Lesson 2: Defining the Pastorate

Part One: The Disposition of the Pastor

Jeremiah 3:15

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

The pastor is a gift to the Body of Christ. It is a member of the government of God.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Though the above passage lists the primary ministry gifts it does not reflect the the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, (pastors and teachers) after that miracles, (evangelists), then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues (I Corinthians 12:28). This order has become known as apostolic order in that the gift of the apostle is the first to be set in the Body and all other gifts were operated within the apostolic mantle. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).

Ephesians 4:12

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The purpose of the gift is to perfect the saints. It is given so that the pastor and others of the five-fold can work ministry in the church. Because the gifts are simply administrations of the Holy Ghost the power to fulfill their purpose is also that of the Holy Ghost. A pastor as well as all who work the ministry must keep in high regard the fact that real ministry begins and ends with God the Father.

You are not the power of God.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

• Your gift from God is the power to work ministry.
• The gift manifested is the function of the will of the Spirit of God.
• All that you do in the Body of Christ must be by and through the Spirit of God.

You must make no provisions for your flesh to rule the people of God.

Hebrews 13:7-8

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

1. The power of ministry will always begin and end with God. The Holy Spirit was sent to be the authority in the household of faith. He is the ruler.
2. Your rule in the lives of the people of God is simply to implement the word and will of the Spirit of God.
3. If you are not in submission to the Holy Ghost you will seek to seize His authority or override it so that you might gain preeminence in the lives of the people of God.
4. Flesh is destructive and disheartening. Therefore, Paul writes to the members of the church; Remember, or be considerate of your leaders, follow their faith. However, not without considering their lifestyle. Because Christ does not change. He should be the same in a leader, regardless of what day, or under what circumstances you encounter him.

The people of God must be able to feel the love of the pastor.

You must remember at all times that you are the one the people of God look to for spiritual guidance. However, Your life must not be a contradiction to your calling.

Sometimes these contradictions are manifest in attitudes, mood swings and spiritual exhalation.

1. Negative attitudes, moodiness and a distasteful exhalation are sure signs of a walk that is fleshy and out of touch with the love of God.
2. Furthermore it is a sure sign of carnality.
3. If these are the attributes the membership is forced to entertain, then it becomes very hard to accept that such a one is leading the way to that place in the spirit that is pleasing to God.
4. Consequently the people get dismayed and become frustrated not knowing how to deal with someone they are to look to for spiritual guidance.
5. They begin to feel alienated, insignificant in the mind of the pastor and pushed aside spiritually.
6. Eventually, they lose confidence in the pastor as someone God has ordained to lead them.

Your life is not your own.

Your time is not your own. It belongs to the unction of the Holy Ghost. He is the one who determines the doings of your day and night. You must be prepared to avail yourself to the people of God.

A shepherd’s heart is one of love and concern for the disposition of the flock.

If you allow yourself to walk in the power of the gift you will have no problem loving the people of God.

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

The gifts are given to establish the unity of the Faith. The gift of the pastor must work in accordance with that of the apostle, prophet, evangelist and teacher. Because these gifts are all administrations of the Holy Ghost, they have one mind, purpose and aspiration; to bring the Body of Christ to the fullness of the stature of the man Jesus Christ.

The pastor is a teacherwho constantly and consistently ministers his knowledge in the mystery of the Son of God. It is therefore imperative that he submit to apostolic order as it allows all to speak the same thing as they pour into the Body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:14-15

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

The pastor’s anointing is the field in which the sheep feed. As sheep graze they grow. If you feed the flock of God, they too will grow. You are responsible for securing the environment in which they feed with the love and truth that flows from the shepherd’s anointing. If you are ministering the Word of God and the flock does not grow spiritually, then you must examine the environment within which they are feeding for hindrances. As pastor you must be aware of all things that influence the flock. Examine if they:

· Are they grazing among wolves?

· Are they victims of divisions in the leadership?

· Are they forced to overcome your negative disposition?

If members of the flock do not reach the spiritual plateaus ordained by the Holy Ghost, then it should be because they simply reject truth and love, not because one or both did not exist in their environment.

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The pastor is a nurturer. You must regard the fact that each of the members of your flock has been given a supply for the Body. It is your responsibility to nurture, cultivate, care for, look after and cherish the measure the Father has given to each of the flock. You must lead them in the way of the growth path the Holy Ghost has set forth. These paths are usually platforms established by the apostolic mantle. However, different natural environments may require other creative platforms of ministry. It is for you to explore these opportunities.

Your objectives:

· Bring the flock to maturity in Christ and becoming well pleasing to the Father.

· Charge them with always being a witness for Christ.

· Continue to raise up under-shepherds for an ever expanding population.

· Prepare and send forth those who are ready to expand the reformation.

Let the love of God flow through you to His precious inheritance. The Father uses the pastor’s anointing to fulfill His need to raise and nurture His children as well as their need to experience His love in their development.