Dr. Nilo H. Flores – Business for Christ

Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV)

Prepared by: Dr. Nilo H. Flores
Date: August 2, 2026

Introduction

Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). Among His greatest gifts to the local church is not a building, a program, or an organization—it is faithful, God-called pastors. Christ did not leave His church without leadership. After His resurrection and ascension, He lovingly provided spiritual shepherds to care for His flock.

Many believers appreciate teachers, evangelists, and missionaries, yet often overlook the tremendous blessing of having a faithful pastor. A biblical pastor is not merely an administrator or a public speaker. He is God’s undershepherd, entrusted with the responsibility of feeding, protecting, leading, and equipping God’s people until Christ returns.

A healthy church depends upon faithful pastors and faithful members working together under the authority of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

Text Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV)

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

Original Word Study

1. “Gave” Greek: ἔδωκεν (edōken)

Meaning:

• to give
• to bestow freely
• to present as a gift

This word emphasizes that pastors are Christ’s gracious gift to His church. No church creates a pastor through human appointment alone. While churches recognize God’s calling, Christ Himself gives pastors to His people.

2. “Pastor” Greek: ποιμήν (poimēn)

Meaning:

• shepherd
• keeper of sheep
• one who feeds
• one who guards
• one who leads

The word was commonly used of a shepherd who devoted his life to caring for sheep.

A biblical pastor therefore is:

• a feeder of God’s Word
• a protector against false doctrine
• a guide for God’s people
• a caregiver for hurting believers

Jesus Himself is called the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), while pastors serve as His undershepherds.

3. “Perfecting” Greek: καταρτισμός (katartismos)

Meaning:

• complete preparation
• equipping
• restoring
• making fit for service

Pastors are not called simply to entertain congregations but to equip believers so they can faithfully serve Christ.

I-Christ Gives Pastors to Shepherd His Church

A. Pastors are appointed by Christ

The ministry is not merely a profession. It is a divine calling. Every faithful pastor is first called by God before being recognized by the church.

Christ alone is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). Therefore, He appoints leaders according to His perfect wisdom.

B. Pastors reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd

Jesus loves His sheep.

A faithful pastor demonstrates Christ’s compassion by:

• caring for souls
• praying faithfully
• preaching truth
• comforting the hurting

His ministry flows from love rather than personal ambition.

C. Pastors serve as undershepherds

Pastors never replace Christ.

They simply represent Christ’s authority while remaining accountable to Him.

1 Peter 5:2–4 reminds pastors that the flock belongs to God, not to themselves.

Illustration

A shepherd walks ahead of his sheep.

He knows every dangerous path.

He searches for fresh pasture.

He protects against wolves.

Likewise, faithful pastors continually study Scripture, pray for God’s wisdom, and lead God’s people toward spiritual maturity.

II-Christ Gives Pastors to Equip the Saints

A. Pastors feed believers with God’s Word

Healthy sheep require healthy food.

Likewise, healthy Christians require sound biblical doctrine.

The pastor’s greatest responsibility is faithfully preaching the Scriptures.

B. Pastors prepare believers for ministry

Every believer has spiritual gifts.

Pastors train members to:

• evangelize
• disciple converts
• teach others
• serve in ministry
• encourage fellow believers

The pastor does not perform every ministry himself.

He equips others to serve effectively.

C. Pastors strengthen spiritual maturity

Spiritual growth requires:

• sound doctrine
• loving correction
• biblical encouragement
• practical discipleship

Faithful preaching produces mature Christians who remain steadfast during trials.

Illustration: A coach does not play every position on the field.

Instead, he trains players until they can perform confidently.

Likewise, pastors prepare believers to fulfill God’s calling in everyday life and ministry.

III – Christ Gives Pastors to Build Up the Body of Christ

A. Through biblical preaching

God transforms lives through the faithful proclamation of His Word.

The Bible—not human philosophy—is the foundation of church growth.

B. Through loving leadership

Pastors lead by:

• humility
• prayer
• example
• integrity
• servant leadership

True leadership inspires rather than demands.

C. Through faithful oversight

Pastors watch over souls because one day they will give an account before God.

This responsibility encourages careful teaching, loving correction, and consistent prayer.

Illustration: A wise builder carefully strengthens every part of a building.

Weak foundations eventually collapse.

Likewise, pastors patiently build believers upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word so that the church remains spiritually strong.

Conclusion

Christ deeply loves His church.

Because of that love, He graciously gives pastors to shepherd, equip, and strengthen His people.

A faithful pastor is more than a preacher on Sunday. He is a servant of Christ who studies the Scriptures, intercedes in prayer, counsels the hurting, warns against error, trains disciples, and points people continually to Jesus Christ.

The greatest honor a church can give its pastor is not merely words of appreciation but faithful obedience to God’s Word, wholehearted participation in the ministry, earnest prayer, and steadfast encouragement.

When pastors faithfully shepherd the flock and believers faithfully follow Christ, the entire church grows stronger, healthier, and more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Practical Applications

1. Thank God for faithful pastors He has placed in your life.
2. Pray regularly for your pastor and his family.
3. Support your pastor through faithful attendance, encouragement, and service.
4. Receive biblical preaching with humility and obedience.
5. Follow your pastor as he follows Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures.
6. Encourage young men whom God may be calling into the pastoral ministry.
7. Remember that Christ is the Chief Shepherd, and every pastor serves under His authority.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your great love for the church. We praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd of our souls. Thank You for the faithful pastors You have graciously given to lead, feed, protect, and equip Your people through the ministry of Your Word.

Help us never to take this gift for granted. Teach us to pray for our pastors, encourage them in their labor, and faithfully respond to the truths they preach. Grant pastors wisdom, humility, courage, holiness, and steadfastness as they shepherd the flock entrusted to their care. Protect them from discouragement, temptation, and false doctrine, and strengthen them by Your Holy Spirit.

May every member of the church grow in spiritual maturity, serve with joyful hearts, and work together in unity for the glory of Christ and the advancement of the Gospel. Keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, our Good Shepherd and Chief Shepherd, until the day we stand before Him in His eternal kingdom.

We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.