Does the New Testament distinguish between the office of elder and that of pastor?
No. The term “pastor” (Greek poimen) is used only once in the New Testament (Eph. 4:11) and it refers to leaders of the congregation better known elsewhere as elders, overseers or simply as leaders. Such leaders, however, were clearly seen as “pastor-shepherds,” as indicated by the use of such picturesque expressions as to “shepherd the flock” in describing the work of elders (1 Pet. 5:1-2; Acts 20:17, 28; John 21:16). In view of the fact that the term “pastor” is seen in the New Testament as descriptive of the shepherding function of elders, the present policy of the Seventh-day Adventist church to allow for the ordination of women as local elders but not as pastors is based on an artificial distinction between the two offices, a distinction which does not exist in the New Testament. Even the church’s ordination practice underscores the Biblical unity of the two offices: we often read the same Bible passages for both ordinations.
Related Questions
- How is a Ruling Elder or Deacon removed from office after failing to perform the duties of his office for a period of one year?
- Could a very young, inexperienced elder be eligible to become a co-missioned pastor, if currently a counselor to the pastor?
- Must a church office secretary or custodian resign when a senior pastor resigns?
