Calling a Pastor
It seemed an appropriate time to
consider this subject. Both myself and the church at which I was presently
serving the Lord were facing this issue, and involved in this process. It seemed
right, as I had been called of God to lead the church, to address this issue on
their behalf, as well us being helpful to me personally. We both needed to look
at the implications of what calling a pastor should mean to us. We needed to
look at what the Scriptures taught, and to assess current thinking, on this very
important subject of the appointing of spiritual leadership in the church.
The subject is being approached Biblically—to ascertain the teaching given to us
on the kinds of leaders that God intends for His Church. This may seem like a
naïve statement, but the reality is that many approach the appointing of leaders
in a very pragmatic manner. We need to give a call to return to spiritual values
and proper leadership in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The subject of elders has been thoroughly debated in recent years, and there is
a definite trend among many churches to establish a plurality of eldership. This
subject is not being discussed here, though it is relevant to the issue. It is
for the reader to make up their own mind, and to hold their own convinced views
on biblical eldership. I pray that any such personal view would not be in
conflict with this presentation on calling a pastor. The matters I am addressing
are of such importance to us all. Let us seek to consider them biblically,
wanting to only glorify the Saviour’s name, even as our desire is to do only
that which is pleasing and honouring to Him.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version, 1999 (courtesy of
Navpress WordSearch software), except where otherwise indicated.
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