Part 32
on an ecclesiastical basis as well. That was an answer that made much sense.
6. In the end result, I believe our emphasis should be squarely upon the Word of God. If lawsuits come they come. If bankruptcy comes it comes. God's Word must stand and we for it.
Mark Laney ended his article with 1 Timothy 3 12, "Indeed, all who desire to live Godly in christ Jesus will be persecuted.."
I suspect that the following is the best policy. Probably The Best Cure For Church Discipline Is Church Disciplin'. If we teach them right there will be less chance for error.
Some other references which might add to your personal study: Exodus 12:15-19; Exodus 13:7; Leviticus 2:11; Deuteronomy 16:4; Matthew 16:6,12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1; Galatians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 6:11.
CONCLUSION
This is the second of the sections of my theology that I have gone through, to convert my class notes into book form. It has been a very joyful experience to review the greatness of the church, the body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, yet I am discouraged to a point in what I see in so many local assemblies.
There is so little genuine caring for the lost, for the newcomers, or for the membership at times. There is so little genuine teaching being done. The preaching is not all that great at times either. I have discussed this with many church people and pastors and they feel that my observations are valid.
So, why is this the case when we have the Holy Spirit empowering us, teaching us, leading us and comforting us? So, why is this the case when we have Christ Himself in charge of the work?
I am confident there is no problem with the Lord Jesus, and I am just as confident that the Holy Spirit is doing His work properly and adequately. We must assume from logic then that it is not the Head nor the plan, nor the power source. That leaves only one answer.
US.
We the people are the problem and there is nothing that can be done until we do it. Don't worry about your neighbor and how sinful he is, don't worry about your pastor and how uninteresting he is, and don't worry about the church membership and how worldly they are. You worry about you and your relationship to the Head of the church. You should be sure you are in a proper mode, and then pray that the Lord would bring about needed changes in the assembly.
There is one subject which is somewhat related to this thought of the church. I have not made comment on it as such but feel that it is important to do so.
If the church is Christ's body and if it is His desired vehicle for reaching the world, and I believe it to be, then why do we have para church organizations all over the world?
I am not condemning the para church groups for they are doing a job that the church is not doing, however that is not the point. They are not the church.
The church in our generation should begin to correct the problem that has developed over the years. Most of the groups give lip service to the thought of allowing the local churches to have a say in things. Most will say they are an extension of the local church however, the control that the church has seems to end at the purse strings.
There is no reason why the church shouldn't, indeed must, take steps to do the ministries of these groups. The groups ought also to take steps toward allowing church control. There are some that are already working on this by adding pastors and laymen to boards, by having yearly get togethers of supporting churches and mission leaders. These are good steps and should be continued, but more must be done.
Possibly one of the easiest ways for the corrections to begin is to see to it that new ministries become the extension of a local church or two, and see to it that the ministry remains under that control. This would place ministries under the control of spiritual men within the church that can lead and guide the ministry.
Moving on I would like to mention that the section concerning other types of church government was brief and intentionally so. There are other works that elaborate in detail these systems.
As I have moved in and out of churches over the years I have observed many problems. I have also discussed problems with pastors and laymen. The result is that I realize that the elder form of government can, if run properly, create a church environment which would eliminate many of these problems. There are many difficulties when we work with people however, the creator of these people has set forth a system for governing those people in the Word. If He has given these guidelines then it is logical they will be the best possible method of operation.
Even if a died in the wool congregationalist must reject the thought of accepting this form of government, at least give credence to the process of qualification. There must be a qualified leadership or the job is doomed to failure.
The principles set forth in this section can and do work. I have knowledge of a few churches that are operating with this form of government. As we see more and more churches becoming involved, I am personally confident that we will see some great results in the area of church relationships, as well as church growth. As we believers function Biblically, church growth will be automatic.
One final topic. The thought of a "paid" pastor is one that is currently accepted, yet it is not historically nor Biblically. The Bible allows for it and I am not saying get rid of paid pastors, however we need to consider the possibility of non-paid people running a church. Many of our small churches today are pastored by non-paid or poorly paid pastors. As observations go, I feel that often these men are considered less than normal. They, after all are not "full time" in their ministry.
There seems to be a real hierarchy developing in our church thinking. There are full time, there are part time, there are the laymen, there are janitors and then there are missionaries. My teaching has always included the thought that we are co-workers with Christ. If we are co-workers then there is no level of importance.
May we consider our developing problems in the church, get in touch with the Head and move on to solve the problems.
I did not go into the idea of fellowship, of what the church should be in the social realm, nor many of the other thoughts that relate to the church. I did include a section in appendix nine relating to how we view ourselves. Are we a society as believers, or are we really the "body" that the Lord wants us to be. Be sure to read this appendix.
APPENDIX NUMBER ONE
A CONSTITUTION FOR A MULTIPLE ELDER FORM OF
GOVERNMENT
This document comes from a compilation of many hours of study and reading on the subject. There was input from many sources including two college level theology classes which went through this study of the church with me. One of the projects in those classes was to create a church constitution based on the Biblical principles which we had studied. (This document is a rework of one of those constitutions.)
I thank all those that gave information and thought to this document, which by the way is not inspired. It could serve as a bare bones start for a constitution for a church that desires to have this form of government. There might be things that a particular congregation would like to add. The basics are based on the Word of God and we trust that the suggestions will be of assistance to churches in the future.
CONSTITUTION OF FIRST CHURCH OF ANYTOWN
1. PREAMBLE
We the people of ________________ church believe that the Scriptures show both a universal and a local church. The Universal church is that body made up of all believers that are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The local church is an assembly that is gathered and organized for the purpose of edification and evangelism.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this local church is to edify the believers who in turn will go out evangelizing. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16)
Jesus Christ is the head of both the universal and the local church. The individual believer will seek to know Christ's will for himself as well as for this local gathering of saints.
