let us think about why we use the title "pastor."

In most churches today, members use the word "pastor" to refer to their church leader.

But it is interesting to note that the word "pastor" is used only once in the Bible.

Despite the fact, most churches insist on using the title "pastor," instead of using "bishop" or "elder," which were commonly used in the Bible to refer to the church leaders. There is a reason for this.

And that is this word holds significant meaning in connection with the church leader's attitude.

Today, we can see churches being runned by pastors with great authority as a result of church members overly relying on their pastors.

For that very reason, most of the church leaders' role is closer to that of an overseer rather than that of a pastor.

We can say that such overdependence is one factor that hinders pastors from carrying out their original duties.

The reason why many churches use the title "pastor" is that they believe that is a ministry appointed by God.

In the Bible, we can see Jesus commissioning His disciples to continue His ministry.

Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"

Peter likewise replied three times saying, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee."

We need to pay close attention to what Jesus says to Peter's answer each time.

Jesus tells Peter, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17)

Of course, the Revised Version says, "shepherd my sheep." However, we can clearly see that this is the result of the alteration of the Bible.

An important fact relating to pastoring is that Jesus entrusts the job of feeding the flock to the pastors.

Of course, the duties of pastors include caring for the church members as an overseer and living a model Christian life as an elder.

However, the reason why we use the word "pastor" is that we consider the responsibility of feeding the sheep a primary part of the ministry.

If we are called "pastors" in the church, we must put all our efforts into serving the church members through ministry of the Word.

If someone tries to make his position as a leader more secure by putting other duties first, we can say that he does not fully understand the role of the pastor.