The Pastor As Church Educator -- By: N. A. Weins

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 06:2 (Summer 1963)
Article: The Pastor As Church Educator
Author: N. A. Weins


The Pastor As Church Educator

N. A. Weins

Keynote Address at Christian Education Sessions
1963 Conservative Baptist Annual Meetings, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Pastor, Gratiot Avenue Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan

Introduction

The epistle to the Ephesians has been called the Grand Canyon of the Scriptures. There is a depth and beauty in this epistle which is all its own. The first three chapters picture our position in Christ in a very marvelous way. We are quickened, raised, and ascended in Him. It is a finished work and well has the song writer written:

‘Tis done, the Great Transaction’s done;

I am my Lord’s and He is mine.

Beginning with chapter four, it is no longer our position but our walk; it is our conduct which is involved. We are challenged to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called.” Paraphrased it is, “live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these.” Let us be humble, gentle, and patient. We are all parts of one body; we have all been called to the same glorious future; we all have the same God who is over us all, in us all, living through us all, but all of us do not have the same functions and responsibilities. He has given to some special abilities. Verse eleven declares that God has given to some the special ability as apostles; to others the ability to preach well as prophets and others to win souls to the Lord Jesus Christ as evangelists. Still others have the gift of God to be pastors and teachers.

Now notice, it does not say that some to be pastors and some to be teachers, but rather pastors and teachers speaks of one person—one individual called to be pastor-teacher.

There are individuals today who say that they are pastor-evangelists. If they are, God did not bestow those gifts, for that combination is man-made. God gave the church evangelist s but he did not give pastor-evangelists. God did, however, give the church pastor-teachers. Kenneth Wuest, for so long associated with Moody Bible Institute said: “the coupling of the name ‘teacher’ with ‘pastor’ tells us that every God-called pastor has been given a teaching gift, and that he is to develop it by exercising it. “

We are considering the subject: “The Pastor as Church Educator.” In other words, we will consider this fourth gift of God to the church—“pastor-teacher.” In so doing there are three factors to be considered; First, God’s purpose for the church, Secondly, God’s Person for this Purpose, Thirdly, God’s Program for the fulfilling of His purpose.

I. God’s Purpose For The Ch...
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