Part 29
Churches have been working for centuries in all different forms of government which seem to work adequately.
Whether God specifically blesses a Church that is following a scriptural form of Government or not would not be provable, though It has been observed that some that shift to the Biblical form of government do blossom.
It would seem logical however, if God has specified a certain system then He would bless those that follow it. It would seem that we would want to be as close the New Testament principle as possible.
Possibly some practical applications of the duties of the offices and congregation would be of help in understanding the outworking of this system.
The elders would give general oversight which would include setting goals, standards and desires for the Church. They would be responsible for seeing to it that the Church is being built up and educated properly. They would be there for helping the congregation with spiritual problems and questions. They should make up a good portion of the teaching staff in the Church. This includes not only the youth but the Sunday School as well. I can't envision a better Sunday School staff than the elder board of a
Church. They are the spiritually mature part of your Church so why not use them to edify the saints?
The deacons on the other hand, would be the overseers of the building, grounds and the congregations needs. The congregational needs should include financial, physical and mental. If there is a problem in the way the Church looks, then the deacons should care for it. The deacons are usually given a fund of money they can use for the beneficent needs of the congregation. They would organize and supervise work days, and see to it that the building and grounds are kept. They would gather and care for the collections of the Church, and see to the proper use of those funds, under the eye of the elder board.
The congregation can just sit back and let the officers do all the work. Correct? probably true in many Churches, but not correct. The congregation should be involved in prayer for the congregation, they should assist the officers in any way they can, and they should be ministering to one another. They are the witnessing arm of the Church and should be bringing new converts into the Church.
WARNINGS
1. Do not — I, repeat do not go out and try to change the first Church you come to, into an elder form of government.
2. Think about the things that we have spoken of in this study. Chew on them. Put them on the shelf awhile — then think and chew some more. As an old timer once told me, "Chew and spit." Look this information over and consider it and refine it and then when you are sure that you are on Biblical ground begin to act on the conviction that the Lord has set in your mind and heart.
3. Study this out for yourself and be sure that what has been set forth is correct.
4. Pray loads before doing anything more than think and study.
5. If the Lord would seem to move you toward change in your Church, Do Not — I, Repeat Do Not go to your board and say we are going to change the Church government. They will ask you to find another Church.
6. If you are a pastor and want to begin moving toward change, pick a book of the Bible that will allow you to step off into Church government at times in your lessons and sermons. Acts would probably be good. Just teach what you have found scripture to teach. As time progresses you will probably see some in the Church that will start tracking with you. Let this be their decision to change. Let them suggest a good study on the subject. If the people don't pick up on it step lightly and move forward. Quick change is NOT the answer. There have been Church splits because men have gone in and instituted change before the people were ready for it.
We need to move onto the important part of our study of officers and examine their qualifications and qualities. There are Biblical standards that the officers were to meet and we should be asking the leaders of our Churches today to have those standards in place in their lives.
We will look first at the Biblical qualifications, and then we will look at one man in the Bible that gives a few of the qualities that Church leaders should have. Both qualifications and qualities are important.
A. QUALIFICATIONS OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP
As we approach our study of the qualifications for Church leaders we should remind ourselves of two texts. 1 Timothy 3:1-14 and Titus 1:6-9. Please take time to read these texts before you proceed.
We will look at the Timothy qualifications first and then we will look at the Titus standards.
Vs. 1. "This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office
of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
Q. So if we are being so Biblical in our Churches, why don't we have bishops? The office of a bishop is a good work. (overseer New American Standard Bible same as the elder of the Church.) This is the Greek word "episkopos." It has the idea of taking the lead and care of the sheep.
In New Testament times the Churches had elders Plural. Usually, one was in overall charge. As I view the Scriptures, the elder is the highest office of Church leadership. The pastor is an elder if you have a hired pastor. The spiritual leadership of the Church is in the elders.
Some Churches call the pastor elder, and the deacons are the board of the Church. Some have the elder as pastor, the deacons as spiritual leaders under the elder, and a trustee board to care for the material items of the Church.
As we discuss elders I am in my mind speaking of the pastor and board. The teaching elder or pastor should be an integrated part of the elder board and the deacons should be separate from them. The deacon board then is the part of Church leadership that cares for the material end of things.
Paul mentions the desire of a good work in one verse and uses six verses to show the spiritual qualifications for the work.
As you think of this verse just how would you describe the man who "desires the office of bishop?" What does the term desire communicate to you?
The term desire seems to have the idea of really exerting effort toward something that you want or want to do. Something that you work for, or something for which you will give of yourself.
It would seem that this thought would eliminate most Church government ideas where the men are nominated from the floor, or nominations in any manner. The desire would indicate to me that the man really wants to do this ministry and lets others know of that desire. It would require that those in charge be knowledgeable of this desire as well. As they see the desire then they should evaluate the possibilities of this man taking on the position.
Evaluation should be made on the basis of what we will be seeing. The qualifications seem to require more than just a "yes" when asked to take the position. The evaluation should include the man that has the desire. He should be honest and open as to his qualifications in all of these areas before he looks to seek the position. He should also be open to the input of the leadership as to the needs of his life. They may see some failings that he needs to work on.
This idea is shown very nicely in relation to the workmen of the tabernacle in Exodus 36:2, "And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one
whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:" God moved the men to minister.
There are fifteen to seventeen qualifications depending on the translation of the Bible you use.
Vs. 2 "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;"
Just a side note before we begin the list, we might submit that all of the terms in this listing are masculine. The term overseer and all the adjectives are in the masculine. This would be a strong indication that women are not in view when it comes to the office of elder.
This is becoming more and more important in our day and age. There are many Churches moving toward the use of women in leadership. I have observed a number of women as chairperson of pulpit committees as well as on boards of Churches.
1. Blameless: "above reproach" according to the New American Standard Bible. (This will be abbreviated with "NASB" from this point forward.)
