Who is the “Pastor”?

Who is the “Pastor” of New Song Community Church?

After much discussion, the leadership team of our church has concluded that the best leadership structure for us as a community of believers is one that emphasizes “shared leadership.” Instead of having one person who is responsible for shepherding the entire church, we have a team of pastors and elders, who take care of God’s flock, and aspire to be one voice. Here are the reasons for this ministry philosophy:

  1. It is Biblical. The local church in the New Testament was centered around leadership teams (“elders”) rather than one “pastor.” When crisis or doctrinal disputes arose, it was a group of leaders that addressed the problem (Acts 15:1-22). When Paul planted new churches, he installed a group of elders to govern the affairs of the new community (Acts 14:21-23, Titus 1:5). When instructions were given that pertained to a local church, it was given to a group of leaders (Acts 20:17-35, 1 Peter 5:1- 4). Shared leadership is the clearest model of leadership structure that we have in the New Testament for a local church.
  2. The work load is spread out. There are many details involved with governing the affairs of a local church. Oftentimes, pastors burn out with unrealistic expectations and an ungodly amount of work. Shared leadership divides the workload, resulting in healthier leaders who have healthier families. Acts 6:3-5
  3. There is greater accountability.  Shared leadership provides natural, healthy checks and balances for those whom God has called to lead. 1 Peter 5:5
  4. It utilizes the gifts and callings of everyone. God calls the church a “body” because we all have different abilities and functions. By utilizing the gifts and callings of a group of leaders – rather than just one – we will have a greater depth in all that we do. Pro 15:22
  5. There is greater stability. In churches that are centered around one man, when the leader changes, the church may also change; people come and go depending on who is “in charge.” With shared leadership, while there may be pastors/elders who come and go, the turnover is much less, and the dependence on a single leader is much less. As a result, the church remains much more stable over the long term. 1 Peter 5:1-4
  6. Our identity is Jesus. Sadly, local churches are often defined by who “the pastor” is. In reality, the church should be defined by our Head, Christ the King! Shared leadership takes the focus off one person, and places that focus on the true Shepherd, the only perfect Shepherd that has ever lived. Eph 1:22