The role of a Pastor in a local church shouldn't be defined or decided by what’s culturally normal within the local
church, by its board members, or by a “church boss”. A pastoral role within the
church is one that is clearly outlined for us in scripture. Slightly different
from what I originally thought to be true and what may be the general opinion,
the pastoral role involves more teaching than preaching. A careful study of the
Pastoral Epistles reveals the duties, goals, and content of pastoral teaching,
along with the requirements for the man himself.
1.
Why
should we teach?
What is the Rationale and Motivations for a Pastoral Teacher? There are
many reasons why men choose to be a Pastor. Hopefully, among those are the
following… First, God commands it (Eph.
4:11-16; 2 Tim. 2:2). God gave gifts to men to equip them so they could teach
in a pastoral–teaching capacity in the local church. Although the “Great
Commission” isn’t in Paul’s Epistles it still definitely applies here. It says,
“Go and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:20). A command by Jesus to go teach, or
educate people about this ‘new life’ that Christ offers. Secondly, we teach
because we are to “equip”, “strengthen”, and “encourage” the body of Christ (Romans
12:7). And, finally, although
oftentimes a person’s motives can be incorrect, our teaching should flow out of
a heart that “loves others” (John 13:35). While our teaching (“works) may be
‘judged’ by man it most assuredly will be judged and reviewed on Judgment day
(Col. 1:28) - If that isn’t a good motivation I don’t know what is.
2.
What
are the qualifications of a Pastor-Teacher?
They need to be able to
discern falsehood from truth (1 Tim. 1:3; 1:7; 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 1:9).
Each pastor-teacher should have good judgment, who can tell whether something
is false or true and can reason from scripture in a logical and true way and
who refutes contrary teaching. Second,
those teaching in the church must be men (1 Tim. 2:11). In leadership in the
local church, “A woman isn’t to be above a man”. This includes teaching and preaching the scriptures. Thirdly, they must
have the abilities of a teacher. They can’t bore people to death. They need to
be able to keep some level of interest, in a way that’s edifying and encouraging
to the body of Christ (2 Timothy 2:24). Fourthly, they must be mature and not
“new converts” (1 Tim. 4:7; 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 20:35). They must be a
person of godliness who’s disciplined, who works hard, and who is diligent and
teachable. A definite must for a teacher must also be, “without stain” until
Christ’s return and who is always “conditioned and ready (1 Tim. 4:16; 6:13-21).
And, according to 1 Timothy 4:12 it doesn’t
matter his age - that’s of no concern to God - he must seek to be an example in
all things. He must be content with the things God gives to him (1 Tim. 6:6-12)
and must be a teacher who teaches with wisdom (considers maturity level of the listener
and properly adapts to the individuals circumstances or audience) (Col. 1:28). A
pastor-teacher must also be appointed by God (1 Cor. 12:28). They are to be
good caretakers of the home and wife (1 Tim. 3:1). They must find their
confidence in Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 3:1).
3.
What
are the intended results or Goals of Pastoral teaching?
Various pastor-teachers have various goals;
however, what were Paul’s goals as one of the greatest teachers of all time?
His goals included: Shepherding and leading the “flock” so they could “love
from a pure heart” and a good conscience and who were sincere and honest in
their faith (1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Thess. 4:11). Second, It was to glorify God. Right
after Paul finished talking about the
role of teachers, he says “Let God be glorified” (1Tim. 1:17; 1 Cor. 10:31).
Third, a goal of good teaching is to point out false teaching, (1 Tim. 4:6) and
ultimately to save mankind from hell (1 Tim. 4:16). Another reason is to strengthen believers
(Acts 16:4) so they are strong in the faith (Col. 2:7) and who can one day be
presented before Christ as “perfect” and “complete” (Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 4:12).
The only way to do this is through “equipping” believers properly (Eph. 4:11).
Finally, another end goal and result of our pastoral teaching is so we produce
disciples who make disciples. It’s a pastors job is to “entrust the message” to
other men who can “entrust it to other” faithful men who also can teach. (1
Tim. 2:2; Matt 28:19-20).
4. What Should the Pastor teach and what should be
taught first, second, third, etc.?
