Reasons for why I believe the Pastor MUST be Gospel centered:
Gospel-centric ministries, first off, should be the very heart of the church, which only exists to bring the gospel to the fallen world, which ultimately is a mean to the ends of seeing Christ return and manifest His glory to mankind.
Failure to place a gospel minded/hearted pastor at the head of the church will result in a shift of ministry focus, ultimately failing to reach the full purpose of the church.
Lack of the gospel's/word of God's power directly being put into the congregation's hands will result in semi-changed lives, which will ultimately lead to a generation of people who can only produce a half hearted response to God's calling. This in and of itself will see to a slowing of missionaries, converts, and expansion of His kingdom.
However, a church, given the chance to experience God's word, which was written so clearly, preserved so faithfully, and hopefully shared so boldly, will, by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit, result in repentance, restoration, regeneration and life abundant.
I see no other alternative for the hearts of college students and young adults to be awakened to the fact that Jesus lives and reigns. No other program, no other focus, no other method from seminaries or colleges can teach us about Jesus better than Jesus' very words.
