1. SENIOR PASTOR? YOUTH PASTOR? MUSIC PASTOR? WOMAN PASTOR?

2. I.THE WORD “PASTOR”: A. “A shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks (not merely one who feeds them). Pastors guide as well as feed… this involves tender care & vigilant superintendence” (Vine). It Is NOT An Empty Title (Matt. 23:5-12; 1 Tim. 3:1).

3. I.THE WORD “PASTOR”: B. Feed – Provide food (Ezek. 34:13-14). C. Tend - Nourish, discipline, restore (Ezek. 34:15-23). D. Guide – (Ezek.. 34:13) E. Tender Care (Is. 40:11). F. Vigilant Oversight (Ezek. 34:16, 25, 28; 1 Sam. 17:34-35).

4. II. WHAT OF ELDERS, BISHOPS, RULERS? A. Used interchangeably with “Pastor” (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). B. Elders – Men of age, implies experience (1 Tim. 3:2, 4-5, 10). C. Bishops – Overseer, one who watches over (1 Pet. 2:25; 5:2). D. Rulers – Local Authority (Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).

5. III.INDICATOR OF MATURITY A. Mature men who lead (1 Tim. 3:4-6). B. Local organization is no longer “lacking” (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:21-23). C. This is God’s way to perfect, build up, cause to grow, unify and protect the saints (Eph. 4:11-14).

6. CONCLUSION: 1)Pastors = Elders = Bishops. 2)God’s Plan For The Mature Local Church. Does Your Church Follow God’s Plan?