Literally it is "not to be laid hold of" — the type of life that no one can lay charge against or gossip about. This is nearly impossible because the gossiping person will always be about their business. This idea of blameless would mean that the man lives a life that leaves little to gossip about. Many pastors are beset by nasty rumors. A 50 year old bald, overweight, and not very good looking pastor resigned his Church few years back to start a new Church elsewhere. The rumor was that he left because of a girlfriend up in the sand hills. A part of this sort of situation is for the congregation to see to it that the gossips are stopped as soon as possible.
Blameless should be not only in the Church but with the lost as well. In seeking leaders this may require talking with neighbors and co-workers to find out how the man is viewed by the lost people that he associates with. This can be done by mail or in person. It should be a good indicator of the persons true spiritual walk.
Some have suggested that this means that the person must have had a blameless life from childhood. I asked one of these people if that meant
that a converted drunk could not become an elder. He replied that this would be true. To those I submit Genesis 5:21-22 which tells that Enoch did not walk with God until he had his first son. This man was translated because of his walk with the Lord. "And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:" Surely a converted drunk can walk with God as well.
He should have a very good testimony in the community. Someone that is respected. Someone that isn't in trouble or behind on his bills.
2. Husband Of One Wife: This is literally a "one woman man." There have been several interpretations set forth over the years for this phrase:
a. Married to the Church (Roman Catholic).
b. Prohibition of polygamy. This was held till 325 A.D. and is very much a part of the thought of the text.
c. Prohibition of unmarried overseers. There is little evidence that this is the case, although having a family and the congregation being able to view his control of it would be of great help in evaluation.
This is a serious consideration in many situations, but not necessary in all situations.
1 Timothy 4:3 mentions that some of the false teachers were suggesting celibacy as something to be desired. "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." Paul mentions that these are doctrines of devils.
d. Prohibition of divorced overseers. There is some discussion on this thought, though I think most conservative people hold to this being a prohibition of the divorcee due to the fact that he has not ruled his house well if he has failed in his marriage.
e. Prohibition of a widowed deacon remarrying. (Paul says marriage is okay after the loss of a spouse however, so this position would not fit.)
f. One other possibility has been taught in recent years. "Not a loose type man," or "a one woman at a time man," which of course allows for divorce and remarriage of elders. This is a recent addition to the menu of excuses to skirt Scripture and allow people the freedom to do as they please rather than as the Lord directs.
A "one woman man" is the idea of this phrase. That is one for life at a time. If his first mate dies and he remarries, he would be eligible.
A man that has been divorced has not had a properly functioning family and is not eligible. Some suggest that a divorcee that was remarried after he was saved would be eligible. This would depend on how you view the Lord's teaching on divorce and remarriage. He seems to leave the impression that those that remarry are involved in adultery. Since adultery is intimate relations outside of the bounds of marriage it would seem to be a continuing thing. It doesn't seem logical that a Church would want a man in the position of elder, which was in continuing adultery.
3. vigilant seems to have the idea of being self controlled. Someone that is not controlled by outside influences. The term is also used in 1 Timothy 3:11 (sober) and Titus 2:2 (sober). The elder should be someone that is on the serious side about what he is doing. He should be in proper control at all times. One that is of this nature will be open to see problems arising, to see trouble as well as see good things coming and good things to do.
The American Standard Version adds orderly — as opposed to disorderly. I have seen some Church leaders that were about as messy as messy could get in their offices. A messy office often reveals a messy mind. When in Bible College I needed to talk to the president of the school so knocked on the door. I heard a lot of shuffling and groaning from inside the office. Finally the door opened part way. I could see through the door that the floor, shelves, and desk were covered with little piles of paper. I told the president that I needed to speak with him. He asked me to wait for just a minute. Some time passed and finally the door opened just enough for me to get into the office. What I hadn't seen through the crack was that the rest of the office was also covered with little piles of paper. The delay in allowing me in was due to the need to clear a path to a chair at the other end of the office. We were seated at opposite ends of the office surrounded by paper. He apologized and explained that he was cleaning his desk off.
He had not filed papers for some time and he was trying to finish the task. He was in need of some organizational skills.
By way of comment we might mention that women can be a witness just by keeping their houses orderly. The home atmosphere reflects the home attitude.
The idea is that this elder should be orderly in life rather than a person who is known for chaos.
4. sober is "prudent" in the NASB and depicts someone that is fully rational or well balanced. This word also is translated discreet. Being careful how your mind runs seems to be the thought. ("sophron" = Titus 1:8, sober; Titus 2:2, temperate)
An elder with a messed up thought pattern will be leaving himself and his Church open to problems. If he is constantly thinking of money or women, there will be an improper balance in most of what he does. He should be stable in mind. He is not easily swayed by error or false doctrine.
5. of good behavior or "respectable" as the NASB translates it. An elder that can't keep his hands off the women is taboo. We were in a Church were one of the men was always hugging, patting women on the back and generally being touchy. Some of the women felt uncomfortable with the way he was. Some of the husbands also felt uncomfortable. There was nothing wrong with the man or his behavior, yet the actions detracted from the congregations view of him.
He must have a proper lifestyle before his fellow believers and the world or community.
6. given to hospitality or willing to share their home with people.
In the New Testament there was a great need for this in the Church. Visiting Christians would not want to stay in taverns and inns with all the brawling and drinking, so they would turn to the believers of the community for housing. There also seems to have been itinerant preachers that needed a place to stay. (I2 John 5-7)
I was told of a couple that was a member of a small Church in the midwest that in seven years since the pastor had come to town they had not been in his home, though they had entertained the pastor and family in their own home several times.
Some pastors on the West Coast will not even offer to house and feed missionaries that are coming for meetings.
The elders home should be open as much as possible to Church members, visitors and the unsaved as well.
One pastor of a Church where we had visited a time or two came running out after Church to catch us before we drove away and invited us to dinner on a certain night. We were excited until we arrived and found that it was a demonstration dinner for a new cook ware. We had to sit through the sales pitch, and endure the atmosphere which we would not have chosen. This was not hospitality.
