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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The verse that speaks the most directly to this question is Hebrews 13:17, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give accou...
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Chuck Scarborough
Supporter
If, by "pastor", you mean an elder in the Lord's church..then yes. 1 Peter 5:5 tells the church - "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." In scripture., a pastor is not the preacher, he is an elder. Unless he fits the qualifications of an elder as found in Titus and Timothy, he cannot be a pastor. He is a preacher, evangelist, minister...but not a pastor. Pastor refers to shepherd, and only a plurality of elders are charged by God to shepherd the flock. 1 Peter 5:2
Grant Abbott
Supporter
Our primary obedience as individual Christians is to our Lord Jesus Christ. We are commanded to obey his teachings and to follow his example. To the extent that our local pastor is following Jesus, then we are to follow him. As the apostle Paul said, follow my example as I follow Christ. It is not our pastor’s responsibility to look after our spiritual welfare. We have to know the bible well so we can understand God’s will for our lives. We need to walk with the Holy Spirit every day to complete the good works our Father in heaven has prepared in advance for us to do. Our pastor can’t do any of this for us. Our pastor is responsible to teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness. He will also likely preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to evangelize new comers to the church. He may counsel, pray, heal, serve in any number of spiritual gifts and roles. We are to honour, obey, serve and pray for those pastors who exhibit the character of Jesus Christ and follow the leading of his Holy Spirit. Because the church is full of sinful people, conflicts will inevitably develop. Before we decide what to do, we must pray for discernment from the Holy Spirit. Once each of us knows the will of God we are obligated to obey it, regardless of the outcome or consequences.
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