A) DEFINITION.

B) ANOTHER DEFINITION.

C) CONCLUSION.

 

 

A) DEFINITION

 

 

The word “Pastor” literally means:  “a helper,” or, a “feeder of the sheep” (Jer. 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16; 22:22; 23:1 & 2; Eph. 4:11).  Therefore, literally, they are “shepherds,” as the Greek “poimenas” means.

 

 

B) ANOTHER DEFINITION

 

 

If one were to look up some texts (Mat. 9:36; 25:32; 26:31; Mark 6:34; 14:27; Luke 2:8, 15, 18, 2:20; John 10:2 & 11-12 & 14 & 10:16; Heb. 13:20; 1Pe. 2:25), they could see where it is rendered “shepherd,” and or, “shepherds.”  Also, in Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27; Hebrews 13:20; First Peter 2:25, it is applied to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as the “Great Shepherd” of the flock, i.e., the Church.

 

 

C) CONCLUSION

 

 

Thus, the word “Pastor” is given to ministers of the Gospel, with obvious propriety, and with great picturesque beauty.  Pastors are to exercise the same watchfulness as a caregiver would to the people of their charge, as does a shepherd over his flock.  The meaning is clear:  That Christ exercised a special care for His Church by appointing “Pastors” who would watch over it as a shepherd does over his flock.  The ultimate object being -- To Serve.

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