7. apt to teach "able to teach" according to the NASB. This text does not teach that an elder should be teaching, however it would be a good idea. An elder should be willing and wanting to teach within his assembly, if there is time in his schedule. This is not only in Sunday School, but in Bible studies, the pulpit, etc.
This is the only skill in the list and it should be noted that preaching is not required. This qualification not only portrays an ability but it also includes desire. If a person desires the office, then they should be known for their ability to teach before hand. If a person cannot teach, don't write them off, train them.
Some in recent day try to redefine this to mean teachable. The thought is not in the text, though the idea is not a bad one for the elder. Anyone in leadership should be open to the idea of learning from others. If the elder is closed to new teaching, then he will not be open to being corrected if he should have problems.
Vs. 3 "Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;"
8. Not given to wine or "not addicted to wine" NASB.
The thought is not long alongside wine. He should refrain from alcoholic beverages. Drinking is not acceptable to the Lord, the Church or the world.
We have always taken a strong view toward drink of any kind. This is partly due to the fact that I was very close to alcoholism as a young man. I also see drinking as a very poor testimony to anyone that might know of it. Even within my own home, I have no desire to even have alcohol in the house. I would trust that this would be your view as well.
I spoke with a pastor in the midwest that had confronted a member whose house some teenagers had stolen liquor from, about his involvement with alcohol. The teens were in an accident because of the drink. The attitude of the member was, "Pastor, you get lost. What I do in my own home is my business and not yours."
9. No striker or "pugnacious" NASB.
He is not to be given to acts of physical violence. This term is derived from a word meaning to flatten. Not taken to the fists to settle disputes. He should be able to settle things peaceably and quietly.
I was in a Church service one evening when the pastor finished his service with, "Does anyone have anything to say or add?" One of the women of the Church challenged him slightly on one of his points. She did not push the subject but one of the board members did. He pushed it until he was on his feet and he and the pastor were arguing, somewhat heatedly. They did not come to blows over it, but the appearance was not much better than blows.
In our society there is the thought that the elder should not be a striker with words. Words can be just as devastating as blows from a fist. The elder should control his temper and actions as well as his tongue.
10. "but gentle" NASB adds this term but it is not in the KJV. It seems to have the idea of being kind toward others.
These two (no striker/but gentle) hint that the outward demeanor or appearance at all times should be on the meek side, and not of the aggressive nature. The elder should have his demeaner under control at all times. This requires that he be walking with the Lord at all times which
will normally require a daily — early morning quiet time, and some periodic adjustments throughout the day, to his spiritual life.
11. not greedy of filthy lucre or "free from the love of money" as the NASB translates it.
The Church should watch for their pastor. They need not make him rich, yet they should watch for his welfare if they are going to have a full time pastor. The pastor should also look to the welfare of their congregation. If they see that the Church is struggling, then maybe a part time job would be the answer. Don't let money control your life because it will ultimately control your Church as well. Greedy has the idea of really desiring the money. Spending time trying to figure out ways of getting money.
The term filthy lucre is up for some discussion. Just what does it mean? Is it dirty money, or is it the idea that the greed for money is filthy, or is all money filthy? The thought of money being filthy has some real possibilities, because it tends to pollute so many people. Actually the term filthy is left out of most translations. Even the New King James leaves it out. This would indicate that a strong desire for money is all that is meant. This seems to be even stronger in that any desire that is above normal is wrong. The elder ought not be in the ministry for money nor indeed, be in love with money. A well balanced budget will help keep this problem away from the pastor.
The pastor that is willing to work outside the Church is probably one that desires to shepherd.
I recently heard of a pastor that took a Church and for several years kept hitting on the board for raises. Several a year, until the board had to ask the man to leave.
Someone spoke of a Church in the midwest which had two pastors receiving $77,000 a year total. The Church was growing but the Church did not want to build at the moment. The pastors refused to do two services on Sunday morning because they wanted their way. This is not logical and it is putting the Church in a bind if they decide to go ahead and build before they feel they are able.
12. patient is in the King James but not the NASB. It seems to indicate the idea of being able to wait for things to come to pass. Wait for the Lord in all things. Don't get in a hurry. Don't be extravagant or radical in anything (Except God and His program). He should show patience with all people including the membership. This means the nasties, this means the meanies, this means the gimmies, this means the sickies, this means the problemies, this means the normalies. Again this is going to take the quiet time and adjustments of the spiritual life that we mentioned earlier.
By the way these things aren't hard, for the Holy Spirit automatically brings many of these about when we are controlled by Him. The fruit of the Spirit are as follows: (Galatians 5:22-23) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
13. not a brawler or "uncontentious" according to the NASB. Don't go looking for arguments. You'll find enough without looking. This probably extends to the thought that he is willing to give up his rights in a problem. This is not easy for us in our self centered, my rights society, but the Lord asks this of His Church leaders and we should ask the same of our Church leaders.
14. not covetous which seems to include all things. This means money, things, other Churches, others attendance, etc. Being content with what God has given you and not your neighbor. God is quite capable of giving you what He wants you to have.
Vs. 4 "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;"
15. One that ruleth well his own house or someone that controls his house and family well. He achieves obedience of his children in this way. Stands as head — runs it as head. Having a chain of authority with him at the top. The man should be able to control his children. If his children aren't saved and turn out bad it is not a disqualification in this area, unless he has neglected the family spiritual training. He should be able, however to control the children. Their salvation is up to God, and their life's decisions are theirs.
One pastor that I met had one good son and one poor son. The poor one was rebellious to a point — didn't care for Church — long stringy hair — very rough type. Didn't turn out a pride and joy BUT, he was under subjection. One look from his father and foolishness or wrongdoing was stopped. He was always in Church. He seems later on to have turned out okay. He bothered some people, but they were not seeing the whole story — only the outward trouble. Before you condemn a pastor for a bad teen see if he has him in subjection. This is the requirement — not that all kids turn out as super saints. The result of a good pastor is not 100% spiritual on fire Christian children.
