Add to My Library Here are the passages in the New Testament where the Greek word (noun) for pastor is found:
Here is the verb form of the word for "to shepherd"
I would understand the Scriptures to teach that there is a gift of pastor-teacher, but that this is not an office. The two leadership offices in the New Testament are those of elders and deacons (see, for example, 1 Timothy 3). It is the elders of the congregation who are to "shepherd the flock of God" (1 Peter 5:1-2).
The Old Testament had strong words of condemnation for those who were false shepherds (including the promise of God coming as the Good Shepherd):
Our Lord had strong words to say about the Jewish religious leaders (the Pharisees and particular), for their wrong leadership style -- see Matthew chapter 23.
Jesus comes as the Good Shepherd -- John 10
Paul describes the kind of leadership he has shown:
And he (Paul) contrasts his leadership with the "false apostles" -- 2 Corinthians 11 (notice, not just here, but elsewhere, his gentleness, their severity; his humility, their arrogance; his suffering, their self-indulgence)
In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus chapter 1 Paul gives the qualifications for the office of elder (and deacon in 1 Timothy 3).
Peter also has something to say about leadership, both good (1 Peter 5:1-5) and bad (2 Peter 2 & 3).
You should also take a look at these passages:
There are also texts which address our submission to elders and our support of their ministry, which we dare not ignore:
Also Paul gives instructions about the correction of elders in 1 Timothy 5:19-20
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