God has given us pastors and teachers "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). In the Bible, the Greek word for "pastor" means "shepherd" because pastors are called by God to care for the people of God in the same way that a shepherd cares for his sheep (1 Peter 5:2-3)

Other words in the Bible used to describe the Office of Pastor include "elder/presbyter" (Acts 20:17; 1 Peter 5:1; Titus 1:5) and "overseer/bishop" (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:1-2; Titus 1:7).

Jesus the Good, Great, Chief Shepherd

Jesus is our "Senior Pastor" as described in the Bible. He is referred to as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:14-16), the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20-21), and the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). Jesus declared, "I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:15). This is what Jesus meant when He said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep… If anyone enters by me, he will be saved" (John 10:7-9). Shepherds in the Middle East lay down in the doorway of the sheep-pen to protect their sheep and keep them safe.

Commission = Make Disciple-Making Disciples

Jesus gave the Great Commission to His first disciples, calling every follower of Jesus to make disciples by baptizing, teaching people to obey Jesus, and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus.

Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Mark 16:15-16 - "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."


Qualifications

This is a trustworthy saying: "If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task" (1 Timothy 3:1). Qualifications for the men of God who will "shepherd the flock of God" (1 Peter 5:2) are clearly defined in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

God inspired the Apostle Paul to speak these words to every pastor: "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

See also: Biblical Qualifications of a Pastor

Our Staff

Bill Laky - Pastor

Jen Worthington - Office Administrator

Our Elders

Bill Laky

Breton Palmer

Steve Tecco

Dave Walker

David Macomber

Victor Davis