The father can only teach, guide and exhort. He is to stand before the family as its leader and guide. (Ruleth is the Greek word "proisteemi" — Strong's number 4291) and is seen in Romans 12:8 as ruleth; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 as "are over"; 1 Timothy 3:12 and Titus 3:8,14 where it appears as "to maintain." Subjection is the term "hupotagee" (Strong's number 5292) and is seen in 2 Corinthians 9:13 as submission to the Gospel; Galatians 2:5; 1 Timothy 2:11 as women learning in subjection.)
QUALIFICATIONS OF CHURCH LEADERSS CONTINUED
The thought of "children" is not necessarily that of a small child. The term is used of young to old. (Matthew 9:1-2, man; Matthew 2:18; 3:9, children under two; Romans 8:16, adults are children of God; Colossians 3:20, children obey your parents; I Ti 1:2, 18, Philemon 10, Onesimus.)
Vs. 5 "(For if a man know not how to rule his own house,
how shall he take care of the Church of God?)"
This shows the why of verse four.
The term house may imply, as well as controlling the family as the context speaks of, but also the material things. Some Christians today are deadbeats. This ought not to be so.
Vs. 6 "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride
and he fall into the condemnation of the devil."
16. Not a novice or not a new believer. This should be evident, yet Paul seems to feel that it is important.
The indications are that this new believer when given authority would be lifted up with pride. Indeed, the problem with young men that are given high positions is pride quite often. The text is not limited to age, but to maturity in the Lord. An older man that is immature could well fall into pride also.
Paul usually appointed elders on his return trip through towns, thus it would seem that this spiritual maturity was with reference to the maturity of those around the elder. He might not have to be very mature in Christ if most of the people were new converts and very immature.
The elder should be mature and knowledgeable enough in the word to "teach" those he would shepherd. Many automatically view a young person as not mature enough to pastor a Church. This may or may not be so. I have seen some young men straight out of college that have more sense, wisdom and maturity than many older men who I have seen in the pastorate. Judge the man on his maturity and not on his age. This is what Paul tells Timothy in 4:12 where he says, "Let no man despise thy youth...."
The thought of "lifted up" seems to be related to raise smoke or to blind with pride as smoke blinds those that are close by.
I think that I can truthfully say that I have met very few pastors that come across as being proud. Some may be underneath, but on the surface I see very few. I do see many arrogant men in pastorates. Some thing they are better than they are, but when it comes to the idea of being proud of their position, I think most know they are there because of God's desire and know that pride is inappropriate.
It would be interesting to know why so many take this qualification so seriously when they fail in other areas.
Vs. 7 "Moreover he must have a good report of them which are
without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
17. good report to non Christians (my paraphrase). We had a pastor many years ago that didn't spend much time around my father, yet my Dad held the man with a very high regard. I met a doctor from that town many years after both of us had moved away and the doctor asked me of the pastors
whereabouts. He wanted to see him after many many years. That pastor had a good report with the nonbelievers of that town.
Other pastors (many, I fear) in business dealings are very blunt, bold and blusterous. They expect super deals and super service. These do not have good report with non Christians. I was told of a pastor in a small town where business people hated to see come into their business establishments due to his caustic behavior.
Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. To be the man that does not really have the good report with the world is to be in the middle of the snare of the devil. There will be little that the person can do in the community or even the Church.
We recently heard of a man that pastored in a small town were the people had the rule of no soft drinks in the school auditorium — even during sporting events. He thought that was a dumb rule and entered the auditorium with a coke. The public was not impressed with his "freedom to drink coke." The man was not able to minister to the town folks and it left a black mark against the Church that hired him.
I would like to break here for a comment or two about the elders wife. The deacon's wife is mentioned in the coming text and has some qualifications laid out for her. It struck me as to why the elder's wife did not have qualifications?
I must admit that from time to time I waver in my thinking as to whether there was an office for deaconess. This lack of qualifications for elders wives would indicate that the thought of the text is that wives of elders and deacons have no qualifications, and the text speaks of another office. This is quite possible.
There are five qualifications in Titus that are not here and I would like to cover them briefly.
a. "not self-willed" which indicates a man that is willing to give in a conflict. He is willing to bow to what is right. This is not only with men, but must be a part of the man's spiritual life. He must be willing to bend for the Lord.
b. "not soon angry" indicates that anger may be around, but it takes an awful lot to bring it to the surface.
Patience must be long and when it is worn out there may be anger, but even if there is anger it is controlled and it does not lash out. It is anger that can be beneficial in a compulsion to do what is needed to be done in a proper manner.
I recall in a board meeting watching for an hour, or so, as the men involved, wandered around not knowing where they were going. I finally in frustration began talking and evidently the tone of my voice carried with it a hint of anger. I was not angry — just very frustrated at the waste of so many men's time. I gave direction to the meeting though the chairman would not.
c. "a lover of good men" shows that the elder should be an enjoyer of those that walk with the Lord. This means to love even when there are some faults around. Many pastors miss this one because they can't handle someone else in the limelight. The elder should gather around himself some good men for training and fellowship.
d. "just" means just what it says. Just is the God we serve, and just must be the elder or elders that we serve. Just in all of your dealings be they with saved, lost, nasty, cheaters, etc.
e. "holy" is the idea of set apart for God's use. The man of God must be set aside for the Lord's use and must have a life fitting that thought. I can't imagine trying to attend a Church where the pastor was known to be in sin. It is illogical for any pastor to feel that he can continue on in his office and be living in sin.
There is one other phrase in Titus, one that is of importance. Verse 9 states, "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught...."
This means that the Church determines if what he holds is proper. Not only what he holds, but what he has been taught. There is a difference. A man might hold what you hold, but have been taught other things that might crop up in his later life and ministry.
A pastor in the Midwest had been taught in a school that held other than proper doctrine. He seemed straight as possible when he was hired as
pastor. He was influenced by some other pastors that he knew and as he pastored and studied some of his wrong doctrinal teaching began to make sense to him and it filtered into his preaching and over a few years he had led the entire Church from a position of fundamental, dispensational Christianity to a nondispensational position and out of the fellowship of Churches that the Church had been in.
