WHAT IS A PASTOR

I rarely read the blog written by our pastor until after I have written mine and the pastor does not see mine until it is posted.  We do not want people to think we collaborated.  This week I broke with tradition (Gasp! Gasp!) and read Pastor Larry’s blog.

Please read FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK at https://larry-fromthepastorsdesk.blogspot.com/

From his blog:  “However, God was in control.  I learned that God was calling me to be a pastor.  As a pastor, I would have to preach, but I was a pastor.  Just like that, I went from someone who had no use for the ministry to someone who was sold out to the ministry.”

He is Pastor Larry.  From the first time I met him, it was PASTOR.  His blog got me to thinking and, he will tell you, he gets very nervous when I start thinking.  After five years, he is still trying to figure out how I think.  (Note to Pastor Larry:  Give up.  You will never figure me out.)

Exactly what is a Pastor?  Isn’t that the same as a Preacher?  Or a Minister?  Or a Reverend?  The dictionary provided a few clues.

Preacher:  a person who delivers a sermon publicly; one whose function is to preach sermons.  Well, he does deliver a sermon publicly, but that is not his main function.

Minister:  one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship; a clergyman or clergywoman.  Well, he does officiate during the worship service.  He oversees communion, weddings, baptisms, and funerals, but those are occasional and do not consume all of his time.

Reverend:  of or relating to the clergy.  Reverend is an official title earned from years of study.  I am sure many letters come addressed to Reverend Larry Wade, but he still prefers Pastor.

Preacher, Minister, and Reverend are all used to describe persons in the clergy, but, honestly, they do not fit Pastor Larry.  So why does “Pastor” suit him? 

Pastor:  (noun) a spiritual overseer, especially a clergyman serving a local church or parish and Pastoral:  (adjective) of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation.

And there it is.  As plain as day.  He likes the term Pastor because he serves at a local church and likes to tell us what to do.

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A pastor has knowledge and understanding.

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.  Jeremiah 3:15

A pastor equips the body of Christ to service.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.   Ephesians 4:11-13

A pastor is an example and will be rewarded.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.  1 Peter 5:2-4

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I do believe his Aunt Evie heard Acts 1:7-8 this way:  “It is not for you to know the time or date the Father will set his authority on Larry.  But he will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on him; and he will be my witness in Tennessee, Florida, Ohio and Indiana and to the ends of the earth.”

I would like to use 2 Corinthians 4:5 this way:

Pastor Larry, you preach not for yourself, but for Jesus Christ as Lord, and you are a servant for Jesus’ sake.

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Pastor Larry,

May the love, peace, and strength of Jesus Christ surround you as you pastor to the family of a lifelong friend.  May memories surround your grief and bring you comfort.

Mary