The "Key" to the Good Church: Part I

What kind of church are you looking for?  Oh, a church that has a variety of good programs.  Yes, a good program for children, a good music program, a good humanitarian endeavor, a good number of people, a good facility, etc.  The list could go indefinitely.  But lets stop, we all have our own preferences or special needs and interests.  Why dont we just turn to the "Book" and get the answers.  Let's focus on what God has to say about the "church" of your choice.  After all, it is His church by decree and design.

The first text that I would have you consider is Matthew 28:18-20.  Often referred to as the great commission.  This text is often used by missionaries to prove their point for their own endeavors.  I want to look at what Jesus is doing as He proclaimed this "commissioning". 

In the text, of course the audience are the disciples or the newly established earthly authorities for the early "church".  Christ gives clear and concise instructions as He reveals an entire philosophy of ministry in this short passage of scriptures.

He commissions His disciples to carry on the work of the church on earth with three basic principles:
1) The Church is to Evangelize:  Go and teach all nations
2) The Church is to Assimilate converts (baptizing them)
3) The Church is to Educate (disciple) In the all things/Observed

This is first and foremost for ministry of local church evaluation.  It is not that we are to do one or the other but rather all three elements are KEY to New Testament church ministry and philosophy.  Begin here with your choosing of ministry, begin here with where you will attend, begin here with where you will have your family.  Follow the mission and the model that was established and authorized by our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does "Pastor" Mean

Consider Ephesians 4:11-12  <sup>And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Take particular note of the word "pastors", what is this that would distinguish the role from any other?  The term "pastor" (poimen) stresses certain tasks and manners in which the the overseer (elder, bishop) goes about accomplishing the role of leading the church.  He is given the responsibility of continually, tenderly, and diligently watching, guiding, protecting, and providing for the flock of God.  Christ, our chief shepherd, being the model for the undershepherd. 

Let me offer you a definition for the term that may give even more insight to the role of the Pastor.  Pastor: a shepherd, one who tends or herds flocks; used metaphorically of Christian "pastors". (Acts 20:28)
Pastors have been given the duties of teaching, preaching, counseling, visiting, having the  knowledge of, warning and protecting the congregation (flock) from false teachers.
As Paul so wonderfully and concisely stated, it is with the goal of maturing the saints for the work of the ministry and fitly framing the body until He comes.</sup>