The Pastor's Job Description [1Corinthains 4:1-5]

By Pastor Jason Lim

Someone said that the job of a university professor is to talk in other people's sleep! Well then, what is the job of a pastor?

Paul in 1Co 4:1-5 lays down plainly the job description:

1. The Role.

The Pastor is not a celebrity or superstar- he is a servant. The word means galley-rower. It refers to a Roman slave pulling the oars in the lower decks of a ship. Pastors must not be filled with a sense of inordinate self-importance. He is satisfied when no one applauds him, as long as everyone applauds Jesus. He does not want to photobomb Jesus!

2. The Responsibility.

The Pastor is likened to a steward who manages the household for his master. He dutifully dispenses what is needed to the workers so that they can do the work. A Pastor dispenses the mysteries of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. And he must do so with faithfulness- no modification, addition, or subtraction from the truth.

3. The Review.

The job review is done only once when Jesus returns. But it will be a thorough and accurate review. And then everyone will receive his commendation from the Lord. Till then, we are to be faithful, and to keep our eyes fixed on that day. In Christ, we can be freed from the trap of performance before men.