Biblical Pastors were not and are not CEOs.

About the Book

The emergence of the pastor Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position in churches today has become widely acceptable in Mega and Meta churches. Recent studies have not explored this issue. David Fisher acknowledges that in the 21st century, being a pastor presents major challenges because it leads to professional and personal identity crisis resulting from secular and ecclesial challenges. Studies have supported the idea that there is the need for church leaders to adopt the secular models of leadership and several noted authors have shown that churches today have become like other organizations that have to market their products. This is a problematic interpretation because leadership in modern churches has gone beyond the biblical and theological definitions of becoming shepherds of their flock and servants of God. In the search for an effective pastoral leadership role, this paper will explore the contemporary definition of pastoral leadership and compare it with what the scriptures say concerning the elders and servants of God assigned the duty of being shepherds of their flock.

About the Author

James D. (J.D.) Martin believes that Jesus is the Son of God, gave His life for man’s sin, rose on the third day, ascended back into heaven, and makes intercession for us at the right hand of the Father. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree and a Master of Art Degree in Religious Studies. He is a licensed Minister at Grace Fellowship Church of Milwaukee where he regular preaches and teaches the Word of God. “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ ” Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV J.D. loves God, the Church, and his family. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1st Timothy 6:10, NIV “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8, NIV “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17, NIV