Spiritual Gifts Discussion Series Episode 3:
by Vessel4theLordJesus
Today's Gift is...
Pastoring / Shepherding / Care-taking.
What does the word PASTOR mean to you?
And what does THE BIBLE actually say?
Disclaimer: I get pretty worked up about this subject.
*Note: This is not "pastor-bashing."
Killing the Sacred Cows of Tradition and Religion is not easy.
[EP 1] Recap:
Spiritual Gifts Summary
2 Cor 12:4 "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord."A Spiritual Gift is "an anointing (or gifting) from God given to us after the New Birth (in Christ).
2 Cor 12:11 "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."
God is the one who decides which combination of gifts we will each receive.
[EP2] Recap:
Preaching, Teaching, Prophecy [& Pastoring]are each separate gifts that can be given together.
Luke says that jesus went about preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom"
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*[EP 3] OUTLINE:
Feed My Sheep & Tend My Lambs:
Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep and tend my lambs:
John 21:15 "When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” 16Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17Jesus asked a third time,
“Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.…"
CARE-TAKER:
The term "pastor" in the Greek literally means "a care taker," and is translated as "shepherd" in ALL other NT passages other than the list of gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4. CARING FOR CHRIST'S FLOCK IS A CALLING. It's not your church or flock, it's HIS. Without the gift of "pastor-shepherd-caretaker" than you are merely pretending to be something which they aren't called to be. This is probably why burnout rates among clergy are so high and frequent.
Even if they are a gifted "preacher" or "teacher" or move in the Spirit with Miracles, unless they are also gifted to shepherd God's people and care for them, than they must TRED LIGHTLY.
Ephesians 4:11 "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."
"It's a Gift not a Title."
Truth vs. Tradition
I get upset because Seminaries and Bible Schools teach people the Word of God but then expect to make preachers and teacher and pastors by merely giving advice on public speaker and being an orator. It's good that they teach students how to be a good public speaker, how to manage some administrative duties, and perhaps they've also had training as a type of marriage counselor...
"...But that doesn't make you a Caretaker."
BOTTOM LINE:
Stop pretending to be something you're not. And let's reject this system of tradition that cranks out cookie-cutter leaders who think that there are ministers and priests simply because they can tell inspirational stories or have been ordained. The gift of pastor may look different depending on the situation and specific calling you are given. We need to stop the misuse of this word. It has been incorrectly used as a title that people hastily mix up with other similar terms like reverend, minister, clergyman, preacher, and priest.
Is it Biblical?
Many "pastors" feel tremendous pressure from their local congregations and cultural traditions to walk in several of the more popular gifts [like preaching and teaching] even when they don't posses such gifts and are not truly called for such a ministry. Too many folks think that their "Pastor" should also be a preacher.. and a teacher.. and a leader.. and a shepherd.. and a counselor.. and in some circles a prophet and healer. It's not Biblical to expect every devoted leader or student to learn all of these gifts if they don't actually have them or when only have one or two.
Video Outline: Paraphrased
0:20-0:40 min - Question Tradition
0:41-1:29 min - References for Spiritual Gifts
1:20-2:20 min - Jesus on being a Care-taker
2:21-3:04 min - Mass Produced leaders
3:05-4:00 min - Are you really a Care-Taker?
4:00-4:29 min - Negative Church Experiences
4:30-4:37 min - Break + Good News for "ministers."
4:38-5:30 min - Discerning man-made titles and assumptions
5:30-6:57 min - What is you calling? Burnout among Clergy
6:58 -7:21min - Context: Tell the Truth be a Care-Taker
7:22-7:59 min - Stop giving the God's people a bad name
8:00 min. 3 Point Summary
8:30 min Final Thoughts
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