Excuse me, are you a pastor?

What is the 1st thing that comes to your mind when someone mention the word, "Pastor"? I supposed most Christians and non-Christians will tell me something along the lines of "a full time church staff", "a leader/head of the church", "a priest". Probably someone held in high regard. Holding a pastor in high regard is quite understandable, for we expect this person to be of a certain mold(the Jesus mold) - full of love, kindness, humility etc. (note: many people do not seem to understand that pastors are also fallen human beings like they are. but I won't be talking about this in this post)

The title "Pastor" could be so overloaded or linked with power, authority and prestige that many have missed the point of who a pastor is. So many have focus on the title that they forget it is a role more than a title. I should say that probably a lot of Christians and non-Christians will be in a shock if they realised that the English word "Pastor" appear only once in popular versions such as the NIV or NASB Bible.

The Greek word "Poimen" was translated once as "pastor" in the NIV(or NASB) and 10 over times as "shepherd" (e.g. when Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd(poimen)"). This will gives us some clue as to the role of a pastor. Titus 1:5-7; Acts 20:17, 28; Eph 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1-2 gives us more clues on how the words "Pastor", "Elder" and "Overseer(Bishop)" are used interchangeably.

In a nutshell, a pastor (or elder or preacher or bishop or overseer or reverend or whatever terms your denomination/church may use) is someone who takes care of the flock God has entrusted to him. He is to govern, lead, oversee, shepherd and care for them (1 Tim 5:17, 3:4-5; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). And he is to teach, preach, refute false teachings, exhort and admonish them. (1 Tim 3:2, 5:17, 4:13; Titus 1:9). If you are doing these, you are a pastor (whether you are conferred this title or not).

"Conferred" may sound a little harsh or negative but in many circles(especially independent churches - the largest group in Singapore), it is seen as such. It has become a title that some sought after and the title has been put on a pedestal so high that you would think a pastor/elder/reverend is equivalent to God. I am not saying ordination is unimportant. It definitely has its place. But when the title has become greater than the role, we are in trouble.

An online website advertised this, "become ordained online. This includes the freedom to perform weddings,perform baptisms or perform funerals for friends and family." If online is not the best option, some resorted to having pastor friends ordaining them. "What are you ordaining him as?"asked Z. "Oh, as a pastor."replied pastor A. "Isn't he already a pastor?" asked Z. Pastor A smiled. The person to be ordained had planted a church and been running it for 3 years in country ABC. No locals has complained, or refused to be baptised by him nor were there any issues with local authorities. (in fact, the locals addressed him as a pastor) So why get ordained? (or rather, get conferred?) {this is a true story & it's not the only one of this kind}

It'll take a lot of education, and it'll take a lot of time to get people to see the pastor as more of a role than a title. There is nothing wrong with titles and ordination, but understanding and recognizing the role of a pastor is much more important because we(in Singapore) are very much tilted toward the title part and that is unhealthy. If you don't believe me, next time when someone(outside) approach you (to preach, to conduct wedding, funeral, to counsel, teach etc), tell them you preach, teach, counsel in your church but you are not a/the pastor. Share your experience with me. :) God bless.