The First Pastor: The Good Shepherd October 4, 2010
Posted by Henry in Matters of the Faith.Tags: Apostle Paul, Bible, Christianity, faith, pastoring, pastors, scriptures, the flock, the Good Shepherd
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In many respects the church today seems to have lost sight of the fact that Jesus Christ was the first Pastor and that He is therefore the standard-bearer for the role of being a pastor. Not only was Jesus the first Pastor but He is still the chief Pastor (1 Pet 5:4) and Head of the Church (Col 1:18). In John 10:11 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” and no other person qualifies as such, not the Pope, not the patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches and not “Daddy G.O.”. If Jesus is therefore the Good Shepherd what better example do we have to follow than Jesus Himself? In today’s churches however we have gone after our own way to establish man-made institutions, practices and canons concerning the role of pastors, which are contrary to the Gospel. However, it should be clear that if we need any clarification or questions answered concerning the role of pastoring then we have only to look to Jesus’ example as laid out in Scriptures. The Apostle Paul for example admonished us in 1 Cor 11: 1 to be followers of himself even as he is a follower of Christ. It is therefore Christ’s example that we should seek to follow and not man’s.
Spirit of Discernment 
Amen, Bro Henry!!! Why… why… why can`t we get this as leaders and sheep. Whenever I attempt to talk to Christians about these simple truths, it`s as if I`m talking to a brick wall. They get so defensive and hostile when you speak about anything contrary to what they have been taught( not what they have studied and read). I sometimes feel like giving up. Could it be that they so hate the truth that Satan has been able to blind and deceived them. It seems no matter where you point some of them- blogs such as yours and other sound teachings- they just continue in their deceived state.
Hello Bro Tarre,
I understand how you feel. Most church people today do not want to hear these truths because they put so much faith and confidence in their pastors instead of applying discernment in examining the message and practices in their church. It is really sad to see but indeed they have been blinded by the devil who has deceived them. The scriptures did warn us however that many shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirit and doctrines of devils. Departing from the faith does not mean they left church but that the still call themselves church but substituted the truth will lies.
Sadly, Paul says if we remain in the gospel he preached we will be saved.
(1 Cor 15:2 NIV) By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
The fact believers are hostile towards what is scripture and hold firmly instead to what is man teaching is sad in deed.