Saturday, July 9, 2011

Pastors and Teachers (Ephesians 4:11-13)

"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)

This is the only verse in the New Testament describes the office of "pastor." This verse is incredibly significant and insightful. Here are a few thoughts. Pastors are:

1. Given by Christ.

2. Primarily "teachers"

3. Who are "equippers"

4. Of the church (i.e. the ministers) to do the ministry

5. Resulting in edification

6. And unification (in faith and knowledge of Christ)

7. And maturity of the fullness of Christ