http://www.daveblackonline.com/pastors_as_shepherds.htm
Here are a few quotes, but I'd encourage you to read the whole article if you are interested in the topic of Pastors in the New Testament Church.
"If we are honest, we must confess that the tradition of a solitary “pastor” is a gigantic obstacle to the participatory dimension of body life found in the New Testament (see 1 Cor. 14). There are at least 58 commands in the New Testament detailing our “one-another” responsibilities but not one command about the pastor taking upon his shoulders the whole weight of the order and edification of the church."
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"Let us realize, then, that the New Testament knows nothing of a “pastoral office” as traditionally conceived, nor is there any evidence to support the idea of one professional minister leading a congregation. In Eph. 4:11, for example, Paul mentions apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, but one would be hard-pressed to identify a New Testament “pastor” by name. The New Testament calls Paul an “apostle,” Agabus a “prophet,” Philip an “evangelist,” Manean a “teacher,” but it never identifies anyone as a “pastor.” "
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"Christian shepherds, may the Chief Shepherd help you to tend the sheep in humility and love!"
Shepherding or caring for God's flock is a good and necessary thing. So I don't have a problem with the fact that some people take this task seriously. I think the problem is that the majority of the church thinks this is a job description for a specially trained minority. But caring for others is the responsibility of every believer. Yes, some will be more gifted than others, and those that serve well in this area should lead as examples for the rest of the body to follow. And we must encourage all our brothers and sisters to primarily follow our Chief Shepherd/Lead Pastor Jesus.
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I knew a pastor named Rick, who told me that the right pastor wouldn't leave so much as a ripple when he left or moved on. He was right. Anyone who claims leadership cripples Christ's church. If one person becomes dependent on another for their spiritual nourishment, the church has failed. And if the church has failed through nepotism, favouritism, elitism, or any type of hierarchy which does not grant freedom to the holy Spirit, that church should be cleansed, not excused. I'd like to know the direction of that church today.
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