Rhapsody of Realities May 25th 2025, THE UNIQUENESS OF THE PASTORAL OFFICE

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

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 (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Our opening scripture lists for us the fivefold ministry gifts or offices in the body of Christ: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Through these ministry gifts and offices, the Lord builds up His Church, ensuring that every member is equipped for the work of the ministry.

However, among all the ministry offices, it’s the pastoral ministry that God specifically holds responsible for the congregation. While there are others who may function as pastors for a period of time by God’s commission, they may not necessarily be called to the pastoral office. Some assume that being a minister of God means one must pastor a church, but this is not so. Pastoring a church is a unique calling, and stepping into it without being specifically called by God could lead to regrettable extremities.

The pastor’s office has a special calling and ability to deal with the problems of people on a regular basis. When those who aren’t called to be pastors take on that role, the burdens and challenges of the people can weigh heavily on them. Some of the issues shared by congregants can rub off on them, causing them to experience similar difficulties. It takes that divine power to deal with such situations.

This is why some ministers, after counselling others, find themselves becoming victims of the very situations they tried to help resolve. It’s because the counselling wasn’t done with a pastoral calling or pastoral ability. So, it pays to be in your calling. It’s important to teach God’s children as many are unaware of the distinctions between the different offices and how they operate in God’s plan. And thanks be unto God! The Lord is building His Church, training and preparing His labourers for the task at hand.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for setting ministers in the body of Christ according to your divine wisdom. I walk in the fullness of my calling, functioning in the grace and ability you have given me. I declare that the right labourers are being equipped and positioned for the work of the ministry, bringing in a great harvest and building the Church to the glory of God. Your work prospers and expands in righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Hebrews 5:4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
John 12:1-19 & 2 Kings 16-17

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Mark 12:35-44 & Numbers 28

Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS:

Every day of my life is full of God’s glory, beauty, excellence, and grace. My life is for the glory of God, and I experience His goodness and mercies today; my life is one of honour, excellence, praise, glory and thanksgiving to the Lord at all times. l’m in Christ and Christ is my life! His wisdom, righteousness, peace, glory and joy are expressed through me. I am superior to sickness and death because I have in me the divine life of God. Christ in me is my assurance of constant health and vitality. He is the glory of my life. I live in beauty and splendour and I exude the perfections and the excellencies of Christ to my world. I have all the things that pertain to life and godliness.

The Lord is my refuge and my fortress. He shields me from deadly hazards. His outstretched arms protect me-under them I am perfectly safe. I fear nothing. My health is flourishing. Of my increase, greatness, prosperity, and flourishing, there shall be no end. I have strength for accomplishment. I have no unfinished goals or aborted dreams. Every one of my targets and dreams is coming to fruition speedily. I have unlimited access to inexhaustible riches. I’m plugged into a non-stop supply system. Goodness and mercy are attracted to me. The law of multiplication is at work in me, nothing diminishes in my hands. Wherever I invest my money, the Holy Spirit gives me the advantage. My profiting is undeniable and appears to all.

I have the wisdom of the just, which propels me to function in God’s perfect will. The wisdom of God is in my heart and in my mouth today, and I deal excellently in all my affairs. I am full of God’s might! I function by His power and glory today, full of the Spirit in wisdom. I have a perfect understanding of all things! Victory is my heritage and my life! I was born to be triumphant always and in every place. Regardless of the challenges that I may face, I will always win. It makes no difference what happens, where I find myself or who’s against me; I am more than a conqueror! I can never be disadvantaged. God has given me everything it takes to live victoriously every day. Hallellujah! Speak in tongues.