1. What are the three criteria that describe the pastor? A pastor's spiritual authority comes from the fact that (1) he professes to be called by God, (2) he has serving gifts which are consistent with that calling, and (3) he holds the office that goes with the calling.
2. List the seven Biblical words that define a pastor. The pastor is defined by the following terms: (1) elder - a man of spiritual maturity, (2) bishop - overseer, (3) shepherd - having the gift of pastoring, (4) preacher - being a public proclaimer, (5) teacher - explainer of Scripture, (6) servant - a minister to all, and (7) messenger - bearer of God's revelation.
3. What is the main criteria for a pastor from the word: (a) elder, (b) bishop, and (c) shepherd? As elder, a pastor should be a person of spiritual maturity. This concept goes back to the time of Abraham as spiritual leader of the family. In the New Testament, the word for elders is always plural, which is why Presbyterians seek plural elder leadership with a single elder over the others. As bishop, a pastor is charged with overseeing and seeing that things are done correctly. In the New Testament, the words for bishop and elder are used interchangeably, except that bishop is used in the singular. As Shepherd, a pastor is called to care for the people (see Acts 20:28). He also feeds and protects the flock.
4. Who should be ordained into full-time vocational ministry? Those for full-time ministry should be men who have been called, men who have New Testament qualifications of a pastor, and men who are willing to separate themselves for full-time ministry.
5. What are the tests for ordination? The candidate for ordination must be recommended by the church, must be examined by church representatives, and must give evidence of fruit in his ministry. The candidate should have a great burden to preach and should also want to preach. The church should show support by a vote for ordination.
6. What is the difference between ordination and licensing? Licensing is not full ordination. It recognizes that a man has the desire to preach, and licensing creates an opportunity for the candidate to learn. Licensing is basically a license to preach.
7. What is the root meaning of the word deacon? Deacon comes from the word "diakonia" and means servant. To be a deacon, one must have the gift of serving and/or helping.
8. What are the qualifications for a deacon? In I Timothy 3:8, a deacon should be blameless, the husband of one wife, grave or serious, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, a good ruler of his home, of proven ability as a servant, and not double-tongued. In Acts 6:1-6, a deacon should have a good report, be full of the Spirit, be full of wisdom, and full of faith.
9. What suggestions are found in Scripture for the function of deacons? A deacon should perform routine labors in the church. A deacon should smooth out relationships within the church. He must be spiritually mature and spiritually guided. He must be able to give good counsel, and he may have to assume the role of spiritual leader of the church body.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 9 - The Purpose of a Church
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