Pastor is a leadership position within the House of GOD, ordained by GOD and an individual chosen by the Spirit of GOD to be over a certain or particular portion of The Body of Christ. Contrary to what we see today, these individuals are chosen to serve the body. It is a lifetime position with a particular body. There is no retirement; once you are a GOD’s Pastor or his Minister, you are for GOD until the day you die. Only death or sickness can separate us from the ministry.
Can a Pastor be elevated to be an Apostle? Yes. The term Pastor is first used in the Old Testament in The book of Jeremiah (Chapter 23 vs 1 - 2). We then see it again in The New Testament (Ephesians 4:11). They were men that had been placed over the flock to “feed the Flock (Children of GOD),” and to train up “The Children of GOD” in how to serve GOD according to his Word. We see them however throughout The Book of Jeremiah being rebuked because they were not doing what GOD had called them to do. For many pastors, we see this happening again in the Church today, during our time.
Many times, this happens because they lack the knowledge of what a Pastor of GOD is supposed to be according to “The Word of GOD.” Or, they have not been taught or trained, nor have they taken the time to study The Word of GOD to find out what is being required of them. Jesus called this, “Blind guides leading the blind.” How can you possibly teach someone something you know nothing about? In other cases, we see “hirelings” that are filling the role for their own selfish greed or purpose. They have no love for the sheep and therefore go about to fill the role for their own desires; i.e., money, prestige, position, etc. To some it is a chosen profession; I went to seminary to learn the job of Pastor. To them, it is a job and I get paid. They have no love for the sheep (Body of Christ).
These so called Pastors, are not willing to speak the truth to the body as they are concerned that by doing so they will lose some members, or I may lose some of my tithers, or some will be offended by what I say (if you speak the WORD of GOD or the Truth). A true Pastor of GOD will love them enough to tell them the truth. Knowing that this also will save their soul from death. Ezekiel 33: 1- 6 concerning “The Watchman” sums up many of the duties of the Pastor (warn the people, blow the trumpet to let them know, so that none are lost because of his negligence). Tell them that they must be “Born Again” in order to serve GOD in Spirit and in Truth, and in order to understand The Word of GOD. That these things are required for a Child of GOD in order to make it into The Kingdom of GOD/Heaven!
A true “Pastor of GOD,” will love the flock (sheep) and be committed to The Work of GOD. They will put others before their own selves. They will understand that each soul that has been entrusted to their care, they are responsible for and therefore should matter to them. A true Pastor of GOD will seek to build a relationship with the Children of GOD and let The Church know that their door is open to those that need to talk or need counseling on a spiritual matter or personal if need be (as many times the two are connected). Their goal will be to make sure that all are being fed (spiritually and naturally) and that all are growing in GOD. A true Pastor of GOD will make sure that he is no more well off then The Body he is over. How can I have a jet and a mansion while within the flock, many are hungry and without homes or a place to stay? A true Pastor of GOD will be a shepherd that is willing to watch over and guard the flock from all outside dangers (protect the sheep from the wolves).
Again, a Pastor of GOD is a lifetime commitment with one particular body. You are going to be with that body until the day you die (retirement in GOD is death or sickness). This is also the reason that a True Pastor of GOD must ensure that he is with “The Body,” that GOD has placed him with and has chosen him to be over. Some will take the job or work, because it is a big Church. Some will not take the Work because it is a small Church. This is not GOD, this is you. This is why a Pastor of GOD must go before GOD and be led by The Spirit of GOD, to ensure that they are where GOD would have them to be, and to be there for the people that GOD has chosen them to lead. This is how we fulfill “The Will of GOD” and not our own desires or self-glory.
The Pastor will be responsible for marrying, burying, visiting the sick and those that are shut in. Counseling, and ensuring the children in the body are raised in GOD and by “The Word of GOD.” The Church will be to him as a family. He must understand that he answers directly to GOD and not a board or trustees when it comes to the House of GOD, the will of GOD, the things of GOD and the Word of GOD. GOD will hold him accountable as he made him “the head over that body.” He can’t be willing to deviate or compromise when it comes to serving GOD for anyone or anything.
The Pastor of GOD is “The Head” over that body. There is no such thing as a “Co-Pastor.” This is not GOD and you won’t find scripture anywhere in The Word of GOD to support this position. GOD deals with “The Head.” GOD has always dealt with “The Head.” You, Pastor of GOD, are being held responsible! If you are going to take the hit, you might as well make the call! This, Co-Pastor is something that man has created and is trying to justify. GOD deals with The Head (one/single), and made this clear to Aaron and Miriam when they murmured concerning Moses (Numbers 12:1 – 14). Many also have created a Co-pastor in order to get two checks from The Body (he gets paid and she gets paid). Many will not just stand up and be a man and have let their wives coerce them into sharing a position that GOD has placed upon them and is holding them responsible for.
