Does The Bible Refer To The Preacher as The Pastor?
The English word “pastor” is found only once in the NT –
Eph. 4:11. However, the original Greek word, poimen, is found
18 times in the NT. Every time the word is translated as
“shepherd(s).” The only exception is Eph. 4:11, where the
word is translated “pastors.” The original word literally
denotes “a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks.” This is
preciously what shepherds do. However, the term is used in
a metaphorical way of spiritual pastors or shepherds. The
Bible describes these men as tending and feeding the flock of
God. And, the NT pattern is that elders or overseers are
ultimately responsible for this. Acts 20:28 instructs
overseers (or bishops or elders – Acts 20:17) “to feed the
church of God.” Peter instructed elders to “feed the flock of
God” (I Pet. 5:1-2). The word “feed” is from the Greek word
poimaino and is the verb form of poimen. A poimen (shepherd or
pastor) poimaino (tends or feeds) the church (flock) of God.
Pastors are one and the same as elders or bishops, and the
pattern set forth in the NT is that there was always a
plurality of these men in the local congregations (Acts 14:23;
20:17; Phil. 1:1). Also, before men can serve as elders or
pastors in the church they must meet certain qualifications
(I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11). The NT never refers to the
preacher as “the pastor.” There was no such thing as “the
pastor” in the NT. A preacher may serve as “a” pastor, that
is, one of the pastors, provided he meets all of the
qualifications as set forth in I Tim. 3 and Titus 1. The NT
makes a very clear distinction between pastors and
preachers in Eph. 4:11 – “And he gave some, apostles; and
some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
teachers.” “Evangelists” in this verse are obviously
“preachers.” However, “pastors” are named separately and
distinctly from “evangelists.” Hence “pastors” are not the
same thing as preachers. Since the NT never refers to the
preacher as “the pastor,” then shouldn’t we be content to
call Bible things by Bible names (cf. I Pet. 4:11)?