The Spiritual Gift of Pastor / Teacher
Speaking Gift — Ephesians 4:11 — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.
ποιμήν (poy-mane’) — shepherd, feeder, protector, ruler of a flock. διδάσκαλος (did-as’-kal-os) — one who teaches the things of God and the duties of man. In Ephesians 4:11 these two gifts are joined by a single article — one person, one dual office.
The Spiritual Gift of Pastor / Teacher as Defined
The Pastor / Teacher is shepherd and instructor combined. He watches for souls (HEB 13:17), feeds the flock (ACS 20:28), guides with willingness (1PE 5:2-3), nurtures believers toward maturity (EPH 4:12-13), and cares with knowledge and understanding (JER 3:15).
- Shepherd / Protector — HEB 13:17, ACS 20:28
- Guide — 1PE 5:2-3
- Nurturer — EPH 4:12-13
- Caregiver — JER 3:15, ACS 6:4
The Spiritual Gift of Pastor / Teacher as Named
Jesus is the Great Shepherd (HEB 13:20, JOH 10:11, 1PE 5:4). Timothy (2TI 4:2) and Titus (TIT 2:15) are named as Pastor / Teachers in the New Testament — men who preached, rebuked, and exhorted with all authority.
The Spiritual Gift of Pastor / Teacher as Ministers
Study the Word (2TI 2:15). Preach the Word (2TI 4:2) — reprove with evidence, rebuke with warning, exhort from close beside. Keep your head, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry (2TI 4:5).
Serving in The Spiritual Gift of Pastor / Teacher
Avoid neglecting personal study. Avoid shepherding for financial gain. Avoid lording authority over the flock. Avoid becoming so focused on administration that the ministry of the Word is neglected (ACS 6:4).