3. MEMBERSHIP
Anyone desiring to enter into fellowship with this church must:
1. Have accepted Christ as his/her personal savior and have a desire to achieve the purposes set forth in the preamble.
2. Have prayerfully read and considered the church constitution and believe it to be based on God's Word. The person should desire to commit themselves to abide by that which is set forth in the church constitution.
3. Have agreed that if at any time he/she should determine to disagree with the constitution, he/she will without trouble withdraw from the fellowship, giving the pastor and board permission to erase his/her name from the membership.
4. Agree to accept the discipline of the church in accordance with this constitution or separate themselves from the membership according to number three above.
Process of becoming a member:
The person desiring to unite with this church will request to be considered by the elder board. The elder board will hear their testimony of salvation and recommend the candidate to the general assembly for vote. The person will give their testimony publicly before the church votes.
4. COVENANT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
We as a local body, having been redeemed by God (Revelation 5:9), being the body, of which Christ is the head (Colossians 1:18), and being indwelt by the Spirit (Romans 8:9), believe God has saved us by his grace, through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8), do hereby establish this covenant.
Those that join this fellowship know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and they shall share in its privileges and also the duties required (John 1:12,13; 8:12; 10:27).
As a fellowship we pledge ourselves to walk in Christian love, remember each other in prayer, aid each other in Christian living (1 John 4:7,8), and to help those who are sick and in need (James 5:14). There should be no
gossip, backbiting, and anger, being slow to take offence and quick to reconcile, keeping unity and peace (Ephesians 4:31,32).
We covenant together with the desire to promote the true church's spiritual and physical well being: by regular attendance, supporting its worship, services, ordinances, discipline and doctrines (1 Corinthians 15:58), and assisting in whatever way possible in supporting the operation of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). Finally our desire is to spread the gospel here at home and abroad (Acts 1:8).
We as members of this body should educate our children in the Christian faith (Deuteronomy 6:5,7; Titus 1:6). We also should refrain from fleshly lusts, and practices and associations, that would dishonor Christ and/or the church (1 John 2:15-17).
We also agree to cooperate with those in leadership, to submit to and oversee discipline in a loving way, (as officers and members of this church Hebrews 13:17), and accept responsibility and positions such as God has qualified and called each to do through the Holy spirit (Romans 12:1-8).
By the guidance of the Holy Spirit I accept this covenant. I also promise if I find myself at anytime in the future in disagreement with doctrines and standards of the church I will withdraw my name from the membership and not cause any friction among the members (Romans 12:18).
I further submit myself to the Scriptural authority of the church leadership and will abide by the churches disciplinary policies if there be cause for discipline due to sin in my life.
5. MISSIONS
In keeping with the purpose of evangelization, there will be a missions committee maintained at all times for the purpose of stimulating the membership to give, pray and go in relation to Christ's commission to evangelize and disciple all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)
This committee will be responsible to schedule missionaries to share their burden and call of God with the membership of the church.
This committee will oversee the missions giving of the church body through the church treasurer. Funds designated by the church for missions
will be distributed in accordance with the policies set forth by the church leadership.
6. GOVERNMENT
POLICY
1. The church will not be ritualistic in practice.
2. It will not be subject to any authority or power save it's Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it's own leadership.
SUPPORT
All church expenses including pastor's salary, Sunday School expenses, various organized bodies, are to be raised by voluntary, free will offerings. (The pastor's salary will be set according to the needs and funds available.)
BUSINESS AFFAIRS
1. The annual business meeting of the church shall be held ______________ , and the new church year shall begin ____________ .
All officers of the church and heads of departments shall give reports of their transactions at this annual business meeting.
2. Special business meetings may be called at any time with a two week notice given publicly at each normal service of the church.
3. Beyond the routine weekly affairs, no meeting shall be carried on without the pastor, except to determine his continuance as pastor.
4. A quarum of more than two thirds of the members of adult age (21 and older) is required to hold a business meeting of this congregation.
7. CHURCH LEADERSHIP
PASTOR CALLING A TEACHING ELDER (OR PASTOR)
This is not to assume that a paid teaching elder is required by this constitution. If there is a qualified elder present in the congregation that desires to fulfill this function and it is agreeable by a 3/4 vote of the elder
board, then this should be accepted. He may be paid if the congregation so desires.
1. A pulpit committee shall be formed of two elders and two deacons. (If no elders are available then deacons shall fill these spots. If there aren't enough deacons, members will be elected from the congregation) and two members from the congregation.
2. The pulpit committee shall secure names of prospects. Prospects shall be supplied with a copy of the church constitution and any other information the committee deems appropriate.
3. An application form shall be sent to all interested prospects. The application shall include questions concerning the applicants qualifications and a request for references.
4. The qualifications for the pastor shall be those listed in 1 Timothy three and Titus one that pertain to elders.
5. Qualified prospects shall visit the church at least one Sunday and one Wednesday in a row during which he will fill the pulpit. Time shall also be scheduled for the combined boards to interview the prospective candidate. There will be a concerted effort to encourage the church membership to have the candidate and his family into their homes for meals and/or fellowship so they can get to know the family on a first hand basis.
6. The candidate will then in two weeks be presented to the congregation for a vote. The elder and deacon board chairpersons will give a report on their boards feelings concerning the candidate.
The candidate shall be called if there is a 3/4 majority of those voting members present.
It is recommended that the candidate be informed of the numerical outcome of the vote of the congregation.
7. The candidate will be informed from the beginning that he will be expected to go through and complete the qualification process as set forth in this constitution.
