We need pastors

Why language pastors?

We need to hear the gospel in our own language (Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 14:11). Our language is not “of first importance,” but it is necessary so we can hear the gospel that is “of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3). We should embrace this, not run from it.

These language pastors should be skilled at preaching the Bible. The Bible is necessary for us to be saved (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23) and to grow as Christians (Matthew 4:4; Acts 20:32). So Paul tells Timothy, “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). Thus, they may be skilled and useful in other areas, but above all, they must preach the Word clearly and well.

Why an administrative pastor?

To improve coordination, especially in shared areas–that is, things that don’t fall under just one congregation.

For example, all three congregations use the same children’s ministry, the same youth ministry, and the same building. An administrative pastor could shepherd these areas.

Why an administrative pastor–and not a senior pastor?

Pros of having a “senior pastor”

Some advocate for having a senior pastor at CGBC to help the congregations coordinate and partner together well. This might have three facets:

1.    Coordinate the elders/pastors
This person would hire and fire other pastors, and mediate conflicts between staff.

2.    Coordinate all-church responsibilities
This person would oversee the building, coordinate services, etc.

3.    Vision
This person would provide vision for the three congregations.

Cons of having a “senior pastor”

However, others have voiced concerns over having a “senior pastor”:

1.    Power
Is it biblical/healthy for one man to be able to singlehandedly hire and fire other pastors?

2.    Language
Are we looking for a “unicorn”? And if we don’t get a “unicorn” (who is the perfect fit in language, philosophy, and culture), we hinder which pastors will come.

3.    Title
We’re not looking for a “senior pastor” as traditionally defined (someone who is the primary preacher/shepherd for any congregation). Instead, the language pastors will do this.

How can we get the pros without the cons?

An “administrative pastor” could do this.  He could help the congregations partner together by coordinating the pastors and elders and by shepherding all-church ministries (e.g., children’s ministry, youth ministry, facility usage, etc.). But unlike the senior pastor, he would not hire/fire pastors by himself, and he would not set the vision of the church by himself. Instead, he might participate in this with the other elders.

Through all this, our goal is to get shepherds who can serve the gospel well, and help us partner together well.

Next page: Constitution, etc.