I wouldn't get hung up on the word shepherd. What you describe, Marcia, is not only an option for the church, it is a mandate. Eph 4 declares that the pastor must train the saints to do the work of ministry. Call them whatever you want. Just do the work.
The oversight function of pastors deals with oversight of the church as a whole, not necesssarily spiritual oversight of individual believers (though that is not excluded). The pastor's main function is the preaching and teaching of the word and management of the church. He should engage others in the work of spiritual oversight and encouragement of believers. This fits in with Heb 10:24 where we are to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.
Why are you opposed to this? What problem do you see in it?
Spiritual oversight by non-pastors, non-overseers in a church
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Marcia, Jul 3, 2006.
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