The New Pastor (sic)

A recent podcast dealt with a question about "the new pastor"

I have a few thoughts on some topics raised

Altar calls: there are no altars in Christianity. We do not operate temples, nor do we have sacrifices, except Romans 12:1. We have gathering places: hall, shed, auditorium, churchery, eclesiasicum, etc.

For those interested in exploring Christian faith a choice of: discuss with someone (have this organized), a short series of meetings, say 3, or like Alpha course. Greg's approach also has merit, except I'm not aware of Jesus "paying" for our sins. NT words are, in my translation: died for, gave himself, purged, suffered for, put away, bore, propitiation, sacrificed, took away, washed us from, forgives.

Note our gatherings are of Christians and for Christians. The only teaching of the gospel per se would be to train people to tell others.

Sunday School is a must. Needs different branding. One congregation I knew had "team training". It could be called "Focus", for example. Coupled with small groups, this would be the heart of congregational life. The big gathering could be for a meal, song, prayer breakouts and a couple of shorter addresses.

BTW, song is not "worship". Worship terms are never used of Christian gatherings in the NT. Songs are for teaching and praise. The danger with making our gatherings or just songs "worship" implies that we've done our weekly duty and are off the hook for the rest of the week. Again Romans 12:1(-2).

Now, if I was taking up the paid teacher/serving role ("pastor" is a post reformation invention that is alien to the  NT and merely parrots the Roman priesthood, itself combining Jewish and pagan practices) here is my program:

1. A day convocation with church board members, and all who volunteer in teaching, pastoral and other direct ministry roles. We would discuss how we grow each other to Christian maturity; the teaching/training approach; the plan for Sunday Focus groups and how our gatherings are going to follow Paul's program for 'one-anothering' in 1 Cor. 11-14.

2. Do direct coaching/mentoring with 5-8 stewarding volunteers each year: those who conduct ministry functions in youth, small groups and training. Also regular meetings for coaching and support of all in direct ministry, such as small group conveners, youth, elderly and children's work.

3. Draw up a roster to have a meal with every family in the congregation...and small groups of single and solo members.

4. Develop community outreach: that is, going out into the community with gospel, care and support, with related training in faith conversations (Tactics and Street Smarts the texts).

5. Make sure everyone encouraged questions.