TERM OF THE TEACHING ELDER
1. The pastor shall serve as long as mutually agreeable to him and the church.
2. The pastor may be removed from office by unanimous vote of the other elders and by a 2/3 vote of the congregation. (Good reason for removal should be the basis of the elder board moving to dismiss. Good reason would include personal ongoing sin, and immorality as well as other problems deemed proper.)
DUTIES
1. The pastor shall serve as a voting member of the elder board, supply spiritual leadership to the board and the congregation as a whole.
2. The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all organizations and committees.
3. The pastor shall fill the pulpit of the church at regular meetings, or supply such from time to time as needed or appropriate.
ADDITIONAL STAFF
1. Assistant pastor(s), Youth pastor(s), Associate pastor(s), etc. may be added according to the need of the church.
2. These would be called in the same way as the teaching elder and have the same office term as the pastor, unless otherwise specified by the elder board and congregation. They will be ex-officio members (without voting privileges) of the elder board and their duties would be specified by that same board.
3. The pastor should be very much involved in this choosing of staff, so that the church is assured that the two men can minister effectively together.
ELDERS & DEACONS
CHOOSING OF ELDERS AND DEACONS
1. All candidates for the elder or deacon board shall apply to the elder board in writing. Applications shall assume that the candidates feels qualified according to I Timothy three and Titus one and shall state why they are applying and why they feel they desire the position.
2. The elder board shall publish the name of the candidate to the congregation and investigate his qualifications. They shall especially seek advice from the deacon board and/or other members of the church. It is recommended that the elder board speak with the candidates neighbors and secular coworkers concerning the man's character. The family of the candidate should be considered as another source of information as to the qualifications of the man.
3. The prospective member will meet with an elder board specified representative for a period of three months during which the two men will evaluate the scriptural qualifications and the prospects own feeling of his living up to those qualifications. During this time the congregation would be encouraged to share any information pro or con to the chairman of the elder board to be used in evaluating the prospect.
4. At the end of this three month period the prospect will be presented to the full elder and deacon boards for questions and answers.
5. Upon approval the prospect will be presented to the congregation for confirmation. If the prospect fails to gain the approval of the boards or the congregation, then he will be referred upon mutual agreement to another six months of encouragement along the lines in which he was found deficient. At the end of this six month period another appearance before the board would be in order. Failure to complete the qualification process is not indication of something negative, but on the other hand a recognition there are things that the person needs to work on in their spiritual life, a condition that is true in most church members.
6. The prospect shall be approved by a unanimous vote of the elders and a 2/3 confirmation of the congregation.
7. There shall be no limit as to the number of elders in the church, however a minimum of three elders will be required. Elders should be added as there is a need in the overall organizational structure of the church. If the board becomes too large, and its own members unanimously agree, a system may be set in place whereby the elders would serve on a rotating basis with active and inactive elders. Inactive elders may attend and have input at meetings but only active elders would have voting privileges.
If three qualified elders are not available, then the church should modify its government slightly and use the elders that exist as a guiding board with the congregation the final authority in most decisions.
TERM
1. The elders and deacons shall serve as long as mutually agreeable to the officer and the church. Lifetime seems to be the acceptable unless there are reasons for considering less.
2. An elder or deacon may be removed from office by unanimous vote of the elders and by a 2/3 vote of the congregation. (This action should only be taken in light of sin in the elders life and his unwillingness to repent of that sin. In the case of immorality and divorce there would be an automatic removal.)
DUTIES OF THE ELDERS
1. The elders shall be responsible to oversee the churches spiritual growth and vitality. They are to see to the proper teaching and direction of the church.
2. The elders shall elect from among themselves a head elder, or chairman and a secretary to record minutes of meetings.
3. The elders shall meet jointly with the Deacon board once a month for the exchange of information and to inform the deacon board of any recommendations for their action.
4. The pastor shall chair the joint meeting or delegate the responsibility to another elder.
5. If the church doesn't have enough qualified men for elders the remaining elders and deacon board with the leadership of the pastor shall perform as many of the duties as they are gifted and able to perform.
6. Any action taken by the deacon board that is deemed detrimental to the church can be overruled by a unanimous vote of the elder board.
Upon such veto the deacons may, if they desire, submit the proposal to the congregation for a congregational vote. The meeting will be called by the elder board and both the elder and deacon boards will be given time to submit their feelings on the proposal.
A 2/3 vote of the congregation will pass the proposal.
DUTIES OF THE DEACONS
1. The duties of the deacons are to be servants of the church and to meet the physical needs of the church body.
2. Special attention should be paid by the deacon board to the needs of the poor and widows of the church.
3. The deacon board shall be responsible for the church property and funds. The funds will be expended according to the needs of the church with the elder board approving of any major expenditures over $50 item.
4. The deacons shall elect from among themselves a head deacon, or chairman and a secretary for the keeping of records.
5. The deacons shall meet jointly with, and report to, the elder board once a month.
8. QUALIFICATION PROCESS
All teaching elders, elders and deacons will go through a process whereby the church body and the individual desiring the office will attempt to determine the candidate's qualification for his desired office. Pastoral staff may be added to the church without going through the process, however they will enter into this process at the first opportunity. Failure to qualify does not mean they will be dismissed. The elder board will consider the candidate's position and recommend steps by which the candidate may
correct any deficiencies or they will recommend dismissal. The candidate will enter into the process at the next earliest opportunity if they are retained on staff.
1. There will be a time of self examination by the candidate during which he will consider the qualifications for his office with the Lord. An existing elder will assist the person in this process with explanation of the qualifications and prayer.
2. References will be sought from the candidate for the purpose of sending out letters to request information about the candidate. Letters will be sent to the person's employer, one coworker, two neighbors and his last church in the case of a pastor or newer member.
This letter will request information concerning the person's qualification and character.
