Why We Need Pastors

When someone begins to talk or write about the organization of the church, eyes often begin to glaze over and attention wanders. Church organization is not thought to be the most practical or ministry-minded topic. After all, who is excited to learn about committee structures or meeting minutes? But the reality is that the organization of the church is a means that King Jesus uses to disciple His people and to bring the gospel to a lost and needy world. When Christ ascended into heaven, He did not leave His children as orphans (John 14:18); rather, He established a structure by which the Holy Spirit would work through men to build up the church. This involves the calling, equipping, and ordaining of pastors (Eph. 4:11), elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5), and deacons (Acts 6) in the church. The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned His church to bring the gospel of grace to the world (Matt. 28:18–20) and the path of every Christian culminates in the corporate worship of God for all eternity (Rev. 21). Thus, we need the gifts that Jesus has given to the church, including pastors and teachers, to fulfill this mission.

By Fred Greco