Church Leadership

18
Jul
2022

Your Pastor Probably Isn’t A Preacher

Preacher

The New Testament uses several words to describe the role of those who have the spiritual oversight of a local church. They are elder (or presbyter), shepherd (or pastor), overseer (or bishop), and steward. The word preacher is perhaps the term most frequently used by Christians to refer to a pastor. It is quite remarkable, therefore, that the New Testament never refers to a congregation’s leader as a preacher!

Most Christians use the words preacher and pastor interchangeably, but the Bible does not. The New Testament makes a distinction between the two roles. It is understandable why this difference is overlooked; most of us were never taught to notice the difference. Even well educated teachers and scholars typically fail to point out the differences in the two roles. 

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Church Leadership, Misconceptions, Preaching
11
Jul
2022

‘Pastor’ And Other Words The Bible Uses To Describe An Overseer

Overseer
Shepherd with his flock. Photo: BiblePlaces.com

This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” (1 Tim. 3:1 CSB)

Does it strike you as odd that Paul needed to tell the Christians in Ephesus that overseeing a congregation is a noble work? The fact that Paul wrote these words to Timothy suggests that corrupt church leaders in Ephesus had soiled the reputation of the role of overseer. Perhaps they had so tarnished the image of the role that respectable Christians didn’t want the job! They may have feared ruining their good name by being in that position. 

Christians from different church traditions use various terms to describe the role of the person who leads, oversees, or shepherds their congregations. Sometimes these descriptions can refer to the person behind the pulpit, or they may apply to positions within a church leadership hierarchy. More often than not, we use them as titles. However, we use these words differently than the New Testament does. 

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Church Leadership
30
May
2022

Why The Church Is Repulsive To Unbelievers

Church Is Repulsive

Hypocrisy. Unmitigated, overt, and unrepentant hypocrisy is the reason the modern church is repulsive to unbelievers. In past decades, the church and church leaders were held in high regard even by those who were not Christians. This is no longer the case. The world is justifiably disgusted with what is happening within Christianity. In fact, a lot of Christians are also holding their nose to avoid the stench of sin and hypocrisy within their own circles. 

Church scandals have been in the news this past week. In my weekly blog posts I do not normally comment about current events. It’s not because there is a shortage of news to apply biblical commentary to. It’s just that much of what passes as news is really nothing more than the media elites peddling propaganda and fear. So, I tend to focus my posts each week only on what I’ve learned from the Scriptures. This week is different. 

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church, Church Leadership
15
Mar
2020

Does The Bible Permit Women Preachers?

Women Preachers

There has been much controversy recently over the idea of women preachers. Does the Bible permit a woman to preach? Can a woman be a pastor? Isn’t a preacher and a pastor the same thing? Actually, they are not the same but even famous, well educated, highly credentialed ministers and scholars typically fail to make this distinction. 

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church Leadership, Misconceptions, Preaching
07
Jul
2018

Is The Clergy/Laity Distinction Biblical?

Clergy

One of the few things that most religions have in common is a clergy/laity distinction. The clergy are people appointed (ordained) to perform religious duties, rituals, and tasks. Some do not consider common people (lay people) qualified to do these tasks. Some terms commonly used to refer to clergy are priest, reverend, minister, preacher, bishop, pastor, father, etc. In short, clergy are the people behind the pulpit and laity are the people in the pews.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church Leadership, Priesthood