A true Pastor of GOD must be willing to listen to “The Body,” as many times GOD will give them things to share with him that are important. However, he must also be willing to let “The Body” know that he is the spiritual Head over “The Body.” This must be understood by all. By this same token, all that he does must be by the leading of The Spirit of GOD and by The Word of GOD. A true Pastor of GOD will teach The Children of GOD that their loyalty must always be unto GOD. Not putting him on a pedestal or making him their GOD. “Follow me as I follow Christ!” He cannot deviate from The Word of GOD, nor should he allow The Children of GOD to do so. When he does (deviate from The Word of GOD), at that point they should not follow him as he will lead them into bondage and a commitment contrary to The Word of GOD, and ultimately Hell.
A True Pastor of GOD will continually keep them in remembrance of what “The Word” says, what “The LORD (Jesus)” has said. He is The Example of Christ for the Body. His walk should reflect Christ and The teachings of Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.
A True Pastor of GOD will love GOD, The Word Of GOD, The Children of GOD and the Work that GOD has given him to do. They will love The Body of Christ with a love that is unfathomable. They don’t do it for money or the love of money. This is not saying that the Pastor should not be paid because ,“The Workman is worthy of his hire.” They should not be a Pastor out of envy, or strife. A True Pastor of GOD will guard The House of GOD again false Pastors and those that would come in and try to mislead The Children of GOD. Those that would attempt to lead the Children of GOD into bondage or captivity, with their false doctrines. Guard against those that would prey upon the women in the house of GOD for their own pleasure or purpose. Dogs, who claim to be GOD’s, but have no knowledge or understanding of the Word of GOD.
Pastor is a secondary ministry. You don’t start out in the ministry as a Pastor, but are elevated from the ministry of GOD’s Prophet, Teacher or Evangelist. Not a novice (someone new to the ministry), but someone GOD has put much teaching, training, and experiences into. The Pastor will be someone GOD has molded and fashioned for The Work and The Body of Christ he is given the oversight of. GOD makes “The Pastor of GOD,” who he wants them to be. The Pastor of GOD is full of the Holy Ghost, The Word of GOD and the Power of GOD.
There are no women Pastors, though many have taken up the role. It is a leadership role within The Church of GOD. We see no example within the Word of GOD of women Pastors. Many will say, “this is sexist.” There is no sexist in GOD, only The Word of GOD. GOD established the order in Genesis 3:16 and continues it on into The New testament (1 Cor 11:8 -12) and will not change until we get to glory as established by Christ (Matthew 22:29 – 30), our earthly bonds are done away. A woman can teach a man a whole lot of things, but only a man can teach another man how to be a man. Only a man can provide the true example or embodiment of a “Man of GOD.”
It is good to teach and to be taught as I am continually being taught each and every day by The Spirit of GOD. When we become unteachable GOD can’t use you for his purpose. We will never know all there is to learn in GOD (not in this life). GOD does however want us to evolve in him. The Word of GOD is talking about spiritual things and only applies to those that are spiritual (see 1 Cor 2:14). It can only be taught by those that have the “Spirit of GOD” dwelling in them. A Pastor of GOD must first understand that their ministry it is one of the five ministries (Ephesians 4:11) that the Lord established for the House of GOD. It is a ministry that one must be chosen into by GOD the Father and not just assumed. They never tire of the Word of GOD, nor the opportunity to teach and be of service to others. As with all true Children of GOD the Pastor of GOD sees it as an honor to be chosen of GOD in their capacity. To serve others in service to the Father is what enhances their joy, knowing the Father is pleased with their commitment. A commitment for life, unto their death in this world.
If you believe that GOD has called you to be a True Pastor of GOD, and are teachable and willing to learn and GOD has sent you to this study, the study will cover the following:
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
The Acts of The Apostles
The rest of The new testament (all letters and books)
Job - wisdom
Psalms - wisdom
Proverbs - wisdom
Ecclesiastes - wisdom
The remainder of the Old Testament
A Pastor of GOD must know the Word of GOD and train up The Body of Christ in The Word of GOD; i.e., Teachings of Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, standards of Christ, commandments, absolutes, Love of GOD and how to Love one another. It is inexcusable for a Pastor of The Most High GOD to say, “I didn’t know,” or “I was never taught.” It should be that important for a Pastor to take time and want to learn their Ministry/Craft and how to serve GOD according to The Word of GOD and in Spirit and in truth. I pray that as a Pastor of The Most High GOD you will give GOD his due, and learn to be a blessing to him and the Body of Christ and to be used by GOD. There is no greater honor, than to be chosen by GOD to lead and train the Body of Christ!