Don't just check what he believes, but check what he has been taught. If he comes from a questionable seminary, then the questionable may well surface someday. Be very careful.
Vs. 8. "Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued,
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;"
"Likewise" would indicate that the deacons will have qualifications just as the elders had. These are required and not optional.
The deacons have to do with the material side of the Church, but can be involved in spiritual as bold witnesses. One of the first deacons was Stephen and we know that he was soon preaching and giving his life for the Lord.
Within the material ministry there can be a spiritual ministry as well.
Can you think of a way that you could minister spiritually within the context of material ministry?
a. Working with someone on a building allows for interpersonal relationships and a time when the deacon could well get into witnessing, counseling or just encouraging. When the pipes break in the winter and someone is struggling to get them fixed, an encouraging voice could be just what the worker needs.
b. Sharing of funds or help from the Church with poor or needy will be a prime opportunity to share the thoughts of the Lord in encouragement or witness.
c. In asking for help from members of the Church you are allowing others to serve their Lord. It may well be the start of their desire to go on into Church leadership.
1. Grave: Grave seems to indicate they are mature and act like it. It relates to the fact that his life brings about the respect of the people. This is a positive term followed by negative terms. The negative may qualify what is meant by the positive term. This does not mean that he must be void of a sense of humor, but that he controls his sense of humor very carefully.
2. Not Double Tongued: Telling two different stories would be a similar idea. This includes, I think, saying you'll do something and then not doing it. In short the person would have to be classified a liar and this is not consistent with good leadership. How could you ever trust what the man said?
There is in our day the idea that telling only a part of the truth is equal to telling the truth. When a person leaves out part of the information to lead another to think something other than the truth, then we have what should be called a lie. Many today give only the information they want you to have — that is not being truthful.
3. Not Given To Much Wine: This seems to be the thought of addicted to wine. This in its context was a call, not to abstinence, but to moderation. Wine was a common beverage at the time, but to indulge overly was definitely wrong. In our own day the problem of alcoholism is rampant and the need to drink wine for liquids in the body is not true. We have good clean water available and there is no need to drink wine.
Raymond in his book mentions, "If an individual by drinking wine either causes others to err through his example or abets a social evil which causes others to succumb to its temptations, then in the interests of Christian love he ought to forego the temporary pleasures of drinking in the interests of heavenly treasures." (Raymond, "The Teaching Of The Early Church On The Use Of Wine And Strong Drink"; New York: Columbia University Press, 1927 p 88)
We are all "free" to drink now and then, but we are not free to do so because in our day and age we need to limit our Christian liberty in this area so that we are not a stumbling block for others.
4. Not Greedy Of Filthy Lucre: This indicates that the deacon should be in the office because of a call and/or a desire not because of money. When I
told my father I was going to be a preacher he said, "Well, I guess there is money in that."
Vs. 9 "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience."
5. Holding Mystery Of The Faith In A Pure Conscience: 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 indicates this is those things revealed to the Church age saints. (hidden before) In a pure conscience — how could you honestly preach if your conscience wasn't clear about what you believed? There are times when situations arise that force the minister of God to chose between what his conscience tells him and what the world or the Church asks them to do.
It is very difficult to decide due to the fact that when you go with your conscience, those around you will very seldom understand what you do. They may even become verbal in their disagreement with you. Your conscience must be God's conscience and then you know that your decision is correct.
Vs. 10 "And let these also first be proved; then let them
use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless."
6. They Should Be Proved Or Tested: "ALSO" indicates that the bishops are also to be proved. This is done in the local assembly and not by a group of pastors called in from here and there to examine a young man to see if he's worthy. The thought of ordination is not in this text. The elder and the deacon are to be people from the assembly and as they live and work in the local Church the Church leadership and people will know the type of person they are. Acts 13:1-3 shows this concept in action. "Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
No examination can guarantee how a man will build a Church. A man I knew that was a part of God's calling me into the ministry could have passed any test I could have given him. He was a good pastor and good preacher, he was an encouragement to my life, he was a Dallas student, and
all that knew him felt that he was good pastoral material. A short time later he fell into liberalism. Not that he had bad teaching, but he began reading wrong teaching and began believing the things that he was reading.
7. Let Them Be Deacons Because They Are Blameless: Again the idea of blameless. The testimony of Church leaders is critical to the Church as well as to the Churches witness. Anyone that cannot live up to the standard set should excuse himself from his duties immediately.
Vs. 11 "Even so [must their] wives [be] grave,
not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things."
Enough has been said as to the deaconess/wife controversy. The fact that the information is inserted at this point in the context would indicate that these are women that are involved in the ongoing ministry of the Church. If you have women involved in the ministry that do not come up to this standard, then they should be asked to remove themselves from the ministry they are involved in. "not slanderers": Literally "not devils" which should indicate the thought that a slanderer is working for the god of this world and not the God of the believer. I think that we all know what a gossip can do to a person or a Church. They can ruin many years of good work in a single mouth full. A pastor we knew was accused by one of the women in the Church of making obscene phone calls. She had no proof and there were very few that believed her, but within a few months that man's ministry was ruined in the town and he was forced to move on for the Churche's sake.
"Soberminded": Again the thought of controlled mind and manner would seem fitting. The mind of someone controlled by alcohol would be the contrast. The idea of temperate or moderate in things would be involved also I would think.
"Faithful In All Things": In her marriage, her Church work, her mothers role, and everything. She should be faithfully doing the things that she is involved with, and doing a good job at it. If she can't do the good job in all areas of home life, then she probably shouldn't be involved in the Church, for her home will suffer.
Vs. 12 "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
ruling their children and their own houses well."
We are now back to the deacon's qualifications again.
8. Husband Of One Wife, Ruling Children And Houses Well: These are the same as for bishop which we have covered.
Vs. 13 "For they that have used the office of a deacon
well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great
boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
9. Great Boldness: This good standing is obviously in God's eyes, then the Churches and families eyes but there is a certain standing before the community that is enjoyable for the deacon and beneficial to the Church itself.
