CrossWalk is a pastor-led church after the model that most closely represents the New Testament form of church governance, ( see further explanation below ). Thus, the pastoral staff has been charged with the role of leading the church - a competent team comprised of full-time, vocational pastors and directors who have been called by God for such a specific ministry. We know that board-led churches have gained popularity in America in the last century, but there is no Scriptural basis for this "Americanized" form of modern church government. So CrossWalk is not governed by an elected board comprised of businessmen. Pastors lead churches; businessmen lead businesses. We also understand that leadership is a spiritual gift to be recognized, not voted upon ( Rom. 12: 8 ).Accountability: Without a board, then, who keeps the pastors accountable? Again, the model in New Testament provides us our guiding principles. The plurality of pastors in the local New Testament church was always under the oversight of a plurality of apostles who governed all the local church leaders under their jurisdiction. Apostles in the New Testament were pastors' pastors who exercised protective authority, offered accountability, assisted in decision-making, settled disputes, enforced sound doctrine, exercised discipline, and ensured proper business practices. Since Scripture does not say that that office ever ceased after the original apostles passed away, then that office still exists today and functions in those same capacities.Therefore, if a partner of CrossWalk ever suspects that one of our pastors has failed morally, ethically, or theologically, then he/she is obligated to confront the pastor first ( Matthew 18: 15 ), and then contact the following individuals so that a prompt and thorough investigation can occur.For this reason, I left you in Crete ( Paul to Titus, both acting with apostolic authority ), that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders ( presbuteros - local pastoral authority ) in every city as I commanded you.Role of a Pastor: While the word "pastor" is only mentioned once in the entire New Testament ( Ephesians 4: 11-12 ), the word "elder" is mentioned many times - each time specifically describing the role of what we know today as a full-time, vocational pastor. Thus, it is commonly held by biblical scholars that the words "elder" and "pastor" are used interchangeably in the New Testament to mean the same function and office. Whereas, "elder" was used predominantly in the early church to describe those who shepherd the church, and "pastor" was not, today the custom is reversed; "pastor" is used predominantly in today's church to describe those who shepherd the church, and "elder" is not used as often ( unless referring to additional, elected, un-ordained personnel, which is an office that did not exist in the New Testament ). So the ministry description of today's pastor can be best understood by studying and applying the ministry description of an elder. Both Paul and Peter were consistent with the same use of terminology and the respective role.Paul's address to the Elders ( presbuteros ) at Ephesus: Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd ( v. POIMAINO [ pastor ] ) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.Peter's address to the Elders ( presbuteros ) scattered throughout the world: Shepherd ( v. POIMANIO [ pastor ] ) the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.Paul's letter to the Ephesians: It was He ( Christ ) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors ( n. POIMEN - same word elsewhere for "shepherd" in reference to elders ) and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be build up..."
Partial Data by Infogroup (c) 2024. All rights reserved.
Partial Data by Foursquare.