These letters will not be the sum of information that a decision will be based on. They will be only a part of the total information used in determining the persons qualification. (These letters should not be sent out until the candidate has completed his personal evaluation before the Lord and the elder board.)
3. The church body will be given a list of candidates for their earnest prayer. The church should desire great wisdom in this process to choose it's leadership.
4. The church body will be given a list of the candidates with space for comments weither positive or negative for the consideration of the elder board. These documents will remain confidential and must be signed in case the elder board desires to investigate any negative responses.
5. The head elder will stress the importance of this process, and the prayer behind it, to the congregation. This can be accomplished through the bulletin or from the pulpit.
6. There will be a minimum of 90 days given for this process with more time to be taken if needed.
7. The elder and deacon board will spend time with the candidates for the purpose of getting to know them and praying with them.
8. There will be a class taught concerning the qualifications, responsibilities and lifestyle of the offices. This will be required of new candidates and will be open to all that might desire to gain this knowledge. This class will be offered yearly if there is interest or candidates. (It could be offered during the Sunday School hour as an elective.)
This process is to allow the church time to consider the candidate and a time for the candidate to look at the church, his future responsibilities and his life before God.
It should be emphasized that if a candidate or the church feels that the candidate is not ready for leadership that the candidate is welcome to enter the process the following year. There should be no feeling of inadequacy or inferiority if a person does not enter an office. We are attempting to find well qualified men that meet the Biblical standard set forth by God for the men that would lead His church.
All Christians are to be striving to attain this same level of Christian living.
9. CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Discipline may be defined as the correction or expulsion by the church of one or more of its members for immorality of life, or heresy of doctrine.
Discipline is of God (Job 36:10; Hebrews 12:6), to maintain sound doctrine (Titus 1:13), to correct disorder (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15), to rebuke offenders (1 Corinthians 11:34), and to remove the unrepentant (1 Corinthians 5:3-5,13).
God disciplines His own directly concerning matters of their family relationship to Him. But he has also ordained mediate discipline by the church concerning those affairs that concern the life and walk of the corporate household of faith.
There are two kinds of offenses of which a church member may be guilty, namely public and private. (Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 5:1-11)
Church discipline whether private or public may take one of three forms and should be kept in the local church (1 Corinthians 6:11).
1. Private reproof.
2. Public reproof.
3. Breaking of fellowship.
(Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,11-15; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 1113; Matthew 5:23-24; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8)
Our attitude toward the believer in sin should be one of love and humility seeking to heal and restore their attitude. The purpose of all discipline must be to restore the person to his Lord and the church body. (Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 2:4).
All effective and true discipline can only be carried out in an attitude of prayer.
10. AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION
1. Any member may propose an amendment to the elders.
2. The elders then will prayerfully consider the amendment.
3. If the amendment proposed is rejected, the elders are to contact the person who wants the addition or subtraction and explain the reason, or reasons for rejection. If the member proposing the amendment feels the elders have acted wrongly, opportunity will be given to the member to present his/her thoughts to the congregation. If the congregation feels by a majority vote that the elders should reconsider the proposal they shall give the matter another sixty days consideration and prayer. If the proposal is deemed inappropriate after this time of consideration and input from the congregation then the matter shall be dropped. If they feel the amendment has merit, then they shall proceed as with any other amendment.
4. If the elders approve the amendment, it must be put to the vote of the active members of the church.
5. Proper written notification to members will be given by posting and announcing thirty days in advance what is to be voted on as well as the time and the place of voting. A meeting may be called before the written notification is given for explanation and information.
6. The amendment will require a 4/5ths majority of the members present to pass.
7. If approved, copies will be added to all future constitutions and copies will be made available to the membership to amend their own copies.
11. ORDINATION
Those desiring to be ordained by this church will make their request known to the elder board and they will consider the possibility along with the congregation. If there is interest the elder board will enter the candidate into the elder/deacon qualification process to ascertain the candidates qualifications.
Upon completion of this process the elder board will call a proper meeting of the congregation for the ordination of the candidate to the Gospel ministry.
The church will maintain contact with the person for his entire ministry and give due consideration to any inappropriate activities that might warrant the withdrawal of recognition or ordination.
12. DISSOLUTION
In the case of this church closing or disbanding the assets will be distributed among foreign missionary agencies to be determined by those members remaining in membership at the time of closing. These agencies will be groups that hold to the major doctrines set forth in this constitution.
APPENDIX TWO
This appendix contains all of the referrences that contain the terms elder, elders, deacon, and deacons.
ELDER
Luke 15:25 — Romans 9:12 — 1 Timothy 5:1; 5:19 — 1 Peter 5:1; 5:5 — 2 John 1:1 — 3 John 1:1
ELDERS
Matthew 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3; 26:47; 26:57; 26:59; 27:1; 27:3; 27:12; 27:20; 27:41; 28:12;
Mark 7:3; 7:5; 8:31; 11:27; 14:43; 14:53; 15:1;
Luke 7:3; 9:22; 20:1; 22:52; 22:66;
Acts 4:5; 4:8; 4:23; 6:12; 11:30; 14:23; 15:2; 15:4; 15:6; 15:22-23; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18; 22:5; 23:14; 24:1; 25:15;
1 Timothy 5:17;
Titus 1:5;
Hebrews 11:2;
James 5:14;
1 Peter 5:1;
Revelation 4:4; 4:10; 5:5-6; 5:8; 5:11; 5:14; 7:11; 7:13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4
DEACON
1 Timothy 3:10; 3:13
DEACONS
Philippians 1:1
1 Timothy 3:8; 3:12
APPENDIX THREE
I'm going to be intellectual for awhile in this appendix. Eisenhower defined an intellectual as, "...a man who takes more words than necessary to tell more than he knows."
What I am including in this section may be just that.
In light of the comments made in this work concerning pastors and their working in secular work I feel that this section may be of help to the reader.