In fact a deacon doing his job appropriately will give a good standing to the God that he serves. Oft times in obituaries the man's community and Church activities are included. Some European mortuaries used to include a detailed report of the man's activities in life.
More importantly is the "great boldness" that comes with serving. As we serve we gain confidence in what we are doing, in the fact the Lord can use us and we become more confident to do more and more things for the Lord. If you have good standing in the Church and community, you will have confidence and boldness.
Vs. 14. "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee
shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou
oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
These verses show the reason for this letter being written. Paul is writing to tell Timothy how to conduct himself and Church business.
I would like to ask a couple of questions that might bring the reader to draw some conclusions to our study. The questions will have some possible answers included.
Why are so many pastors leaving their Churches and missionaries leaving their fields today?
1. They know they miss the mark set here. (often not entirely their own fault. Many times they have never been forced to look at the listing and evaluate themselves before the Lord as to their qualification.)
2. Some cannot live on the salary. This may be due to their expensive taste, or it may be to the small salary. Some Churches feel that their pastor is a servant and he should suffer for Jesus. So, they help him suffer. Most Churches today are doing quite well for their pastors if not to much. Some do all they can and the pastor works on the side. This is not the best, but it works well if needed.
3. Many are grossly dejected because of the coldness of Christians concerning Christ's work, and the non-Christians toward the gospel.
Why are the pastors kids always some of the worst kids? (Or are they just viewed as the worst?)
a. They are always under a microscope.
b. The other children are always more perfect than the pastor's kids.
c. It is not unnatural for a child to stand against authority, even in their parents. This must be treated for what it is so they learn that it is not correct.
d. The father quite often neglects his own household. This is why it is good to have a board, and a pastor that will respond to one another. If the board sees a problem coming, they can advise the pastor.
e. The wife may also be overburdened with Church activities to the point that she doesn't take proper care of the children. The pastor should be watching this and correct it if need be. With a list like this maybe you should be praying that your pastor have these requirements in place, and equally important, that he stay on the straight and narrow.
We see here in 1 Timothy 3 that the Church is organized and has leaders. This is a stiff standard to live up to. I personally know of only one Church that requires their elders and deacons to consider their qualification before accepting office. There are probably more, but I know of only one that has it as an integrated part of their constitution.
They take several months to go through a qualifying process which includes:
1. Letters to neighbors and fellow workers as to their spiritual life.
2. Talks with the spouses by the existing board.
3. A time of consideration of each qualification. This is a study of the word, a time of prayer and a talk with the board, then they move on to the next qualification. This usually takes a week or so per qualification.
4. A time for the congregation to respond with negative and positive comments about the person.
5. A time of congregational prayer.
6. A final talk with the board.
If a person does not qualify they are asked to work on the areas in which they are lacking and try the process the next year. At the time we left that Church there had been no one that took office the first time through. Each found areas they felt inadequate in. It is easy to say, "yes, I qualify for this," but it is another to consider it seriously before the Lord and your fellow man.
Is there a different standard for the pastor and the average Christian? Is this a standard for only the elders and deacons? I would submit that this is the standard for every born again believer. Each and every one of us should have this as part of our goal for our spiritual life. The term goal is the difference. The list is a goal for most believers, however the list is a requirement for the elders and deacons of the Church. These things should be in place when they take office.
Most of these terms used as qualifications for leadership appear elsewhere in scripture as goals for every believer. We won't go into a detailed study of these, but will list the terms and some references for the reader to consider.
ELDERS
Blameless: 1 Timothy 5:7
Husband Of One Wife: Romans 7:22
Temperate: Titus 2:2, 1 Timothy 3:11, 1 Peter 5:8
Soberminded: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:5, 1 Timothy 2:9
Given To Hospitality: 1 Peter 4:9
Apt To Teach: not used of all Christians
Not Given To Wine: This should be obviously one for all believers even though the Scripture does not use the specific term in relation to all believers.
No Striker: Used of the elder only, but the principle applies to all. 1 Peter 3:11 we're told to seek peace — turn the other cheek. Etc.
Not Greedy/Lucre: Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:10
Patient: Philippians 4:5
Not A Brawler: Titus 3:2
Not Covetous: Hebrews 13:5
One That Ruleth House: Ephesians 6:1-4, The Proverbs, "rules" entails husband-wife relationship Ephesians 5:23
Not A Novice: only usage of this term however all Christians are called to maturity by Paul, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Peter 3:18, Galatians 6:1 speaks of spiritual Christians
Good Report: 2 Thessalonians 1:10 Paul and others had a good testimony which helped convince Thessalonians. Romans 12:18 live peaceably with all men.
DEACONS
Grave: Proverbs calls us to honesty, Philippians 4:8 calls all believers to think on things honest, Titus 2:2 calls old men to be grave, 2 Corinthians 13:7 is not the same word, but calls for honesty
Not Double Tongued: only usage of the term, John 8:44 may relate.
Blameless: 1 Corinthians 1:8
When you call a pastor consider these biblical qualifications not other qualifications such as good with youth — good preacher (not required of pastor teacher) — good illustrator — good looking — good dresser.
The Biblical qualifications should be in the pastor so that he can be an example to the other Christians so they can be maturing toward this list.
B. QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP
Qualification may not mean quality
We can see some of the qualities that should be a part of church leadership by taking a few moments to look at Epaphras. He appears very few times in the Scripture, yet there are many qualities that can be seen in these references. (Colossians 1:3-8; 4:12,13; Philemon 23. Another reference that might give meaning to Epaphras is Acts 20:28.)
I would like to give a short introduction to this study to set the stage for the thoughts we need to have. Let's say that you want to buy a car. Let's say that you have enough money to buy any car that you want. Let's say that you are setting out to buy that car of your dreams. Let's say you are standing before the car salesman and you are about to tell him just what you want him to order. Let's do that for a moment and let ourselves be worldly for a moment. Yes, I'm telling you to be worldly for a moment. ONLY A MOMENT.
