What does the Bible say about the role of pastors in church?

Scripture presents the role of pastors not as that of a dominant figure, but as equippers of the congregation. Ephesians 4:11-12 teaches that Christ gave gifts to the church, including pastors, for the purpose of equipping the saints for works of service. This means pastors are to facilitate and encourage mutual participation among the members of the church, enabling every believer to use their gifts for the edification of the body. Furthermore, Philippians 1:1 and Acts 14:23 highlight the plurality of elders within a church context, suggesting that the responsibility for teaching and leading is shared rather than isolated in a single pastor. This corporate model supports a healthier church dynamic where no one individual shoulders the entire responsibility of ministry, thus aligning with the New Testament’s depiction of the church as a body with many parts working together.