THE UNIQUENESS OF THE PASTORAL OFFICE
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Our opening scripture lists for us the fivefold ministry gifts or offices in the body of Christ: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Through these ministry gifts and offices, the Lord builds up His Church, ensuring that every member is equipped for the work of the ministry.
However, among all the ministry offices, it’s the pastoral ministry that God specifically holds responsible for the congregation. While there are others who may function as pastors for a period of time by God’s commission, they may not necessarily be called to the pastoral office. Some assume that being a minister of God means one must pastor a church, but this is not so. Pastoring a church is a unique calling, and stepping into it without being specifically called by God could lead to regrettable extremities.
The pastor’s office has a special calling and ability to deal with the problems of people on a regular basis. When those who aren’t called to be pastors take on that role, the burdens and challenges of the people can weigh heavily on them. Some of the issues shared by congregants can rub off on them, causing them to experience similar difficulties. It takes that divine power to deal with such situations.
This is why some ministers, after counselling others, find themselves becoming victims of the very situations they tried to help resolve. It’s because the counselling wasn’t done with a pastoral calling or pastoral ability. So, it pays to be in your calling. It’s important to teach God’s children as many are unaware of the distinctions between the different offices and how they operate in God’s plan. And thanks be unto God! The Lord is building His Church, training and preparing His labourers for the task at hand.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for setting ministers in the body of Christ according to your divine wisdom. I walk in the fullness of my calling, functioning in the grace and ability you have given me. I declare that the right labourers are being equipped and positioned for the work of the ministry, bringing in a great harvest and building the Church to the glory of God. Your work prospers and expands in righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Jeremiah 3:15, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 5:4
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:1-19, 2 Kings 16-17
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:35-44, Numbers 28