What kind of car is it? What color is it? The salesman has a list of all the possible options -- what are you going have him put on the car? What radio will you have? On one of the news magazines they showed cars with stereos in them that cost more than the car. What engine will you get? What color will you order?
Now that the dreaming is over let's think for a moment. If you had the money, if you had the desire, if you were committed to having this car, would you accept delivery of a Maroon Chevette? NO.
If you were to set down a list of qualifications and desires for your church leadership, would you settle for something less than you ordered?
You say no, but I believe that many churches today are accepting a standard that is much lower than they desire.. Either they are accepting less than they want, or else their desires are far from Biblical.
The Word gives a great number of Qualifications for church leadership and we all hear of these from time to time taught from Timothy and Titus, however the word also sets forth some Godly men as examples of some of the Qualities that these men should have.
In this study I would like to explore some of these Qualities Of Leadership with you. I would like to look for a few moments at Epaphras. No It Is Not A Skin Rash.
Epaphras was a man of God that the Holy Spirit moved Paul to include in the Biblical record only so very briefly. He is mentioned only three times — only five verses deal with Epaphras yet we can see within these few verses a real man of God.
Indeed, We Will See A Number Of Leadership Qualities
Colossians is a book written by Paul during a stay in Rome under Roman guard. It was written about the same time as Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians. We want to look at the first few verses.
In the passage we see that Epaphras was a soul winner (vs. 5). The indications are that he had given these people the Gospel. He may have started the Church. Some think that he may have heard Paul when Paul was at Ephesus in Acts 19:10.
Not only was he a soul winner, but he was a teacher or discipler (vs. 5-7). We see here a pair of qualities which need to be used as a path to maturity for new believers.
Many of the evangelistic organizations today suffer in this area. They lead the person to Christ but never bother to teach them anything of the Christian life nor do they bother to lead or direct them to a sound church. In my own life, the man that led me to the Lord did not attempt to disciple me and as a result, I went into the Navy and became a typical sailor. I often have wondered how my life might have been different had I been taught some of the basics of the faith.
We see that he was also a faithful Minister (vs 7). One who held the body of believers as important — always there to help — to minister to needs — not far off or unapproachable.
He was a servant (vs. 7). This man was a servant of Christ. "A servant of Jesus Christ is one who has been bought with a price and is therefore owned by his Master, on whom he is completely dependent, to whom he owes undivided allegiance and to whom he ministers with gladness of heart, in newness of spirit, and in the enjoyment of perfect freedom,
receiving from him a glorious reward." (William Hendriksen, "Exposition Of Colossians And Philemon"; Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1964, P 191)
This man was a servant of Christ "On Our Behalf" Some translations read "your" but the concept is the same. He served Christ to THEIR benefit. He wasn't in it for what he could get or be. We met a man in Oregon that was planting a church. He was making his living pumping gas. He worked at the gas station and worked with the church for eight years. The church was his life and all that he did was to further the church. He was in it so that he could benefit those he ministered to. In this case Epaphras was ministering to Paul in prison so he was benefiting Paul.
We have four qualities so far (soul winner,teacher/discipler, faithful minister and servant). You might ask, "what is the difference between qualifications and qualities?" Qualification has the idea that the person has the abilities that make him appropriate for the job at hand. Qualified is the idea, while quality has the idea of the type of person that is in view. What he is like with people, how he relates to problems, or the nature of the person. Good qualifications relate to the ability to come to a standard, but qualities relate to the quality of person that is under consideration. Let me give you a couple of examples. We had a maroon Chevette once. It had the qualifications to be a car but its quality was questionable. It had four wheels, a motor, a body, seats etc. but the dealer had it more in the first 90 days that we did. There is you see a difference. It qualified as a car, yet it was not a quality car. (To be fair to the Chevrolet Co., We put 180,000 miles on our Chevette before it was totalled by a big Caddy that suffered NO damage.)
Let me illustrate the distinction that I am making in another way. While in the service I was the only experienced electronic technician on the ship. Indeed the only tech. One day we received fourteen men just out of electronics school. Our ship was only allowed five or six men, so I decided that I would have it made with this many men under me. Not so. These men were qualified as technicians -- they had passed all the tests at school indeed some of them had very high grades in their classes. However, the quality of workmanship was very poor --- in fact within a month the ship was a total mess electronically. We went into the repair yards for a few
weeks and it took me every spare moment to get all of the problems cleared up. Qualified? Yes — Quality? No, Not For Many Months.
Epaphras seems to have been boastful of his church (vs. 8 "also declared unto us your love in the Spirit"). He had been speaking to Paul of his church and its Good Points. We were in a small church in central Oregon a few years ago that we have spoken to many of our friends about. It was a church that had an over abundance of talented, excited, dedicated people. I could mention the fact they met in an upstairs, that it was to small, or the fact they didn't have a piano but I didn't. I always tried to emphasize the positive, for it was a very uplifting experience to have been in the church. The positive was what was on Epaphras' mind. Indeed, if you read the rest of the book you will find that the church had problems which Paul addressed. Epaphras was excited about his church. He was telling others of his church.
Our church people today need to get hold of this one. Dwell on the positive. Do you tell others of your church? Are you making declarations about the great people there, or do you dwell on the problems?
Let's turn now for a moment to Colossians 4:12-13. We see that Epaphras was a local boy ("one of your number"). Why haven't we taken this idea to heart in our Churches today? When we need someone to work with the youth we so often look outside our own assembly. A Church in the midwest took one of their own as their youth man. Why not? They are used to the pastor, they fit right into the fellowship, and the kids know them already. They are already accepted in the community. You know their life, their doctrine, as well as their faults.
The New Testament Church operated for the most part on people from their own group. All Church leaders came from within, not from without. Not only for youth workers but why not for pastors or elders as your Church government dictates? Train the men of your Church so that when the pastor moves on you have a home grown replacement on line. Send him to college if you need to. Some would complain that when he is trained he might go someplace else — so what you've trained a man to serve God. Train another. You don't need to finance him totally, but help as you can.
