I see a bit of talk today from Christians about how they do fine in their Christian lives without going to church and without submitting themselves to the leadership of pastors or elders. In fact many of them seem almost anti-pastor and about how they do more harm then good and how all you need is you and God to succeed in the Christian life.
Sadly, this teaching is not according to God’s plan. God does give the church leaders and teachers to help us on our way. They certainly have a purpose and that purpose is seen here. We have pastors and teachers to help the saints mature, to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry, and to build up the body of Christ.
Pastors and teachers are to be there to help people grow in their walk with the Lord. Everyone is responsible for their own growth through personal prayer and Bible study, but we come to church to be taught God’s word and instructed on growth.
Another reason is to give the saints the tools to do the work. Part of coming to church is that we are given what they need to leave and go out the rest of the week to their schools and workplaces and homes and neighbourhoods better prepared to reach our own mission fields with the gospel.
And then we see the responsibility to edify and build up the body of Christ. We all need that little push and that little ‘job well done’ and ‘keep up the good work’ and to help lift them out of discouragement and to lift the spirits.
Pastors and teachers and other leaders are mean to be a help and a blessing and provider and encourager. May we pastors seek that out and may we enjoy the blessing of having a pastor.
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