We believe that a God-ordained local church exists where God-ordained leadership exists (cf. Titus 1:5-9). Jesus Himself is the Chief Shepherd, while local pastors/elders provide leadership to His church. Because it is Jesus who assigns pastors/elders to shepherd His flock (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:17-18, 28; Hebrews 13:17), we believe that Christians are not fully under the authority of Christ unless they are also under the loving authority of pastor/elders. Christians have the right to choose whose pastoral shepherding they will respect, but they do not have the freedom to choose complete independence from pastoral authority.
The terms "pastor," "elder," and "bishop" are used interchangeably in the New Testament to refer to the same role of shepherd. They are not three distinct leadership roles in the church, but rather the same role and function (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). Our practice at New Life is to recognize the local church shepherds as "pastor/elders." These men may work full-time for the church and receive compensation, or may be bi-vocational (work full-time outside the church for compensation).
Pastors in the New Testament served together in plurality. We believe that this is the most biblical and effective way to shepherd the church. The pastors of New Life are accountable to one another and make decisions together. Major decisions are made through diligent prayer, congregational input, humble and honest discussion, and full consensus among the pastors. When God is leading, we can trust Him to lead the pastors together.
While every pastor has equal authority, they do not all have the same roles. Because of the spiritual gifts given to each Christian, the responsibilities of each pastor may vary according to their gifts and the needs of the church.
The New Testament paints a picture of what defines a pastor. He is to be male (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Titus 1:6); gifted by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6-8); able to teach and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9); and have Christ-like character (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-8, 1 Peter 5:1-3). This last quality — character — is especially important in light of the authority that Jesus gives to pastors over the local church (cf. Hebrews 13:17). This authority is given to edify, protect, teach, and encourage believers (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:8), not for "lording it over the flock" (1 Peter 5:3-4).
Pastors will give an account before God for how they exercised their authority, and all Christians will give a similar account for how they respected it (cf. Hebrews 13:17). Accordingly, the responsibilities of the pastors at New Life consist primarily of being an example of Christ; diligently caring for the spiritual needs of the church; wisely and carefully considering church direction; faithfully praying for the church; and accurately and effectively teaching from Scripture. The members of New Life have the responsibilities of being respectful and supportive; being open and honest about personal spiritual needs; praying for the spirituality welfare and wisdom of the pastors; and protecting the pastors from divisive slander and false accusations (cf. 1 Timothy 5:19-20).
Men are selected to become pastors at New Life by the current pastors, with approval from the church members. Our desire is that pastors be recognized from within our own congregation (rather than being hired from other locations), after demonstrating spiritual development and faithful service. This ensures confidence in the knowledge of a man's character and love for the church.
Want to find out more about Pastors Kurt, Ray, Brian, and Pete?
Additional resource: Biblical Elders by Alexander Strauch; New Testament Church Leadership in Action Today by Brent Knox and John Hopler.
