How do you become a pastor?

[Floatingaxe]

Motivation and ability are two different things.

EVERYONE is motivated but few have the ability.

There are those who are:

Willing and able

Willing and unable

Unwilling and unable

Unwilling and able

Willing and able to serve God with everything is the goal. Reaching is one thing and discipling is another. It is indeed a form of pastoring.

Jesus was speaking to his disciples--and not just His twelve! there were many there with Jesus on that day. He was speaking to all of us!

Discipling moves that new convert from any of those stages to willing and able, with the help of the Holy Spirit. It isn't an easy job!

[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?

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.

What about Joel Osteen?

[RedeemedByHim]

I have gotten sick of the Swedish christianity, the state church "the church of Sweden" was founded in the 12th century as the swedish branch of the catholic church, in the 16th century the swedish king trasformed it into a protestant church. It was good untill latter days. Now it says that there is no hell nor satan, and tey deny the end days. There are other churches to like quakers and other even more liberal ones, too liberal ones.

How do i become a genuine pastor? I want to save people and start a little society outside major citys where i and my church will get armed and await the end days.

You become a pastor by pastoring. Plain and simple. As you fulfill the Great Commission, you will find yourself doing just that! Reach the lost and disciple them, and make disciples and disciplers of them. Start with a home-based church, but do not form any "church"-like group unless you have a strong mentor behind you to assist you and to cover you with prayer. As you are obedient, God will move you into it further and further. Just seek first the kingdom of God and He will add all you need to you. He will educate you. If you decide that later you need some formal book-learning, then do it.

I agree...because a college can give you all the head knowlege in the world...whereas going through discipleship also builds your character. I think both are important...but I think discipleship would be even more important than a college education...Unfortunately in our day and age...you need a college degree to even speak in most churches...

of course I like what I heard someone say once...They went to the U of HK...(University of hard knocks...)

To be honest, I'd actually say that they're equally important. I mean, in highschool, I had a lot of passion and a lot of discipleship...but I wasn't very educated in the Bible. Granted, there's only so much one can learn in a couple years of being a Christian, but BOY do I wish I'd known the things I know now. Would've stopped me from saying a lot of things based on rather unfounded impressions and overall ignorance. Not saying people without a BIble College education are ignorant, either...but you'd be surprised at the things you learn there, and I think a lot of them are things pastors NEED to know.

Besides...Bible College itself is a great place for finding discipleship.

Maybe you are right...I have been to Bible college and seen no discipleship taking place...I am being discipled now by my pastors and I have learned a GREAT deal of truth. I have learned to read the Bible myself. I do learn alot about the Bible through discipleship and also through my classes....I am a very big believer that the church today should be modeled completely after the way Jesus discipled His disciples and the New Testament church...some of those ministers didn't even go through the pharisees teaching...however, some did. I am in Bible college now...no, it is not a real huge college. My training takes place through my church, and that is just fine with me...

[exrockstar]

Motivation and ability are two different things.

EVERYONE is motivated but few have the ability.

There are those who are:

Willing and able

Willing and unable

Unwilling and unable

Unwilling and able

Willing and able to serve God with everything is the goal. Reaching is one thing and discipling is another. It is indeed a form of pastoring.

Jesus was speaking to his disciples--and not just His twelve! there were many there with Jesus on that day. He was speaking to all of us!

Discipling moves that new convert from any of those stages to willing and able, with the help of the Holy Spirit. It isn't an easy job!

actually i edited my previous post becasue I typed it without reviewing.

True Christ talked to His apostles and disciples but maybe im not explaining my point clearly.

so who decides when one is "willing and able?" who decides that the verse in Matthew is talking to them?

that is the point...

Edited April 4, 2007 by exrockstar

[Smalcald]

Matthew 28 is not directed at overseers, bishops or deacons; it is directed to all believers.

There are very specific versus directed toward those who are specifically called to be church overseers and leaders, but Matthew 28 is not one of them.