PRINCIPLES FOR VIEWING MATERIAL THINGS, IN LIGHT OF YOUR PROBABLE LOW PAYING MINISTRIES
- OR -
HOW TO ENJOY HAMBURGER 555 WAYS.
When in college we helped produce a college students cookbook designed for the poor wife that had to figure out how to fix the hamburger tonight. I might add that the wives were very inventive. The college was given a truck load of Scooter Pies (chocolate covered graham cracker and marshmallow). After awhile they were trying to decide how to fix scooter pies in a tasty manner. We ate them for breakfast, lunch and dessert for supper.
These are just some thoughts and illustrations that might help you to understand, how some believers chose to live, and it may challenge your own life now, or in the future.
One of the frustrations of my early Christian life was the lack of help I had been given in knowing how to live the Christian life. I stumbled and faltered my way through until I finally found some answers. The area of finances was a real problem to me at times, for I had some ideas of what God wanted, but I was constantly hearing "experts" in money telling me that I was doing it all wrong. I hope that some of what I teach will help you avoid some of the frustration and confusion that I had to go through.
You will all come to a place where you need to make some real commitments to the Lord in the area of finance. This study is not to show how spiritual I am nor is it meant to shoot how other people live their financial lives before the Lord. I know many people who live according to similar principles and don't feel there is anything special about themselves other than possibly in the area of their commitment.
God has chosen to deal with Faith and I as He has, and I have decided to walk as I have, with the full discussion and assistance of my wife. We are in agreement concerning how we live and enjoy it as is.
I want to illustrate these principles so you have some practical guide to go by if you ever need to use them.
I might introduce these thoughts with a reminder of the widow and her two mites. She was one of the last illustrations that Christ gave to
the disciples before his death. You should note as you consider her offering, that it was all that she had. She could have saved half for food, but she didn't. Do you suppose she had heard Christ tell the followers not to worry about what the morrow shall bring. She gave till she was forced to live by faith in the Lord's provision. Can you imagine how many missionaries we could send out if all Christians began to practice that philosophy of giving?
Principle One: Be a good steward — as directed by God.
Not as directed by someone else. You get on your knees and see what God wants for you.
Stewardship may mean investing to some. I disagree if you are looking to save up for rainy days. If God gives us an overabundance we usually find places to put it. If we don't have needs, we try to find others that do. We try to share what we have with others. If we have an abundance of food we invite people over to share it while we fellowship. If we don't have extra food we still invite people for the fellowship. It isn't wrong to have someone in your home without food, though with food is more fun.
Principle Two: Always be willing to give up all you have to move to another ministry, or to another place of residence if the Lord should lead
you to do it. For that matter be willing to give up all you have if the Lord should lead you to do so.
We have sold all we could sell several times to finance the trips cross country to college and to ministries. One time we sold everything we wanted to get rid of and loaded the trailer. The next day we headed to the next town where our in-laws lived and found that our car did not have enough power to pull the trailer. We drove in 2nd gear for 40 miles. We backed up to their garage — unloaded everything and began sorting the essentials from the non-essentials. We began a large pile of stuff that we wanted to leave and decided that we should give it away. We called the pastor and asked him to contact needy families and send them over. We Made Their Day — And I Might Add He Made Our Day...
We really enjoyed seeing those folks get some of the things they needed. We reloaded with about half the stuff and continued on the next day. Miss the stuff? Some we have missed at times, but those things we really needed we always had the finances to replace them when we needed them. For the most part it was non-essentials that we left.
We have always felt that our belongings were for conversion into cash if we had need. We have sold many things at many different times to make up where the bankbook left off.
It has been interesting at times to consider the things that we absolutely could not sell. We for five years tried to sell our piano at a very good price. There were no takers. We did finally sell it when we were selling everything that we could so that we could make a move. That particular move was very expensive and our income was interrupted for a sizable time. The money from the piano carried us through those incomeless days.
We have never suffered from having sold anything. There are times when we wish we had such and such but we have either replaced it or done well without it.
It has been fun to see how the replacements of things we wanted to replace came about. When it came time to replace, quite often the only thing in our price range was something on sale that was much better quality than what we had sold.
We started our college days with a $10 stereo amplifier and a very poor am/fm tuner. The next one was a stereo that didn't work that was given to me in about 100 pieces in a cardboard box. I was able to repair it and we sold it later for a sizable price. We sold and replaced many times with very little cash outlay over what we sold the old one for and today we have a 30 watt AM/FM tuner amp and speakers that are worth more than $400. We paid very little for it. By the way we have tried to sell that outfit many times and couldn't.
Principle Three: Always be willing to give of your prizes as He leads.
I became interested in coin collecting in the 80's when the silver and gold prices were low. I was not selective in coins that I purchased, but bought those that caught my interest and those that might increase in value.
I had quite a collection of neat coins gathered together. I was becoming quite attached to them because they were so very interesting.
One day the silver prices started going wild. I watched the market and decided not to buy any more silver coins. As the market went up I decided that to own silver coins was foolish. There was no way that I could collect them on our budget, so had been thinking about selling them.
One day at church a friend mentioned he wanted prayer for their finances. He was due to register for seminary shortly, and had to come up with several hundred dollars to pay off the preceding semesters bill in order to register.
Faith and I wanted to help but had no money. The coins crossed my mind so we discussed it and went for it. We had no idea what we could raise in the way of money, but decided anything we could do would be a help.
I packed up all the coins and headed for the coin store. The silver price was up even more than before. The man totalled up all that was before him and he gave me the figure. I told him to give me the cash.
The total was enough to pay the seminary bill plus enough to reimburse us for all that we had invested in the coins. The very next day the silver market plunged.
Principle Four: If you are offered free insurance or retirement benefits, it would be sensible to accept them.
