Pastor is a ministry gift according to the bible.
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Apostles build.
Prophets reveal.
Pastors nurture.
Teachers explain.
Evangelists gather
The gifts were given to the saints for the work of ministry and to edify the body of Christ.
What a beautiful way the Lord works through His children here on earth.
God has ordained shepherds in the midst of the sheep to train, lead, guide, protect, nurture... & so much more.
Here are 7 keys of what a pastor does according to the bible.
#1 Pastors are a gift.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)
It is a gift, not just a title.
Just because someone has a title of pastor doesn't also mean they know how to use that gift righteously according to God.
God gives the gifts as He wills. & as we use exercise that gift... the Lord be exalted & we bear fruit.
#2 Pastor's feed you spiritually with knowledge & understanding.
15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)
God has ordained shepherds over His sheep according to His heart!
When someone is feeding you with spiritual knowledge & understanding, they may be operating in a pastoral grace & gift.
#3 Pastor's instruct & nurture.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
A righteous shepherd knows how to study the bible & righteously divide the truth from the lie.
What they receive, they release unto the sheep to learn instructions from God & become nurtured in the way they should grow.
#4 Pastor's protect.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; (Proverbs 27:23)
Just like a shepherd that protects its sheep from wolves... so does a pastor to their flock.
They should continue to care for your soul & be obedient to how God wants to use them through your life.
#5 Pastor's bring accountability.
17 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. (Hebrews 13:17)
They will hold you accountable according to the keys of the kingdom.
God loves us so much that He will never leave us the same way He found us.
& that accountability is also needed from those that the Lord put to submit to over our life.
We ALL submit to God.
& in order to submit to anyone, they must first be submitted unto the Lord.
#6 Pastor's help you exercise humility.
12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)
You just know when someone is really close & intimate with God... there is so much humility in their life.
Reverence towards God & people.
#7 Pastor's disciple & train.
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
True pastor's will continue to be ready in & out of seasons to help you & love you.