"Pastor" or Christ Which One Do You Follow?

Are you following a man who calls himself "Pastor" (a title) or is the pastor (a gift of service) who is a servant of the flock pointing you to Christ that you might follow Christ?

This is an important question, if we follow a man then we will not evaluate everything he says to be sure it is from God, we will simply believe all that he says and radically defend him.

If we follow Christ, then every man who claims to speak for God will be evaluated, to see if what he says if from Scripture and endorsed by God.

Acts 17:10-11
"10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."

If a preacher refuses to be evaluated for what he says then he is not worthy for the ministry of leading a flock. Those who say things like "I protect MY pulpit", should be removed quickly, so that the gathering will not be perverted with a cult like oppressiveness.

Every man has the responsibility in the gathering to speak the truth evaluating everyone else through the Word to see if they are telling the truth. All errors should be openly challenged so that no one leaves the gathering believing the wrong doctrine or teaching.

1 Corinthians 14:29
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment."

1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."

If a pastor brings a wrong word, then those in the gathering need to correct him, if he resists the correction then he must be rebuked publicly for bringing wrong doctrine.

Because "Pastors" have been elevated to a godlike status, many in the church have neglected to keep them accountable, to maintain strict scriptural doctrine. The church has become apostate because the Word will not be obeyed in this matter of leadership.

When there is only a one man pastorship, then there is little accountability. When there is a plurality of leadership in the form of elders, several men to make decisions together through prayer and Scripture study, then errors will be handled and discarded before they become a big problem.

May each gathering look to the Word for their direction, setting aside all tradition to obey Christ.