The Role of the Pastoral Office

Introduction

This research explores the multifaceted role of the pastor and the pastoral office as defined by scripture. It will also address the qualifications, attributes, and disciplines essential for a healthy and effective pastor. Additionally, this paper will identify various pastoral roles within a church structure, such as senior or lead pastor, executive pastor, teaching pastor, youth pastor, and pastors overseeing specific ministries.

Senior Pastor

The Bible frequently addresses the responsibilities of spiritual leadership. The primary terms used to describe the pastoral role are elder, bishop, and teacher (1 Timothy 3:1–13). The term “elder,” or episkopos (from which the word “episcopal” is derived), refers to the oversight of believers, encompassing teaching, preaching, caring, and exercising authority when necessary. The elder also serves as a leader and teacher within the church. In Titus 1:5–9, Paul instructs Titus to “appoint elders in every city” to teach and guide the congregation’s spiritual development. Similarly, in 1 Peter 5:1–4, Peter addresses his “fellow elders,” urging them to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve” (v. 2).

While the Bible does not specifically use the title “senior pastor,” this designation has emerged as churches have grown and required additional staff. The senior pastor typically holds the primary leadership position, often delivering the majority of sermons and teachings during services and overseeing the church’s overall administration. In larger churches, an executive pastor may manage the day-to-day operations, allowing the senior pastor to focus on working with the church board, preaching, teaching, and counseling ministries.

Regardless of size, every church needs a pastor who will shepherd, lead, nourish, and guide the congregation toward spiritual growth and service to the Lord Jesus. In larger churches, a senior pastor often shepherds the entire pastoral team in addition to shepherding the congregation. Consequently, a senior pastor should adhere to an even higher standard of the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–13 and Titus 1:6–9 than other pastoral roles.

Executive Pastor

The rise of large, multi-staff churches in the 1980s created a demand for a full-time pastoral staff member dedicated to coordinating complex administrative needs. This led to the creation of the executive pastor position, designed to manage all administrative concerns, including personnel, finances, and facilities. Rather than being the primary visionary leader, the executive pastor is typically a skilled administrator tasked with implementing the vision set by the senior pastor or church board.

The executive pastor serves as a crucial coordinating link between the board and staff. Their responsibilities generally include office administration, overseeing new hires, providing necessary technology, and ensuring staff development. Policy and procedure development are also common aspects of an executive pastor’s role, as churches navigate complex employment laws and building codes. Many churches utilize the executive pastor to facilitate ministry cooperation, establish and manage the budget, collaborate with a lay board to ensure financial accountability, and develop a master plan for future staff and facility needs. This role continues to evolve, with some churches now focusing on previously overlooked areas like marketing and communications, and even smaller churches are recognizing the value of a professional administrator on staff.

Pastor-Teacher

God has designed the church body with diverse gifts to meet its various needs. In Ephesians 4, the pastor-teacher is listed among four gifts given “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry” (verse 12). The absence of the article “the” before “work of ministry” in the original Greek suggests a sample of ministry, emphasizing the variety of gifts, ministries, and operations as described in 1 Corinthians 12:6-8. One of the pastor-teacher’s responsibilities is to ensure believers are spiritually prepared to carry out the specific ministries for which God has gifted them. For instance, an individual with the gift of mercy will be more effective if they understand spiritual principles, how to properly utilize the Fruit of the Spirit, and how to minister in alignment with God’s Word. Teaching is therefore paramount. Simply instructing believers that each has a special area of ministry and is vital to the local assembly—beyond merely contributing financially or occupying a pew—can have a significant impact.

Historically, the Church has been stifled by a “clergy-laity” dichotomy. Although we are no longer under the influence of Romanism, this mentality often persists. Peter exhorted the elders to “shepherd” the flock of God (1 Peter 5:1, 2). The word “feed” or “shepherd” emphasizes the act of pastoring with a focus on spiritual nourishment. These elders were to pastor by overseeing the flock, which includes watching over them for spiritual dangers, such as the “wolves” Paul warned about in Acts 20:28-31. Pastors must be vigilant in discerning those who genuinely have the church’s best interests at heart from those who, despite being gifted, seek only to gain a following. Timothy, serving as a pastor-teacher in Ephesus, was frequently reminded of the spiritual dangers and “wolfen men,” primarily within the church itself. Paul instructed him that by laying “the facts concerning the errant teachers and men before the believers,” he would prove to be “a good minister of Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 4:6).

Before discussing the role of a youth pastor/minister, it is crucial to establish their qualifications. Generally, any biblical qualifications for a bishop/overseer should be applied to all church leadership positions, including that of a youth pastor/minister. Therefore, the biblical qualifications for a youth pastor/minister are found in 1 Timothy 3:1–13 and Titus 1:6–9. A youth pastor/minister must be above reproach, the husband of one wife (if married), temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, managing his own family well, having obedient and respectful children, not a recent convert, and having a good reputation with outsiders.

Youth Pastor

The title of youth pastor is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture. This role has evolved over the years as churches have become increasingly aware of the need to disciple and nurture young people, particularly teenagers. Since the 1960s, the immense pressures on teens from societal and cultural influences have led to a strong emphasis on the role of youth pastors and the development of dedicated youth departments in churches. While the spiritual needs of youth are fundamentally the same as those of adults (though the approach to meeting these needs may differ), young people require “pure spiritual milk” to grow into mature Christians. Youth leaders must utilize the Word of God to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness so that those in their care “may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Studies consistently demonstrate that if an individual does not come to faith in Christ at an early age, or is not instructed in the Christian faith during their formative years, it becomes significantly less likely that they will come to faith in Christ or achieve spiritual maturity as an adult. While a youth pastor/minister should not replace parents as a child’s primary spiritual influence, a godly, loving, and caring youth pastor/minister can have a tremendous spiritual impact. Perhaps 1 Timothy 4:12 applies equally to youth pastors/ministers and the young people they shepherd: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Ministry Pastor

A ministry pastor is typically gifted in a specific area of ministry, such as missions. This pastor is responsible for overseeing a particular ministry and reports to the senior pastor, who serves as their overseer.

