The church is not a building. The church is the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. The holy Scriptures make that clear. The church is the body of professed believers in Jesus Christ, and who exist under different names around the world. Christ is exalted as the Head of the Church, “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness or him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22,23).
The church, therefore, belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ and not to any church leader. Though some seem to think so in what they say and do. Scripture teaches, “Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is, himself its Savior . . . the church submits to Christ . . . Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:23,24,25-27). Note: the church submits to Christ.
The apostle Paul sets forth the qualifications and duties of an ordained church leader (Titus 1-2:15). A church leader can have the title of pastor, elder, bishop, overseer or other titles. He must be a man of integrity, strongly committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and dedicated to the operation of the local church where he is the “overseer.”
One of the fundamental responsibilities of a pastor is to preach the good news of salvation. How shall they hear without a preacher? He must effectively manage the resources God has entrusted to him. And endeavor to execute the church’s mandate to help members “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18).
Church leaders should lead and lead well those who look to them for guidance and help. Members must also be trained and equipped to advance the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Religious writers and commentators show this is lacking in some churches.
A church leader is also a “spiritual leader,” equipped with a spiritual disposition that inspires others to have a closer walk with Jesus Christ. He is also “the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:8).
Paul exhorted Timothy, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14,15).
No local church and its members can prosper spiritually if Biblical teachings are not being supported and practiced. The church is not what the pastor thinks or how he feels. But rather, ‘Thus saith the Lord!’ Chaos, confusion, error, and stagnation will result when God’s word is not upheld and applied.
Admittedly, church leadership is by no means an easy task. The pastor is the “under-shepherd,” meaning he is accountable to God for his governance of the members. As the writer of this blog, I am fully aware of the demands, challenges, and responsibilities that church leaders face, having been one myself for over 3 decades. The position earnestly requires total commitment to God, His word, His cause, His people, and of course heartfelt prayers.
It is an accepted truth that the local church will not be spiritually productive without its elders, which is a Biblical requirement. A church is not a one-man organization. Acts 14:21,23 is clear, “When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples . . . encouraging them to continue in the faith. . . . And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Note: “appointed elders for them in every church.” Elders mean plurality in church leadership.
Church leadership requires reverence for God. Some pastors say things that violate the Scriptures. Here’s an example. A pastor told his flock. “I know more than Paul and Moses.” This pastor seems unaware of the authority, infallibility, inspiration, and inerrancy of the Bible. God divinely appointed Moses and Paul among some forty human authors to write the Scriptures. This pastor needs to apply Romans 12:3 that states “I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.”
This pastor is actually saying the Bible is incomplete without his input. Not only is this a flagrant violation of God’s Holy Word; it is blasphemy that shows contempt and lack of reverence and respect for God. The very thought of this statement makes me cringe. “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20,21). Note: “men spoke from God,” not their ego.
A church leader is also “God’s steward.” Titus 1:7,8 says “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” (Titus 1:7,8).
As God’s steward, a pastor oversees God’s affairs in the church. He must therefore conform to these Biblical requirements. Failure in doing so means he should not occupy that office. “Greedy for gain” means greedy for money. As Paul stated, “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.” (Acts 20:33).
In summary, a pastor must think and act in strict obedience to, and full compliance with the principles set forth in the Scriptures. And be a sound example to the congregation. Then and only then can he be truly a Spirit-filled church leader, giving God the glory.