[RedeemedByHim]

There are way way too many "self appointed" ministers around who are totally ignorant of the Word and Church polity. I was on our church's pastor search committee, and I personally would not even look at a candidate without at least an M.Div or equivalent or preferably a terminal degree in Theological studies (we have a lot of highly educated folk in our congregation), plus at least a year of internship and recommendations out the wazzoo.

On the other side of the equation there are tens of thousands of "pastors" that are degree laden yet of little true use in the kingdom of God. Our modern preoccupation with letters of recommendation and commendations only show the skill of padding one's resume', without any real understanding of the true calling, indeed the true gift ministry that is the calling of pastor.

The biblical example of ministry training was directly related to the observation...

Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

A bible school will not make you what God has not made you to be. Education can equip but it can not produce what is not there.

A real pastor might just open services in the park, or in a garage, or in a barn. If you are doing the real work, there is no time nor desire to obtain the "approval" of the "highly educated" that are seaking recommendations out the wazzoo, nor is there a single biblical precedent to establish such uppity behaviour.

None of the early church leaders including Jesus Christ himself would have submitted themselves to your "search committee", and even if they had, none would be worthy of your "even looking at the candidate".

It always amazes me that when Christians are ozzing pride and arrogance, making the way impossible for the small, the weak, and the poor, so few challange such an attitude for the superority that it is.

Arash_the_archer, make your calling and election sure, spend much time with Jesus and search the Word always, and Jesus Christ (who calls you) will make the way plain. Education is fine, but don't pick up the superior attitude.

Did I mention anything about pride? No. You are right, there are many ministers out there that have educated the Holy Ghost right out of them. But, given that Paul claimed his status numerous times and mentioned his education in his defense, I think it is most important that the man behind the pulpit know more than the person in the pew. I am having some surgery tomorrow; you better know I made sure my doctor had the qualifications to perform it. If a man of G-d is going to interpret G-d's holy Word for the surgery on my soul, I am just as concerned about His qualifications, too. I want him to know more than I do, and frankly I am no dummy. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I know a little; I want my pastor to know a lot more.

Look, the Lord has spoken out of an ass's mouth before and no doubt continues to do so every Sunday morning. The reason there is so much whacky teaching in charismatic/pentecostal churches is because they have an anti education snobbery, kind of the opposite to the mainline denomination's education snobbery. Both conditions are deplorable, and I advocate for the middle ground: a well and highly educated man of G-d, full of education, and the Holy Ghost. They exist, I am married to one and my pastor is one.

As to your comment about search committees....ever read about the Jerusalem Council, whom Paul had to appear before to defend his calling?

Good point

in regards to another post..I am all for education..i also think a one on one discipleship is important...If your college offers that...awesome...when I say one on one...I am talking about a small group..it is hard fora pastor of 1000 people to personally disciple all of his members...There are those that I am careful of...My parents think they can stay at home and teach themselves the Bible...I do disagree with that..I agree with Marnie that i do want my pastor to be educated in the Word...and also educated in character...

[Iryssa]

I have gotten sick of the Swedish christianity, the state church "the church of Sweden" was founded in the 12th century as the swedish branch of the catholic church, in the 16th century the swedish king trasformed it into a protestant church. It was good untill latter days. Now it says that there is no hell nor satan, and tey deny the end days. There are other churches to like quakers and other even more liberal ones, too liberal ones.

How do i become a genuine pastor? I want to save people and start a little society outside major citys where i and my church will get armed and await the end days.

You become a pastor by pastoring. Plain and simple. As you fulfill the Great Commission, you will find yourself doing just that! Reach the lost and disciple them, and make disciples and disciplers of them. Start with a home-based church, but do not form any "church"-like group unless you have a strong mentor behind you to assist you and to cover you with prayer. As you are obedient, God will move you into it further and further. Just seek first the kingdom of God and He will add all you need to you. He will educate you. If you decide that later you need some formal book-learning, then do it.

