While in Christ all are made equal in regards to salvation, there is no doubt scripturally that God has given pastors authority over their flock for their good. One verse that notes this relationship is this.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
But as I noted in the introduction to this series, the point of these posts in not to talk about what those under authority owe those placed in authority over them. Instead, these posts are meant to be time to reflect upon how those sitting at the head of the table of duties are to live out their baptismal life in these relationships. Therefore, in regard to the relationship between pastor and people, we focus on how pastors are to act towards their people. We think about how they are to use the authority given to them.
The verse above makes clear that one of the ways that the pastor uses the authority granted him is by making the watching over of the souls entrusted to them his prime concern. He owes it to his people to worry about their spiritual wellbeing first and foremost. (cf. Acts 20:28) That means studying, praying, and preaching. It means listening, teaching, and correcting. It means comforting, absolving and distributing.
It means doing all of these things with gentleness, not being unnecessarily harsh with the people of God (1 Timothy 3:3). Arrogance and hot temperament must be left behind when dealing with his people (Titus 1:7). His life must to be a model of godly living for their people (Titus 2:7, Acts 20:28).
He must consider who he is speaking with. Older men are to be treated with the respect of a father, younger men like beloved brothers, older women like treasured mothers, younger women like precious sisters (1 Timothy 5:1-2).
He must avoid all unnecessary controversy (1 Timothy 6:4) and not quarrel about every word (2 Timothy 2:14). He must be willing to share in suffering (2 Timothy 2:3, 4:5)
He must as a leader in the image of Christ lead by serving (Luke 22:26). His responsibility is not to make sure that those under his authority submit. He must teach this relationship, but their obedience is their responsibility. His focus in to be on serving those under his authority.
This is what pastors owe their people. This is what new life looks like in those called to live under the yoke of the stole.
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For those pastors reading this, clearly this post is filled with law and therefore it will expose your sin if you allow it free course. That being true, do not despair. Return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. There you will find grace and mercy. There you will be raised up to the newness of life described herein. Thanks be to God. Amen.
