How do you become a pastor?

[exrockstar]

There is a lot of people in Iran searching for christ and the few pastors there is are all buissy, i will study the bible ad go to those schools become a pastor and teach the gospel in Iran, the end days are close,, must save as many souls as i can. Im gonna devote my life to it.

Got some more links?

You don't have to wait for a title of Pastor to preach the gospel to those who are hungering for it. Be a pastor! Teach and disciple! We are all called to pastor the world! Go in the strength the Lord gives you! Devote yourself to Him and His Word and He will train you. Be a servant. So many think the pastors and leaders in the churches are to do the work. Not so. Jesus was speaking to all of us when He gave the Commission.

Great point, Fa! One first needs to be assured that "God" in fact, is calling them to that charge! But a "community" does need stability and consistency with the Word of God. And just reaching out to "street" people is only one avenue of reaching fewer people, but it is a beginning. By educating ones' self you are allowing yourself to be equipped with the tools necessary to sustain you for the duration. You will also have administrative, clerical as well as basic skills to maintain a long term succesful ministry. Learning as much about the area you desire to do work is important, as well. But you are right. It has to begin with God first !

Blessings

Cajunboy

and this is a great reason why the world is spritually lost.

Not everyone is given the gift of pastoralship:

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

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

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

You guys are freely giving gifts to others and justifying it by saying that that is that is what

Christ wants. You guys are playing God.

I wish I can say what I said without coming out so forward but I have scripture contradicting your "view."

oh well.....what can you do?

Edited April 4, 2007 by exrockstar

[Floatingaxe]

Matthew 28:19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

When we disciple people, we are pastoring them. Does your strict adherence to the passage about the "gift" of pastoring mean that you are not reaching people for Christ and discipling them?

[AnotherTraveler]

Marnie,

It is important to see what the Word says about who we (Christians) really are before we dismiss the poor or uneducated as valueless to serve as Pastor. I know of many very precious Pastors that have little formal education in 3rd world countries but they study every day and serve with great service.

The following are Paul

[Floatingaxe]

AnotherTraveller:

[Smalcald]

But there are two things we are talking about and as usual scripture helps us deal with them.

1.) The commission we are all to carry out to spread the Word, in season and out, all of the time in a way that we are called. This I think is a universal commission to all believers. Some will be evangelists, some will lead ministries, some will do this in their day to day lives, some will lead by example, some will be street preachers, etc.

2.) Those that are called to lead a congregation and be an overseer. Scripture shows what the requirements are for this position. There is no scriptural educational requirement given. There is however the requirement that they not be a novice or a new believer, there are other requirements. Each congregation has different needs some will need someone who has gone to Bible College or seminary, others will need someone who did NOT go to Bible College but learned through other ways. But regardless of how they prepare; it must be a calling from God. But the bottom line is I don't want a minister for my congregation that has no idea about what we believe and why, that is not trained enough to teach these doctrines and teach why we hold these doctrines. Pastors serve congregations not vice versa.

[exrockstar]

But there are two things we are talking about and as usual scripture helps us deal with them.

1.) The commission we are all to carry out to spread the Word, in season and out, all of the time in a way that we are called. This I think is a universal commission to all believers. Some will be evangelists, some will lead ministries, some will do this in their day to day lives, some will lead by example, some will be street preachers, etc.

i was just told that this was called "pastoring."

I'm going to pass on that thought.

[Floatingaxe]

Pastors serve congregations not vice versa.

Yours was a good post, smalcald! But I need to add here that we need to be servants to our pastors as well, in deed and in prayer constantly for them, as they are on the front lines and are easy targets for the enemy who wants to destroy the Church.

I am happy to be part of a church that de-focuses on the pulpit-centred church and focuses on making all of us leaders and co-pastors. As we fulfill our calling to make disciples of all nations, we findourswelves responsible to teach those we bring to Christ, thereby becoming co-pastors with our lead pastors.

I highly recommend the books, "Groups of 12" by Joel Comiskey, and "The Cell Church" by Larry Stockstill.

[CaritateDei]

Ah heck, just start a storefront church and call yourself the pastor! No intelligent education required...I'm sure that the Holy Spirit would not let anything wrong be spewed from your mouth. No Christian guided by the Holy Spirit is fallible, right?

[Floatingaxe]

Ah heck, just start a storefront church and call yourself the pastor! No intelligent education required...I'm sure that the Holy Spirit would not let anything wrong be spewed from your mouth. No Christian guided by the Holy Spirit is fallible, right?

Of course you are speaking "tongue in cheek", I am sure! That is bad advice! Everyone needs a leader or mentor, and God provides that, so that we receive good solid teaching. Without being solidly led and mentored, God wouldn't allow someone to pastor a group. I would question anyone who would out of the blue "set up shop", calling it a church without spiritual covering.

[exrockstar]

Matthew 28:19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

When we disciple people, we are pastoring them. Does your strict adherence to the passage about the "gift" of pastoring mean that you are not reaching people for Christ and discipling them?

reaching people is one thing.

reaching people can be a simple "come to my church...."

reaching people can be something as simple as being a positive Christian role model.

reaching people can be being able to communicate to people.

reaching people can be simply traveling and bring news.

reaching people can be a good listener.

reaching people doesn't always necessarily mean one has to open ones mouth.

Eventhough you quoted Matt 28:19 that is a problem because Christ talked to His Apostles (and disciples).

They were a little equipped because they followed Jesus.

Some take that scripture and yap away about views, opinions, advice, commandment and run with it (everyone with a bible is an expert).

Motivation and ability are two different things.

EVERYONE is motivated but few have the ability.

So yes...I suppose I am strict. "Reaching out" (in the example of Matt) should be at a point when youre gift is revealed and given by God.

Edited April 4, 2007 by exrockstar