PAID PASTOR FIGMENT OF OUR CREATION

There is no scriptural authority or support for the idea of a church having a salaried pastor running the show. The word pastor is only in one place in the New Testament and that is in Ephesians 4 v 11 listed with Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and Teachers. Their job or ministry is to prepare God's people for works of service. There is no mention that their job is to run the local fellowship and certainly there is no support for paying them a salary.

What are "works of service or work of ministry as the King James puts it?" The word "service or ministry" is the word diakonia from which we get the word "deacon". It means "attendance as a servant" or "to give aid".

From this meaning and perspective, every member of the body of Christ is a deacon. The role of those with a pastoral ministry then is to prepare the saints to serve one another. We don't see much of this today, primarily because "the" pastor does not usually serve anyone. Usually he sits at the top table rather than wait on tables which is what he is supposed to do.

This means the example is power and position, not serving. When was the last time you saw "the" pastor wait on tables? I am very fortunate that I am a member of a congregation where "the" pastor does wait on tables and won't sit down until everyone has a meal in front of them.

The best way to get rid of the power and position concept is to get rid of the salaried pastor as CEO of the local congregation. After all, we don't need him as Jesus is quite capable of fulfilling his role as head of the church.