Not all preachers are pastors and not all pastors are preachers.
It’s helpful not to confuse the two. A man is not pastoring you merely because he preaches to you every Sunday (though preaching is necessary to pastoring). A man may never preach but be a wonderful pastor to you.
It’s helpful not to confuse the two. A man is not pastoring you merely because he preaches to you every Sunday (though preaching is necessary to pastoring). A man may never preach but be a wonderful pastor to you.
We should never fall into the mistake of either equating pastoral ministry with merely preaching or of diminishing the importance and value of pastors who do not regularly preach. Some of the best spiritual care and guidance you can get comes from “lay” pastors who don’t preach.
In fact, it’s helpful to remove the “lay” language from description of pastors. Being bi-vocational is both biblical and honorable. And the effort it takes to be bi-vocational rivals the effort invested by full-time pastors. There’s nothing “lay” about it.
So, appreciate ALL of your pastors. Esteem them highly for the work they do. If they serve well give them double honor. If their work is teaching and preaching, value them especially for teaching you the word of God. But do not overlook the quiet, faithful shepherds keeping watch