I agree...because a college can give you all the head knowlege in the world...whereas going through discipleship also builds your character. I think both are important...but I think discipleship would be even more important than a college education...Unfortunately in our day and age...you need a college degree to even speak in most churches...

of course I like what I heard someone say once...They went to the U of HK...(University of hard knocks...)

To be honest, I'd actually say that they're equally important. I mean, in highschool, I had a lot of passion and a lot of discipleship...but I wasn't very educated in the Bible. Granted, there's only so much one can learn in a couple years of being a Christian, but BOY do I wish I'd known the things I know now. Would've stopped me from saying a lot of things based on rather unfounded impressions and overall ignorance. Not saying people without a BIble College education are ignorant, either...but you'd be surprised at the things you learn there, and I think a lot of them are things pastors NEED to know.

Besides...Bible College itself is a great place for finding discipleship.

Maybe you are right...I have been to Bible college and seen no discipleship taking place...I am being discipled now by my pastors and I have learned a GREAT deal of truth. I have learned to read the Bible myself. I do learn alot about the Bible through discipleship and also through my classes....I am a very big believer that the church today should be modeled completely after the way Jesus discipled His disciples and the New Testament church...some of those ministers didn't even go through the pharisees teaching...however, some did. I am in Bible college now...no, it is not a real huge college. My training takes place through my church, and that is just fine with me...

Oh, man, that's really unfortunate that your Bible College didn't offer much in the way of discipleship...maybe you could bring it up with the college's Student Union? I really think discipleship should be a HUGE part of Bible College.

[AnotherTraveler]

Anyone that is not continuing in the Word daily is starving themselves spiritually. However, the calling of Pastor is unique to the situation, I do agree that there are differing situations, where I disagree is to DISCLUDE the Pastors that are already serving all over the world that do not have the acceptably high degree that you or anyone are requiring?(and by the way, would that be a Masters? would that be a Doctorate? would that be a Batchlors? or is an Associates degree high enough?)

I have a dear friend that is a teacher in Africa. He earns a little over $100 US a month. With meager food costing about $75, would you care to explain to me how he can afford Harvard or Yale? Before someone points out programs and grants, which do exist, I would point out that the awards of such programs well exceed 1 to 1000 applicants in ratio, so the other 999 that are called of God, seaching the scriptures daily, studious in every way, clean in living, Godly in character, noble in bearing, full of the Holy Ghost, seeing the need, responding to the call of God, these ones...should do what? Just quit? Sorry Almight God, I can't serve you as you have called me to do, I was born too poor and don't have the educational requirements that some people living in wealth and privilage in the USA have, and they say I am unworthy because I don't have high documents from these exalted places of learning.

[Iryssa]

Anyone that is not continuing in the Word daily is starving themselves spiritually. However, the calling of Pastor is unique to the situation, I do agree that there are differing situations, where I disagree is to DISCLUDE the Pastors that are already serving all over the world that do not have the acceptably high degree that you or anyone are requiring?(and by the way, would that be a Masters? would that be a Doctorate? would that be a Batchlors? or is an Associates degree high enough?)

I have a dear friend that is a teacher in Africa. He earns a little over $100 US a month. With meager food costing about $75, would you care to explain to me how he can afford Harvard or Yale? Before someone points out programs and grants, which do exist, I would point out that the awards of such programs well exceed 1 to 1000 applicants in ratio, so the other 999 that are called of God, seaching the scriptures daily, studious in every way, clean in living, Godly in character, noble in bearing, full of the Holy Ghost, seeing the need, responding to the call of God, these ones...should do what? Just quit? Sorry Almight God, I can't serve you as you have called me to do, I was born too poor and don't have the educational requirements that some people living in wealth and privilage in the USA have, and they say I am unworthy because I don't have high documents from these exalted places of learning.