One Church in Oregon that we've been to has laymen that are so trained by their pastor they can, and do go out to fill the pulpits of Churches without pastors. Their pastor is committed to training his people to do the work of the Lord as Ephesians 4 tells us to do.
Epaphras was committed to Christ (Bondslave — "servant of Christ"). He had placed himself at his Lord's disposal for his Lords use. When I think of servants of God that were sold out I always think of Stephen in Acts 6:24. He was a deacon, but he soon preached to the Jews and finally died at their hands in Chapter Seven. He was sold out to serve Christ.
Paul seems quite impressed with this man. Philippians 23 "Epaphras my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus"; Colossians 1:7 "minister of Christ," "dear fellow servant"; Colossians 4:12 "Servant of Christ."
I fear that commitment is a passing thing in our society and in our Churches. I have in recent months heard of several men turning down Churches because of financial deficiencies in the Churches pay package. Finances should be involved in deciding if God is calling you to a Church, but it should not be the deciding factor. Someone in chapel while I was at Frontier School of the Bible mentioned a man that was leaving his Church because he wasn't making enough. His salary was $48,000 a year.
Epaphras was thoughtful. He knew that Paul was writing to them so he ask him to greet them for him. This shows a certain amount of feeling toward the people. Epaphras must have liked the people and felt that he wanted to greet them. God is interested in men that are interested in their people — Truly Interested..
He was a prayerful man. Paul didn't need to mention this in his letter, but he was impressed enough with Epaphras' prayers, to encourage the people on with the fact that someone was praying for them. One of the encouragements we've had over the years is knowing that so many are praying for us. We used to send out more than 200 letters to enlist the prayers of the saints when we were missionaries — we needed it.
Paul, to the best of my knowledge mentions no one else as a prayer. He was impressed. By the way can you imagine going to prayer in a prayer meeting with this man and Paul present?
Let's look at his prayer life for just a moment or two.
Consistent: "always" — specific choice to do it on a regular basis. Luke 18:1 "Men ought always to pray and not to faint".
Specific: "for you." I ran across something in a Theological Journal awhile back. "A story is told about an old pastor who every Saturday afternoon could be seen leaving his study and entering the Church building by the back door, and about sundown he would be seen going home. Someone's curiosity was aroused enough to follow one day and watch through a window. It was in the days when the family pew was an institution of the Church. The old pastor was seen to kneel at each pew and pray for every member of the family that was to occupy it on the Lord's day. What A Prayer List. He called each member by name as he poured out his heart to God for his flock. His was a ministry of power and his people reflected the grace of God on them. Blessed is that Church which has such a praying Shepherd." (from Bibliotheca Sacra; P 60; Jan-Mar 1979, Dallas Seminary) We need people committed to pray for the people they minister to.
I ran across a quote from Charles Haddon Spurgeon that relates well at this point. "The minister who does not earnestly pray over his work must surely be a vain and conceited man. he acts as if he thought himself sufficient of himself and therefore need not appeal to God. Yet what a baseless pride to conceive that our preaching can ever be in itself so powerful that it can turn men from their sins and bring them to God without the working of the Holy Ghost."
I was at a Church in the northwest where the pastor was preaching on commitment and in his invitation he mentioned that he had prayed for each one in his congregation before the service.
I had spoken in a small town Church in the midwest and the pastor insisted on filling my gas tank. He filled the tank and we talked for awhile at the station. We said goodbye and he started walking toward his house. I told him I'd take him home. He said, "No, I'd rather walk." I insisted — he said, "No I'd rather walk — I know the people along the way home and I like to pray for them as I walk by their house. Some of them are lost and I want to pray for them."
That is the type of men we need in our pulpits today.
Sincere: "striving" This word comes from the athletic arena — it is used of the athletes intense effort in reaching for the prize. It is used of the "agony" of Christ's prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) just before his arrest.
I watched the iron man triathilon a few years ago and they showed a woman that was near the finish line. She couldn't control her legs and couldn't walk so she ended up on her hands and knees crawling across the finish line — that is agony. This term "strive" is the term from which we gain our English word "agonize." It was more than just a five minute quite time. He was agonizing over these people.
Purposeful: "that ye may stand" It has been said, that if the Church is ever going to be victorious it will have to learn to advance on it's knees. Prayer Is Needed Today To Say The Least.
We see that Epaphras had a concern. He was very concerned with their need of maturing.
He was sincere. Paul knew that this man was on the level -- he wasn't just putting on a front to impress the folks. Some Christians I meet today — Church leaders — are so caught up in their airs they don't listen to the answers you give to their questions. This is quite evident when you answer the same questions twice in your first conversation. I recently overheard a conversation between a leader and a not so regular attender. The leader would ask a question and in the middle of the answer the leader would be interrupted and then when he returned to listening to the man he would ask another question. The man had not finished his first answer. This went on for about four cycles and finally the man walked away. The leader was not at all interested in the man — only in pretending to be interested.
We had a missionary over for dinner. He would ask a question and as you paused between sentences of your answer he would ask another question on another topic. A couple of times I went back and finished an answer then answered the next question in the hope of his picking up on what he was doing. He didn't.
Some today feel a lull in the conversation is a mortal sin. Personally quiet is not all that bad at times indeed sometimes it is appropriate.
I recently heard of "Leather Man" in the eastern part of our country. He was a man of the past. He was a man that never talked to anyone. He wore a heavy leather outfit and would not take help from anyone. He would eat from time to time when people offered. He had no known past and lived in caves in the wilderness. He never was known to speak yet people, both children and adults would walk out to his camp and just sit with him by the hour. Silence Is Golden At Times.
In Alaska one of the Indian tribes enjoy just sitting around in a circle in silence. They enjoy one another without talking.
I sense also there is one more quality in this man. He was Missions Minded. He was on the forefront of missions. He was working with Paul and seemingly involved in Church planting.
I fear many today fail to see past the end of their own lives when they look at the harvest fields. Few today are directing and leading their Churches toward missions. Many are stunting their Churches growth and prosperity by stunting missions.