This may be the method by which God is going to provide for you.
We have had this come up several times in our lives. We have seen God provide for medical needs and dental needs through free and very inexpensive insurance. Faith worked for Penneys and they offered med/dental insurance for the family for under $15 a month. We opted for it and received benefits far above the premium, in care.
He does not always provide in that way. We had an emergency a few years ago that cost more than $2000 and took me away from work for a couple of months. We had no insurance and little income. Would you believe that the Lord was able to handle it? He provided through a good job after the time off, that gave us enough to live on and pay on the bill. He also provided through a good church that helped in many ways.
You Do All That You Can And God Will Fill In The Gap.
I was offered a retirement plan that was totally free. I was planning on being in the area only three years and it would not have benefits for five years so I told my Jewish boss no thanks and told him why I thought that it would be unnecessary. He said, "Stan you don't know how long you will be here so you sign it." I signed it, and we were in the area for seven or eight years.
When I left the company they informed me we would receive two checks over the next few months, but they didn't know how much they would be.
We moved away and found that we had some large needs when we arrived at our new ministry. The first check arrived and it was for over $1000, and it took care of the needs. See, God can provide our needs, at times eight years before we know about them. The second check was around $800. All that for a signature. Anyone want to make me an offer like that today?
Principle Five: Keep your eyes on God, and not everyone else's paycheck.
I Guarantee That This Will Be A Major Job. Realize that God deals in different ways with different people. He may chose to put you through the mill and some one else on easy street.
During our first year of college we were eating pancakes to many times a day. We were really in a bad way. One day in chapel they opened a time for testimonies. One of the Sophomores stood and told that he had gotten a job at a grocery store and that the boss was giving him a good wage and told him that he wanted to provide all his groceries for the rest of his college days.
Yes, I was wondering why him and not US. God needed to teach me through that testimony time that He does as He wills. The pancakes still filled us and so we went on for a time.
Principle Six: In particular situations seek all info — figure — think — pray — decide.
You must use the wisdom that God gives to you when you ask in accordance with James 1.
At times it is wise to wait. At times it is wise to move quickly — let God tell you which one.
We needed a car in a very bad way at one time. We had prayed and the Lord had given us $200 toward a car. We were looking and praying. We found several possibilities, all of which seemed good and affordable. We did not have peace about any of the cars. We waited and prayed. We waited for over a month with this looking and seeking and no peace.
Finally, I told Faith that I thought that we should go back to our hometown and see what we could find. I called my father to ask him to begin looking around for us. He picked up the phone and we went through the hi, how are you routine, and before I mentioned anything about cars, he said, "By the way Stan, could you and Faith use a car if it was free?" Naturally, I told him we weren't interested. HA. We went back to pick it up and it was unbelievable. The car was a former highway patrol interceptor and believe me, a neat car. We drove the car for some time, free of charge.
By the way we have had three cars given to us over the years that have given a total of around 150,000 miles. Two of them came from people that had no idea that we needed them.
On the other hand we have driven cars that belonged in junk yards, because that is what the Lord had provided. One we had burned oil so bad that when you stopped at a stoplight and the sun was shinning you could see this cloud rolling from under the hood. I used to sit in total embarrassment when we got caught on a red light. However, we drove that car for over a year and a car dealer gave us $250 for it when the Lord provided another.
Principle Seven: If you find that you have an excess of money and you usually are broke, don't go out and spend it immediately, unless you have the Lord's direction that you should.
Many times in our lives we have been given large sums of money — get all excited about how we were going to use it, and find out in a few days that the car needed a set of tires, or the daughter needs teeth pulled, or the wife is in the hospital, or what ever God may have provided it for.
At other times the Lord just enjoys making a bright spot in your day.
Principle Eight: God promises to meet our needs. I assume that is a lifelong promise.
I will warn you that trusting in this promise gets harder as your age increases. As the poor health years approach and the possible need to stop ministering due to health approaches all sorts of worry can set in. This was especially real to me when we moved to Cheyenne, WY and could not find work of any sort for some weeks. Then as I worked at my part time janitorial job, I really wondered about the wisdom of not having had a savings account, paid for home and an IRA.
Just another thought: As you reach retirement consider — God has provided your needs for 65 years and didn't go broke so 15 to 20 more years shouldn't strain Him too much.
Principle Nine: Give as you are able and as God directs.
We've attempted never to go below a tenth, and have given at times as much as 50%.
There were times when we felt that the Lord would have us really skimp in our own lives and give heavily to help missions. These have been usually brief periods of time. I have often wondered if He was just interested in seeing if we would do it. There are other ways of giving as well. There are material things that can be given to missionaries.
We had an electronic keyboard for a number of years. We never used it and had it out at every garage sale that came along at a ridiculously low price. During a missions conference a man ministering in South America mentioned they used them in Brazil. My brain lit up. A way to get rid of that thing in the closed that is always covered with dust. God had a place for it and He just asked the Dericksons to keep it dusted.
Principle Ten: Watch and enjoy how God decides to provide for you.
God has a good sense of humor and timing. I had a professor in graduate school that took most of a class period to tell us that God does not provide for students through the mail box. Now, I don't know of many students that have not at one time or another gained great financial help through their mail box. It is just one of the ways that God works with Bible school students. God does do great things through mailboxes.
True we should not sit on our duffs waiting for the bucks to fall, but at the same time God gives through the mailbox at times.
I do not fault this faculty member, because he was formerly a banker that had never had any reason to live by faith. He always had the money and always controlled it well.
After this long session on the practical aspects of money, I was in the library and one of the students asked me if I agreed with the professor. I said that I didn't and shared some of the times when the Lord had supplied through the mail box. He had been very concerned that he was in error, because the Lord gave money to him at times through the mail box.
