Pastoral Authority Part 898,230

[GrowingPains]

This subject has been discussed at length, so sometimes it's best to break it down bite-size. When trying to determine the role of a Pastor in the New Testament, it would be helpful to read the Pastoral Epistles (Titus, 1st and 2nd Timothy). This is not meant to support particular standards, but in reading these books, it clearly shows the job of the pastor and his right/license to ask specific things of the followers of Christ with regard to their current culture.

An example would be with regard to slaves and masters. Or maybe widows. Or maybe who should be used in ministry (so much for those who say use whoever you want regardless if they are saved or not). There's a wealth of resource in these epistles. The pastor is not a lame duck that smiles and says "amen." On the flip side, what was the role of the elders in each church? That's a better question.

Again, this was not intended to pardon any doctrinal discussions concerning specific standards that are purported to have support of Scripture (pants, jewelry, hair, etc). But Christian Living is a major goal of the NT Pastors. Thoughts?