Acts 14:21-28 – “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.â€?

Let us see the duties of the pastor.

Preaching the Gospel. In Paul’s address to the elders at Ephesus, he plainly says that their work was to be a pattern of his. Acts 20:18-21 – “And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.â€? Paul’s instructions to Timothy in II Tim. 4:2 – “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.â€? To the Corinthian’s Paul said in I Cor. 11:23 – “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you,â€?

Oh that preachers might remember that their first and most important job is to preach the Word. Not to run the Sunday School, nor the Youth group, a Christian day school, be an errand boy, or a thousand and one other things. But, first and foremost, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. The administration of the ordinances. No example is found of the administration of the ordinances by any person other than a minister of the Gospel. No where does the Scriptures state the ordinances have to be administered only by the members of the clergy, but the very fact that they always were would seem to say this is the proper way. For instance – John the Baptist as a preacher of the light. Paul as an elder. Philip as an evangelist.

The government and spiritual oversight of the church. Elder, derived from Jewish usage, denotes a spiritual ruler. Bishop, from the Greek, designates one who has the oversight of others. While Pastor, or shepherd, signifies one who guides, feeds, and protects the flock. Thus, they preside in the assemblies of the church. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over (preside over) you in the Lord, and admonish you;â€? The pastor inspires and leads the action of the church. He administers, rebukes and disciplines. Heb. 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,â€?

Oh that we might hold our pastors in high esteem.

Russell Stolp
Chaplain, CFO