Questions to Consider
What is the function of the Pastor?
How many times is the word Pastor used in the Bible?
Let's check Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
The feeder, protector, and guide, or shepherd, of a flock of God's people in New Testament times. In speaking of spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers" (Eph 4:11). The term pastor by this time in church history had not yet become an official title. The term implied the nourishing of and caring for God's people.
The Greek word translated pastors in Eph 4:11 is used elsewhere in the New Testament of sheepherders, literally or symbolically (Matt 25:32); of Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10); and of "shepherds," or leaders, of the church (Eph 4:11). The NKJV uses the word pastor only in this verse. Also compare Jer 23:1-2 (KJV).
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Next, we'll look to see what Vine's Expository Dictionary says.
PASTOR
poimen (NT:4166), "a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks" (not merely one who feeds them), is used metaphorically of Christian "pastors," Eph 4:11. "Pastors" guide as well as feed the flock, cf. Acts 20:28, which with v. 17, indicates that this was the service committed to elders (overseers or bishops); so also in 1 Peter 5:1,2, "tend the flock... exercising the oversight," RV; this involves tender care and vigilant superintendence. See SHEPHERD.
SHEPHERD
poimen ( NT:4166) is used (a) in its natural significance, Matt 9:36; 25:32; Mark 6:34; Luke 2:8,15,18,20; John 10:2,12; (b) metaphorically of Christ, Matt 26:31; Mark 14:27; John 10:11,14,16; Heb 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; (c) metaphorically of those who act as pastors in the churches, Eph 4:11. See PASTOR.
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Scriptures
Acts 20:28 Take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd (tend and feed and guide) the church of the Lord or of God which He obtained for Himself [buying it and saving it for Himself] with His own blood. AMP
Acts 20:17 However, from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and summoned the elders of the church [to come to him there]. AMP
1 Peter 5:1 I WARN and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): AMP
In Summary - a few more questions.
Did you see something new in these scriptures?
Did it support, contradict or challenge a belief you may have held?
Did this information cause a negative or a positive response in your heart?
Your Response Journal
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Ephesian 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
The following information dealing with the five-fold ministry of the church is presented in a question and answer format? My prayer is that as you read the scriptures with an open mind, you will find the answers to the questions provided.