“LET THE BIBLE SPEAK”
In the past several articles we have been writing about the God ordained offices that are for the purpose of developing, and perfecting the church. We find these offices listed in the Ephesian Epistle. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Eph. 4:11-12. We noted that the offices of the apostle and prophet were in the foundation of the church, Eph. 2:20. There are no successors to these offices. We observed that the office of the evangelist continues today. This is also the case with the office of pastor. The understanding about this office has greatly changed from that in the first century. The denominational world generally applies this term to their local pulpit preacher. The term “Pastor” in New Testament times actually referred to the same office as the bishop, or elder. Observe the following definition: “PASTOR poimen………… ‘a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks’ (not merely one who feeds them), is used metaphorically of Christian
‘pastors,’ Eph 4:11. ‘Pastors’ guide as well as feed the flock, cf. Acts 20:28, which with v. 17, indicates that this was the service committed to elders (overseers or bishops); so also in 1 Peter 5:1,2, ‘tend the flock… exercising the oversight,’ RV; this involves tender care and vigilant superintendence. See SHEPHERD.” (from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) We read about their appointed work in the following: “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,” Acts 20:28. The elder (pastor) is appointed to shepherd the flock. The qualifications for the elder are given in 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9. Not everyone can qualify for the office of pastor. Two qualifications, among the several that are given are of special interest. The pastor must be the husband of one wife, hence a married man. A man who does not have believing children cannot qualify for the office. An unmarried man cannot serve in this office. One who does not have children cannot qualify.
Melvin Blalock, Evangelist
South Walnut Church of Christ
306 South Walnut St. • Cleburne, TX 76033
Sun. 10:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. Wed. 7:00 P.M.
www.letthebiblespeak.com
View our TV program, “Let The Bible Speak” Sun. 6:30 A.M., KTXA 21. For a free home Bible study by mail call
817-988-0417.