Question from a friend of WordTruth Ministries:
>>> What were Paul's views of leadership in the Pastoral Epistles?
WordTruth.Com Response:
Understand that when we say "Paul's view" we are talking about the LORD's
view of leadership in the church. The epistles of Paul in the New
Testament were included in the canon of Scripture. So though we speak
of "Paul said" or "Paul's idea" we must understand that we are talking
about the biblical view or the express will of God since it is inscripturated.
Clearly Paul believed in the role of pastor and deacon. These
were the two specific offices he specified within the local church (1 Tim.
3; Titus 1). The qualifications for these offices are extremely high
(see the message The Pastor: Qualified for Conflict).
This is often a stumbling point in churches today. I dare say many
churches are weak because they lower the character and lifestyle standards
for people filling these two offices in order to accommodate what is popular
or less controversial. Were he alive today to see this, rest assured
Paul would not tolerate such behavior in the local church.
The high character requirements are necessary because the pastor influences
so many people in his local church ministry. Temptations abound for
the minister as does the conflict. Only a man of God with a hearty
character and tough skin will be able to persevere in holiness. Do
you think this is why Paul insisted the pastor and deacon be married men
with families?
Paul was also insistent that there be a pastor to lead each church.
Paul commanded Titus to "set
in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city
as I commanded you" (Titus 1:5, NKJV). Elders,
or pastors, are to bring order to the church through godly leadership.
They shepherd the church as overseers (1 Pet. 5:1-4), appoint others to
leadership positions in the church (1 Tim. 4:14), settle doctrinal questions
and issue authoritative orders for the church body (Acts 15:2-6; 16:4),
and pray for those who are sick in the church (James 5:14-16). The pastor
is neither CEO nor dictator. He is a shepherd of God's flock.
The people of God are to respond to godly leadership in their pastor.
Scripture clearly teaches that the people of God are to honor the pastors
serving the church:
-
Pastors who discharge their duties well are to be accorded double the honor
of the average church member (1 Tim 5:17).
-
Pastors who minister the word and doctrinal guidelines should be accorded
special honor in the church (1 Tim 5:17).
-
One who serves as a teaching pastor should be rewarded monetarily as is
appropriate for "The
laborer is worthy of his wages" (1 Tim 5:17-18, NKJV).
-
Pastors, because of their key position in the church, should not be accused
unfairly or frivolously. An accusation should not even be received
unless two or three gather to accuse and the ones who accuse are witnesses
of the offense (1 Tim 5:19).
There is much more that could be developed here. I hope this is helpful
to get you started. You can find additional resources through the index
for Pastoral Ministry.
May God bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Jesus!
Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries
Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would
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Web Site: WordTruth.Com
© Copyright 6/4/2002, Randy Lariscy.
