What is the relationship between a pastor and the congregation?

The Bible give us the books of Acts, I, II Timothy, and Titus primarily to give specifics on Pastors and their relationship to the church. Of course other books of the Bible help as well.

Pastor means "shepherd" - a Pastor should shepherd his people by feeding "tending" them God's Word, reprove, rebuke, exhort them, protect them by warning them of spiritual danger, etc. These are all phrases from Scripture.

A Pastor is also a "Bishop" - He is to "oversee" the church. As God gave Christ to be the One head of the church, so the pastor is the earthly leader of the local church. He is to oversee all that is involved both spiritually, financially, vision, direction, etc.

• but, he is not to "Lord" over his flock or to exalt himself, but

rather be a servant like Jesus was to His disciples.

A Pastor is also an "elder" - that means He is in a place of respect like the aged would be in the church. He is a the place of authority like the elders of the Old Testament. In Ephesians, God makes it clear that Jesus gave pastors and other spiritual leaders as gifts when he ascended into heaven. These spiritual leaders are given to manage His spiritual work on earth until He returns to receive His own and then come as the great King.

Christ is the Great Shepherd, the Pastor is the under-shepherd. A pastor should never abuse his authority by "lording", but neither should the Congregation disrespect his authority by failing to subject themselves. All these things are straight out of the New Testament and found primarily in the books I have stated above.