Paul, when it comes to
teaching doctrine and practical application doesn’t miss anything. He was truly
a master at covering all the bases and all that needed covering. When he taught
it was the “whole counsel of God”. (Acts. 20:20) It included the O.T. and often
referred to the O.T. as the “scriptures”, (Rom. 15:4) and when he taught he didn’t
do so with impartiality to the text – all that was to be covered by the text
was covered whether he thought it would be easy or not. (1 Tim. 5:21) In many
of Paul’s Epistles he would begin with doctrinal issues and then branch off
into practical application. Noticeable examples of this “shift” occur all
throughout the epistles. What he often taught first was the core truths
necessary for salvation, and entrance into heaven would often be presented
first, then he would teach the best way to apply it. His Doctrinal teaching includes
and is not limited to: Teaching about the Second Coming, Resurrection, and the
wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10); Romans itself is mostly doctrinal in nature and
includes topics like, justification by faith, sanctification, sin, Spirit-led
life, election, relating to civil government, spiritual gifts, teaching that
the O.T. was still relevant to today. (1 Thess. 4:2; Acts 15:35) In addition to
it was: (Eph 4:21) description helping us “put off the old” and “putting on the
new” in Christ Jesus. Paul himself admonishes us to, “teach what (he) Paul or
Christ would teach” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) and to not make up some “other gospel”.
Practical teaching includes and is not limited to: teaching that results in
“discipline for the purpose of godliness”(1 Tim. 4:7), how believers are to deal with widows in the church
and beyond. (1 Tim. 5:1), how we are to handle an accusation against an elder
or a brother/sister (1 Tim. 5:19-20), how employees are to treat their bosses
and fellow employees whether Christian or not (1 Timothy 6:1), and the attitude
believers are to have towards this worlds goods (1 Tim. 6:6-8) For those who
have a lot of this worlds goods, we are to teach the rich not to put their hope
in their riches (1 Tim. 6:17); about, the invariability and inevitability of
suffering if we follow Jesus (Acts 14:21-22); That, If anyone refuses to work
hard he shouldn’t be allowed to work hard at eating (2 Thess.3:10). In addition
to what has been mentioned we are to: Encourage all listening to “share the
gospel” with those who will listen (1 Thess. 1:8); people are to be able to discern
true from false teaching (Eph. 4:14); ladies are to be taught to be productive
and not idle gossips (1 Tim. 5:14); We are to remind believers that the Lord
will avenge the defrauded (1 Thess. 4:11); A pastor teacher must also learn Titus
3:14, that if people are to learn they must be taught to “engage in good deeds”
in things that are “necessary” and “kingdom building” and “gospel centered” and
“God glorifying”. (Titus 3:14). Believers are also to keep steady and stand
firm and live pleasing to God. (2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Thess. 4:1); Pastor Teachers
are to correct believers in accordance to specific guidelines. (i.e. treat
older men with respect, treat the younger as brothers and sisters) (1 Tim. 5:1).
They are also to teach or reveal what isn’t to be taught – false doctrine, and
are to refute it using sound judgment, wisdom, and scripture (1 Tim. 1:9; 4:1;
6:20; Acts 20:29-31; 1 Thess. 4:6). Not only are they to teach what isn’t to be
taught they are also to train others to teach. The words and the lessons that
we share is to dwell “so richly” in believers (note: it isn’t exclusive and
does not say pastor-teachers) that they “are to be able to teach and
admonish” other believers as well and in addition to pastor-teachers (Col. 3:16). In addition, people are to be
taught to measure any teachings they receive against are “the word of Christ”
and “teaching that encourages and helps nurture godliness”. And finally, we are
to have taught these things consistently (1 Tim. 6:3).
5. What should a Pastors Method be in Teaching the
Word?
Where and the location
in which Paul taught is something of interest. Often he would teach in the
public (in the synagogues - Acts 19:8-9; 1 Tim. 4:13), in private where
fellowship and instruction were had in the same context (house to house - Acts
20:20; cf. 1 Cor. 14:35 Acts 20:7), and to gathered believers in general. (Acts 20) The way Paul taught was through,
personal letters (1 Tim. 3:14; 2 Thess. 3:14), personal messengers (1 Thess. 3;
Timothy, Epaphroditus, Phil 2:17; Col. 4), in person, and by life and his
testimony (1 Tim. 4:12; 2 Thess. 3:7; 1 Cor. 4:16; Acts 20:35; Phil. 3:17). Paul taught, much and often. It was
weekly (Acts 13), Daily (Acts 19:9), and sometimes night and day (Acts 20:31). The sequence that Paul
used in Teaching was to: Remind what they’ve learned (2 Tim. 2:11-14; 1 Cor.