I didn't think to much more about it. We were preparing to make a major move cross country and had decided we would need around $2000 for a different car and trailer expenses. We hadn't really been praying about the money yet because we hadn't done any exact figuring.
That day when I went home for lunch I stopped for the mail and found a letter with a check in it. $2000. The next day I sat down by the student and said, "Say, do you know what I found in my mailbox just after we talked yesterday?" When he said no, I slid the check out of my checkbook enough for him to see the amount.
God provides in many ways, so don't try to box Him in even though He likes mail boxes.
There is one other area that I might mention. Debt or credit.
FACTS
1. It costs dearly. On one account we had we paid a payment of $22.00 per month and the interest was $18.37 per month.
2. It is very handy to have at times.
3. It can be a trap.
4. It is not against scripture to borrow.
a. Romans 13 mentions owe no man anything. If you are current, you don't technically owe. When you are delinquent in your payment, then you owe.
b. The Old Testament has laws of usury or interest and it was all right to loan and to borrow.
5. If you never borrow you will be the better for it. It is spending what you don't have, and that is never best.
6. A guide: If the benefit of the item purchased is more than the finance charge, then you will profit from it. (You would profit more if you paid cash however.)
7. If you know someone in debt don't give them a guilt trip. I became sick of guilt trips years ago, when the super saints felt we shouldn't be in debt. At that time we shouldn't have been, but we realized it after the fact, and the guilt trips helped very little.
We have always tried to stay debt free, but at times take on debt.
Most people who are against debt own homes that are financed. That is debt even if they call it an investment. Most make payments on cars as well.
You let God lead you in your decisions. Gather facts — pray — think — plan — pray and follow Him.
These are just some thoughts that I have jotted down and I'm not sure that the Derickson family has always functioned under these principles as we should have.
These are set forth for your consideration and not as a teaching of scripture. I believe they are based on the Bible and what God would have us do, however these are convictions and decisions that you need to make with your mate and your God.
1. Don't expect this type of answers to your prayers.
God is far to inventive to answer yours as he has ours. Indeed, He seldom answers my prayers like I think He might.
2. We dropped all life insurance in the 60's due to several reasons:
a. We were broke and owed $6000.
b. We decided that God can take care of Faith without my help if I should die before she does.
c. We felt that this would be more in keeping with the thought of living by faith and laying up treasures in heaven.
3. Some time ago a student asked me if we saved money, and I sidestepped the question. My answer? HA.
At times we have put extra aside toward some project or some need that we knew that was coming. Usually and normally we do not put money away. In recent years due to our income we have not had reason to consider it.
As far as retirement goes, I am trusting that the Lord will keep me active until He decides I should go home. We did not opt out of Social Security as
some ministers do, because I could not in good conscience sign the statement. The statement declares that you feel that it is against your belief system.
If Social Security fails before I get to the retirement age I will not be totally surprised, nor heart broken. God can use other means than the United States government to support us. INDEED, the United States government may not be here when I'm 65. God has brought about changes that most would have deemed impossible in 1987 in the Eastern Block. Don't put your stock in the institutions of this world for they rise and fall, but put your stock in the Lord — He never changes.
Many lost loads of money when the Savings and Loan scandal hit. Some will never recover their losses. You cannot really plan for the future. We have some older friends that had sold a business and invested very wisely. They had planned for a set amount to live on and a set amount to give on a monthly basis to the Lord through missions when they retired. The economy did some strange things after they retired and they are not living as they had planned. The Lord has supplied and they live nicely and still give according to what they have but it is not what they had planned.
Do not put your trust in what you can do, save, accomplish, for God may well have other plans for you. Plan to the best of your ability with wisdom from the Lord and allow Him to do the rest.
I trust that this has not been to boring.
I also trust that it has been a time of uplifting the Lord and His watchful care over us.
In closing, do not tell people this is what I teach as the proper way to live. You consider it and see if you feel it is Biblical and if it is, apply it to yourself, and then teach others.
One last point. These principles came about over a period of years. I didn't just up and one day institute them in our lives. They are things that Faith and I have discussed and considered before the Lord, and decided we wanted to be a part of our life together.
Part of all this is that God has always chosen to keep us on short accounts financially. It is easy to live by these principles in that circumstance. Give
us a million dollars, and I have no idea how we would apply these principles.
You do the very best you can using what God has given you to work with. You care for your family as you can. If you can't care for them like you want, or like others think you should, don't worry about it. God knows what He's given you to work with — He is your master not others.
APPENDIX FOUR
Since I have made reference to the Baptist distictives is seemed good to give a listing and brief explanation of these for the reader.
Baptists believe in the usual fundamentals of the faith, however due to their history and convictions they are distinctively "Baptist." Most are Baptist by conviction and are convinced that the Baptist stand is correct.
This is somewhat of a consternation to other Biblicaly sound people in that the distinctives which we will soon see are Biblical distinctives first and the Baptists have by nature held to them through the years. The Bible church movement holds to these same Biblical distinctives also.
The difference may be that the Baptists have held them longer. However there is evidence there were Biblically centered people much earlier than the Anabaptists.
"Baptists believe in the scriptural teaching of the priesthood of believers, which is the spiritual principle underlying their democratic type of church life. They believe that every believer receives salvation and has free access to God the Father at any time for spiritual comfort and forgiveness of sins through the one and only High Priest, Jesus Christ our Savior. With this principle in mind, Baptists have opposed any distinction between the clergy and laity that savors of priesthood." (from a pamplet What Baptists Believe by Robert Torbet)
They feel that the congregation has the final authority in all matters.
Due to their persecution by state churches in their early days they have held tenatiously to the separation of church and state.
