The Pastor’s Roles
ICS Daily Devotions

Hebrews 13: 7, 17 (NKJV) Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct…. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

All of us have different roles to play in the church because the church is a body ministry made up of people with different giftings. The role of the pastor is a gift from God to the church for a specific purpose. The opening Scriptures say that the calling of the elder or pastor is to rule over the body of believers.

Nobody likes to be ruled over because we don’t want to have to listen to anyone or be told what to do. Maybe some of us feel that we are too gifted, qualified academically, successful, or have higher social standing to be ruled over by the local pastor. Consequently, we might have a sense of entitlement or a disrespectful attitude towards our pastor.

Pastors are not bosses, so they won’t lord over the church members or take advantage of them, but they are the ones God has placed over His body of believers to lead. Pastors have the interest of the church members and the mandate given to them by God in their hearts, and they need to balance these needs well. Their hearts are to please God and not men. Therefore, they are not people-pleasers, especially when they are criticised and pulled in all directions to do what men want. They must not be swayed by the biggest givers or the most influential people in the church. They are called to lead because shepherds are to lead the sheep to green pastures and use their staff to ward off predators, to protect the sheep from false teachers and those who want to take advantage of them.

The three roles of local pastors are to lead, manage, and pastor the church. Firstly, these undershepherds must learn to submit to their Chief Shepherd, Jesus, to only do what God has called them to do for a particular parish, and also because they are God’s spokespersons. Secondly, they will preach and teach the Word of God, especially topics that God has placed in their hearts to minister to the sheep because they know their needs well. Thirdly, the Lead or Senior Pastor will decide on the spiritual direction, strategy, and operation of the church because He is God’s appointed leader.

God is a God of order so there is an order and a system that God has put in place for the church to function effectively and efficiently. Only when the church is set in order can she carry out the mandate to reach the lost. The Chief Shepherd will speak to His undershepherd regarding the church and her direction, and we are to obey and submit to the pastor’s leadership.

Sermon Series: The Pastor