Gift to the Church

Every Church Member and Deacon Needs To Read This Article

It is written in the Scriptures: “...When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ... That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love...”(Eph. 4:8,11-12,14-15)

In this age there is a gross misconception concerning preachers and pastors. Far too many churches are of the opinion that if they hire the preacher they are in control of him and what he preaches. In other words, they feel they own him, and he is to be the servant of the church. This is not only an awful misconception; it is also a vulgar and grievous sin against God.
The term “the man of God” means exactly that; the preacher is God’s possession. If man or the church owns him, he is not “of God.” The plain truth of the matter is that the preacher belongs to God. If God so pleases to place his preacher in the care of a church, it is because God is giving a gift to that church. He is not transferring ownership; rather God is, by design, graciously placing His gift in the church for a particular purpose. It is “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The reason the pastor is to do these things is “that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” The gift from God is graciously placed in the church for the benefit of spiritual stability of the church. Yet, it is amazing how many church folk feel the pastor is placed in their church so that they can set him straight, or so that he can be the venting of their abuse as they disobey the Word of God. Rarely do churches recognize and appreciate God’s gift to them; such a rarity is a treasure indeed. The man, though a mere human, is filled with the gift of God, which makes him a heavenly gift to the church. He is not perfect, and he is not to be put on a pedestal. Why do you think some churches lack this gift? Do you treat your pastor as a gift from God?

By Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.