4:17), Address current needs, (Gal; 1 Cor.; Philemon), and to address the
current maturity level of the audience (i.e. – Compare the audience Ephesus to
that of Rome or Thessalonica).
Even though Paul was imprisoned,
beaten, shipwrecked and nearly killed for the sake of the gospel he still had a
gentle side to his rough hide. We to should seek to be gentle and reasonable
even in hard circumstances as well. We are to preach and teach with gentleness (1 Thess. 2:7),
kindness (2 Tim. 2:24), with patience (2 Tim. 2:24, through appeals and exhorts
(Tit. 1:9), commands (1 Tim. 1:3), reasons and reminders (2 Tim. 2:14), as a
father would teach a child (1 Thess. 2:11), in a tender way as a mother would
teach/train her children (1 Thess. 2:7), and through admonishing (Co. 1:28) Not
only that but we should also teach in such a way that doesn’t dishonor us or
the ministry or “God’s kingdom”. (1 Tim. 6:1) We are to avoid flattery (1
Thess. 2:5), human eloquence or wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1, 4), and intentional shaming
of our fellow believers (1 Cor. 4:14). Behind the scenes a pastors method
should always be to working very hard (1 Tim. 5:17) with diligence (2 Tim.
2:15) so we are worthy of our wage whether by physical manual labor or through
working through teaching and preaching the word. (1 Thess. 2:9) Our teaching
should be sincere (2 Tim. 1:3), and is to be taught in an “urgent/flaming” way
(2 Tim. 1:6), is to believers generally (Acts 13) and male leaders specifically
(Acts 20; 1 Tim. 2:2).
6.
What
is the Relationship between the Role of the Pastoral vs. the role of a Teacher
in Pauline Thought?
In Paul’s epistles he differentiates
a Preacher, Apostle, Teacher from others in the church. (2 Tim. 1:11; Acts
13:1) They are three separate callings, and yet have the ability, like Paul
had, to all be united as one calling. Each has a different function and role.
Teaching is a subset of preaching and apostleship (1 Tim. 2:7); preach the
word… with instruction (2 Tim. 4:2). But, preaching more often than naught is not
a subset of teaching. Paul exhorts Timothy to devote himself to reading (the
Scriptures), preaching, and teaching, not one to the exclusion of the other (1
Tim. 4:13). Prophesying results in
learning (1 Cor. 14:6; 31), thus it is a form of teaching. The title of the
role is Pastor and Teacher (Eph. 4:11) Teaching figures prominently in the
role. In most of the Pastoral Epistles teaching is emphasized. For example: 1
Tim. 4:11 – command and teach these things; 1 Tim. 6:2 – teach and exhort these
things; 1 Tim. 5:17 – those who work in the word and teaching.
7.
What
is Relationship of the Great Commission to Pastoral Teaching Responsibilities?
The
Great commission really is referring to the broad “scope” of teaching
believers. In Matthew 28:18-19 Christ says to his disciples, “Go make disciples
of all nations”. In Jesus last moments on earth with His disciples He reminded
them to go into all the world
teaching them all things and that all Christ taught them. Pastoral teaching is universal –it’s to and
for all. Pastoral teaching should include anything that would be within the
will of God. The full scope of our teaching is that it can leave an eternal
impact. Our teaching should be that of encouraging, equipping, and admonishing
believers and unbelievers alike to someday be able to, “face Christ without
shame or sorrow”.
8. How has preparing this Essay Helped
Me as a Future Pastor/Teacher?
First,
it’s helped me to see the big picture. Preaching isn’t about miming a few words,
or being a “mouthpiece” for God – although that’s one of the purposes, it’s so much
more than that. It’s a calling. It’s something God still calls people to do that
involves, teaching, witnessing, preaching, loving, caring, encouraging, and nurturing
the body. Teaching the word isn’t and should never be stale and stagnant – it should
be “alive and breathing” so to encourage change in the believer so they are “prepared
for every good work” and can be presented before the Father “blameless”. Second
and finally, It’s given me more of an awe for the ministry. I now respect the ministry
more than I did before. Now only do I respect the office of pastor teacher it but
I even have a little holy fear somewhat. God’s requirements for the teacher in the
church is nothing but high.
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