I do think that all this depends on the situation. If the person is in a tight spot, like your friend there, but wants to become a pastor, then I'd say they do the best with what they have, but ALWAYS seek to further their knowledge by SOME means. It doesn't have to be a college (and it most CERTAINLY doesn't have to be Harvard or Yale! Holy smokes!)...but I think what they could do is seek out a mentor who is older in the faith and has had a great deal of experience in the ministry, who can teach them some of the things they need to know. That doesn't need to cost anything. Heck, it can be done by e-mail if there's no one around who fits the description.

I think, however, that that person would need to realize that they aren't going to be seen as qualified by many people, including governments and those higher up in denominational hierarchies. While this may not directly affect their ability to do ministry, it WILL affect things like being able to perform marriages in certain countries, and being able to find a job with certain churches (note the lowercase "c"). Maybe you don't feel that's how it should be, but that's the way it IS, and if they're OK with that, then no big deal.

However, someone who has the means and the calling, I think, should DEFINITELY explore an education at an institute of Biblical education.

Basically, the point is to learn as much as you possibly can by whatever means available to you, don't just go into it assuming you know all there is to know. We also have to remember that God will provide the means to someone if He wants them to go to Bible College, or wherever.

[AnotherTraveler]

I do think that all this depends on the situation. If the person is in a tight spot, like your friend there, but wants to become a pastor, then I'd say they do the best with what they have, but ALWAYS seek to further their knowledge by SOME means. It doesn't have to be a college (and it most CERTAINLY doesn't have to be Harvard or Yale! Holy smokes!)...but I think what they could do is seek out a mentor who is older in the faith and has had a great deal of experience in the ministry, who can teach them some of the things they need to know. That doesn't need to cost anything. Heck, it can be done by e-mail if there's no one around who fits the description.

I think, however, that that person would need to realize that they aren't going to be seen as qualified by many people, including governments and those higher up in denominational hierarchies. While this may not directly affect their ability to do ministry, it WILL affect things like being able to perform marriages in certain countries, and being able to find a job with certain churches (note the lowercase "c"). Maybe you don't feel that's how it should be, but that's the way it IS, and if they're OK with that, then no big deal.

However, someone who has the means and the calling, I think, should DEFINITELY explore an education at an institute of Biblical education.

Basically, the point is to learn as much as you possibly can by whatever means available to you, don't just go into it assuming you know all there is to know. We also have to remember that God will provide the means to someone if He wants them to go to Bible College, or wherever.

An excellent answer.

I am not anti-education, I am anti-arrogance. The ability to preform marriages and be recognized by governments are not recorded as being scriptural goals for pastors. It is also not important how those in denominational hierarchies (talk about a non scriptural tongue twister) view you either, as the early church didn't concern themselves with obtaining the approval of the established power brokers.

I also believe that you should not go out of it (as in departing of old age or whatever) assuming that you know all there is to know, indeed, it is that very "assumption" that I am so strongly against, how dare you or I or any disclude whom God has called? NONE of the early church pastors had the educational requirements that so many demand these days, yet they served the will of God with great service, many giving their lives for their service.

Study to show yourself approved does not mean to cease study, and graduating must not be to cease study as a person goes out to minister. Many enter the ministry because it is a relatively easy life with a provided house, consistant wages, and the only real study they do is from pre-written preaching notes and other make easy tools until they are as spiritual as a floor rug, but not as useful.

There are always exceptions, but I have personally known some real educated idiots that I wouldn't want to have them keep a can of beans in safty, to say nothing of souls of men. Privilage does not convey intregity any more than poverty discludes someone from dignity. It is this very real mismeasurement of value and worth that is promoted by the institutional higher learning systems and the denominational hierarchies that must be challanged, not to destroy the earnest desire to study and show yourself approved, but to declare how important a humble and ready mind are, how essential humility is, and how it is impossible to walk in humility while holding yourself and others as superior due to training and privilage.

Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Paul's words, the highly educated man of the early church...

Act 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other, better than themselves.

Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Act 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (he goes on to call them dung) Read the whole chapter, very enlightening.