Church Governance

At Lighthouse Community Church of Dania Beach, the church governance structure is as follows: Every biblical church is led by elders, sometimes referred to solely as pastors. The ruling or authoritative elders consist of the senior pastor and the associate pastor. They are supported by an elder board, also called a pastor board, comprising other pastors who oversee various ministries within the church. These ministry pastors offer their insights, which the authoritative elders consider, but the two ruling elders make the final decisions.

Additionally, the ruling elders consult with a financial board composed of lay members of the church with backgrounds in accounting and finance. While their input is taken seriously, the ruling elders retain ultimate decision-making authority regarding financial matters. The church also has a membership structure, and each member can vote at business meetings. Members possess the right, with a two-thirds vote, to remove a pastor from office. This provision is in place to protect the congregation from any rogue pastor who might be elected if the current pastors depart.

Characteristics of a Godly Shepherd

King David was described as leading with “integrity of heart and skillful hands.” Ezekiel 34:1-2 presents an indictment of the shepherds of Israel, contrasting them with the ideal. Verse 11 highlights that good shepherds care for their flock, tend to the lost, and heal the sick. God declared, “I will shepherd my people myself,” and indeed, He sent His Son, Jesus.

Shepherds often minister most effectively in teams. John 21 recounts Peter’s denial of Jesus three times, yet Jesus reinstates him to shepherd His flock. Acts 20:26-27 indicates that pastors are not ultimately responsible for how the sheep respond to their guidance. The metaphor of the shepherd illustrates the humble task of guiding the sheep and keeping them safe, even leaving the ninety-nine to pursue a single stray, as depicted in Luke 15:4: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” The shepherd’s gathering of his sheep often symbolizes God’s deliverance of His people in the end times (cf. Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10–11; Ezekiel 34:11–12). The contrast between the ninety-nine sheep in the fold and the lost one highlights God’s profound love for even a single individual.

“If an expectation is not fulfilled, then there is a crushing. When desire is not fulfilled, there is only disappointment.” Every action in ministry must stem from a deep love for God. Every pastor needs “the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of a rhino.” It is possible to achieve great success in the eyes of man yet fail in the eyes of God, as exemplified by the worldly man in Luke 12.

To discern God’s call to ministry, one must recognize that it is not a self-determined decision. As Jesus commanded, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.” The question then becomes, “How can they preach unless they have been sent?” (Romans 10:15). How does one know if God has called them? 1 Peter 2:9 states that God has called us out of darkness. God’s call involves both internal and external factors, personal and communal. 1 Timothy 3 emphasizes seeking to give to the sheep rather than take from them, and to do so for the right reasons. Ministry is not about trying to “pay God back” for His grace; rather, it requires the Holy Spirit to search our hearts.

Five tests can help discern God’s calling:

1. Inner Witness/Presence: A clear conviction from within.
2. Confirmation of Others: Seeking affirmation from mature believers; beware of flattery.
3. Genuine Concern for Others: A sincere desire for the well-being of people, including their souls.
4. Godly Constraint: A compelling urge to work for God.
5. Inadequacy and Unworthiness: A humble recognition of one’s dependence on God for the task.

When choosing a pastor, prioritize godliness over gifting. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A reputation that is above reproach.
• Self-control in all areas.
• The ability to teach.
• Humility (not a recent convert).
• Focus on their present condition, not solely their past history.

Shepherds must exercise their power in servanthood and guard against three major temptations: money, sex, and power. Many pastors fail because they do not know how to properly steward their God-given power. Power, as a gift from God, must be stewarded responsibly. The only path to true greatness is through becoming a servant. Jesus links His servitude with ours; His life of servitude provides a pattern for our own, as found in Mark 10:43-45. In servanthood, we prioritize others over ourselves with humility, setting aside our desires for the benefit of others. When we remain close to Jesus, He meets our needs, which liberates us to meet the needs of others rather than manipulate them to meet our own. Intent and motivation are what determine whether an action is genuine servanthood or manipulation.

Pastoral Health and Well-being

A pastor must maintain holistic health. This includes physical fitness, requiring regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet. A pastor must also demonstrate relational health. The most important people to minister to are those within one’s own family. One’s marriage holds a higher priority than one’s ministry. Furthermore, a pastor must be spiritually healthy, recognizing that ministry is not a substitute for personal time with the Lord, and actively seeking to be ministered to themselves.

Adequate sleep is another crucial aspect of a minister’s life. Do not sacrifice sleep to serve; getting sufficient rest is a vital discipline. If married, ensure your spouse does not become jealous of your ministry. Guard your relationship with your spouse, understanding that after your relationship with God, your wife holds the highest priority. Limit work to no more than 55 hours per week, approaching your work as serving the Lord rather than trying to build a successful ministry for personal gain.

Conclusion

The church utilizes various pastoral roles, each individual uniquely gifted with natural and spiritual abilities that determine their fit within the church structure. Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for pastors to prevent burnout and resist temptation. A good diet and regular exercise are imperative for the long-term sustainability of the pastoral role. Prioritizing God first, wife second, work third, and ministry fourth is vital. Furthermore, a pastor should not be a recent convert and should strive for maturity, lacking in nothing.

Bibliography

Anthony, Michael J., et al. Evangelical Dictionary of Christian Education. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.

Carson, D. A. “The Gospels and Acts.” In NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message, edited by D. A. Carson, 2109. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015.

Got Questions Ministries. Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013.