societal norms,” with ideas like “Everyone is doing it,” “It’s 2015,” “Don’t be so judgmental,” and so forth. All of these trends will lead to death. For it is written: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV). Again, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). When GOD has to repeat Himself, He is making Himself very clear. Man walking in mans’ way will lead to DEATH. Point. Blank. Period.
So how do we handle this as we are living in the physical? We handle it with having Pastors.
Why Do We Need Pastors?
Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV) – “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) – “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Acts 20:28 (KJV) - "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
You need Spiritual Parents.
Asking if you need a Pastor, is like asking if you need parents. If babies/children could teach themselves lessons, change their own diapers, and support themselves, and so forth, why would parents be needed? Can you teach yourself Thee Word, gain perfect understanding, and wisdom from it, and be able to support own Spirit Man? Really ask yourself are you capable of Spiritually leading yourself. Just as you have physical parents, you need spiritual parents as well. As Pastor Dawkins expressed “Parents are ‘A’ resource, bur GOD is THEE SOURCE.” We must remember that though our physical parents play an important role in our lives, and development, through our spiritual parents, we will be lead to the Father of them All: GOD. Being a child of GOD, one of His, should be the number goal of lives!
What Makes Pastors Important?
They are a gift from GOD.
In Jeremiah (KJV):
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Ephesians 4:8 & 11 (KJV):
“8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”
Key words: Give, and gave! To give is to act in presenting someone with something without his or her contribution.
Pastors are leaders of the Spiritual realm, but their work is done in the physical realm. They direct, give order, and mentor their sheep to the gates of Heaven. It is with their care that we are guided, to Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Pastors are just that Pastors! As shepherds keep sheep, so does a Pastor!
Pastors were given for a purpose.
Ephesians 4:13-16 (KJV):
“13 Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
How important Is Your Pastor, Selah?
As for me I am genuinely grateful for the pastoral leadership that GOD has lead me to. Both Senior Pastor D. H. Dawkins, and Junior Pastor H. Ferguson-Walker (who Baptized me), play a tremendous role in my spiritual development. Through Christ, they both help me sharpen my individual, and servant roles. Because of their guidance, I am able to press forward in my Kingdom Assignments. Praise Tabernacle International, is a CHRIST CENTERED church, so all that we do is through CHRIST! Words cannot express how thankful I am. I pray that GOD continues to keep them as the Jeremiah 3:15 Pastors, hungry for The Lord, and the saving of souls!
Honestly what the media has depicted of isolated individuals, who the Bible already had written about (The Bible will keep you equipped with all that you need to know about what has passed, is occurring, and yet to come), should not be the account for every Pastor!
Pastors have a special assignment where they are used by GOD as vessels to lead His Children to Him. No they are not as Jesus, and therefore should not be idolized. ONLY JESUS can get you to GOD (John 14:6)! Though they may be held in high esteem, at the end of the day, they are just people. People who are too made of flesh. People who too are tempted. People who too fall short of GOD's' glory. Pastors too will be judged higher for their actions (James 3:1), as will the Church (1 Peter 4:17) come Judgment Day.
Again, no one is perfect, but GOD Himself.
Through Thee Word, we must find out things for ourselves, do our own research, but most of all, let GOD direct our path.
Be grateful for the pastoral leadership that has been placed in your life. They hold great purpose in the coming days of Jesus's' second return.
Selah...
Reference:
Google. (2015). Pastor defined. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/#q=pastor+definition
(Picture courtesy of: http://knowyourselftoday.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/shepherd-and-sheep.png-- edited by Rashell Selah)
