How many of us have heard the expression, “I am called of God to pastor this church”? I am sure most have heard it and perhaps many have said it, but let’s look into the Word and see if this is possible.
Men have been called of God to be kings (Saul, David), priest (Aaron), prophets (Elijah, John the Baptist), apostles, (the 12, and then Paul and then others). But what is surprisingly absent is anyone in the Bible ever called to be pastor!
The verse says God set in the Church (the Body of Christ Universal) first apostles (missionaries), prophets, evangelist (preachers), pastors (elders = shepherds = overseers), and teachers. These are all describing the offices or positions. There are special callings of God for men, but strangely “called of God to pastor this church” is absent!
Let’s look at this strange thing we call “pastor of the church”. The Word said if any man desires the office of (overseer = presbyter = bishop= elder) he desires a good thing. What did we just learn? That a man can “desire” this office. Secondly the Word says “appoint” (overseers = presbyters = bishops= elders) in every church. What have we learned here? Men “appoint” plural (overseers = presbyters = bishops= elders) in every church (singular). Thus we have plural leadership as elders in every local assembly. Sounds good. Next the Word list out the qualifications of (overseers = presbyters = bishops= elders) in every church (singular) as a men of good report, not given to wine, husband of one wife, not a novice…etc. What have we learned here? Men can desire the office (overseers = presbyters = bishops= elders) in every church (singular) and men will appoint them according to the qualifications listed in the Word. If they are appointed by men they are not called by God! Men desire, men appoint, men fit the qualification, but surprisingly absent is “Called by God to pastor this church”. How strange is that when you really study the Word?
That my friend should make it clear something is amiss in the modern church of “Men called of God to pastor this church“!
Be blessed, Billy and Jan