The Baptists have what they call "Baptist Distinctives". These are some beliefs that Baptists from the early days have held to be Biblical. They are not Biblical distinctives but "Baptist Distinctives". I have discussed this often with many baptists and always end up with the same frustration.
These things are doctrines of the Scriptures. God made them up and not Baptists. They are doctrines that Baptists for years have held but they are
still Biblical distinctives. I feel that if you hold these ideals and doctrines you are a Bible beleiving Christian. I say what I say knowing that I am as Baptist as most baptists. I have been educated in two Baptist schools and feel more comfortable with Baptist churches than any other.
BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES
1. Biblical Authority. The Bible is the rule for faith and practice in all areas of life.
Whats more the Bible is the only authority for your life as opposed to the Roman church that the Baptists fought with in their early days. A church system has no authority over the believer. This is not to say that the individual of a local congregation can't be disciplined if there is sin in their life. The thought of a church hierarchy telling a person what is spiritual is what they oppose.
2. Autonomy Of The Local Church. This means that the local church is independent of all ties with other organizations.
There are fellowships of Baptists which are loosely knit gatherings of pastors and laymen for the purpose of fellowship and mutual edification. There are some churches that will work together in the areas of youth work and evangelism.
Some are very strong on not being linked in any way with other churches — even of their own kind. In Denver years ago there were at least a dozen independent Baptist churches with Christian day schools. They wouldn't even go together to buy paper and supplies together to get a price break.
3. Priesthood Of All Believers. The emphasis is on ALL believers. Each and every believer has the right to go before the throne of grace with his needs and sins to set them right before God.
4. Two Ordinances. There is the Lord's table that is usually open to all believers, but not always. Some have closed tables for their own members only. The second ordinance is that of baptism by immersion as an outward sign of an inward change.
5. Individual Soul Liberty.
6. Saved, Baptized Church Membership. All people desiring to be part of an assembly must be baptized and saved before they can become members.
7. Two Offices. Pastors or as they very seldom say but usually admit to elders and deacons. The deacons are the board that keep the church running. Most deacon boards are very active in the spiritual end of things as well as the physical.
8. Separation Of Church And State. They are opposed to any state intervention into church affairs. Be it worship or day school.
I agree with their feeling and would back them on their feelings however in turn, logic demands that the church not be benifited by the state. The majority of Christians be they Baptist or other would be up in arms if the government took away our tax exempt status. Now if we really want separation of church and state shouldn't we welcome the lifting of tax exempt status?
From the above distinctives you can see why a congregational form of government has been the hallmark of Baptists churches. It is only in recent years that some have begun to stray from this distinctive.
If the individual believer has access to God on his own and can be lead and guided by God then it follows that the church should be lead by all the people as they are in tune with God.
The balance between "Baptist Distinctives" versus "Biblical Distinctives" was met by a college prof of mine. Mark Richard Muntz told us that the distinctives were not purely Baptist, but they were points of doctrine that the Baptists have closely followed through history. He mentioned that the points are needed to fully achieve the Biblical local church. He also stressed that if a church did not follow these points of doctrine, they were not truely a Baptist church.
APPENDIX FIVE
The listing of references that speak of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God. Read each reference and see if you can find out if there is a difference between these two kingdoms and if so what that difference is. Also try to determine what the kingdoms are.
KINGDOM OF GOD
Matthew; 6:33; 12:28; 19:24; 21:31; 21:43
Mark; 1:14; 4:11; 4:26; 4:30; 9:1; 9:47; 10:14; 10:23-25; 12:34; 14:25; 15:4
Luke; 4:43; 6:20; 7:28; 8:1; 8:10; 9:2; 9:11; 9:27; 9:60; 9:62; 10:9; 10:11; 11:20; 12:31; 13:18; 13:20; 13:28-29; 14:15; 16:16; 17:20; 18:16-17; 18:2425; 19:11; 21:31; 22:16; 22:18; 23:51
John; 3:3; 3:5
Acts; 1:3; 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23; 28:31
Romans; 14:17
1 Corinthians 4:20; 6:9-10; 15:50
Galatians 5:21
Colossians 4:11
2 Thessalonians 1:5
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Matthew; 3:2; 4:17; 5:3; 5:10; 5:19-20; 7:21; 8:11; 10:7; 11:11-12; 13:11; 13:24; 13:31; 13:33; 13:44; 13:47; 13:52; 16:19; 18:1; 18:3-4; 18:23; 19:14; 19:23; 20:1; 22:2; 23:13; 25:1; 25:14
APPENDIX SIX
This is a partial listing of the references concerning "one another" or "one toward another" in the New Testament. See a concordance for a complete listing.
"ONE ANOTHER"
Romans 2:15; 12:10 13:8; 14:13; 15:7; 15:14 16:16
1 Corinthians 16:20
2 Corinthians 13:12
Galatians 5:13; 5:15; 5:26
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13; 3:16
1 Thessalonians 4:9; 4:18; 5:11
Titus 3:3
Hebrews 3:13; 10:24; 10:25
1 Peter 5:14
1 John 3:23; 4:7;4:11; 4:12
2 John 5
Revelation 6:4
"ONE TO ANOTHER"
Romans 1:27; 12:10;12:16; 15:5
1 Corinthians 4:6;6:7; 11:33;12:25
Galatians 5:15
Ephesians 4:25; 4:32;5:21
Colossians 3:9
1 Thessalonians 3:12
1 Timothy 5:21
James 5:16
1 Peter 3:8; 4:9; 4:10; 5:5
1 John 1:7
Revelation 11:10
APPENDIX SEVEN
SPIRITUAL GIFTS (LISTED IN ORDER BY REFERENCES)
ROMANS 12:6-8
Prophecy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhorting, Giving, Ruling, Mercy,
1 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10
Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues,
1 CORINTHIANS 12:28-30
Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Healings, Helps, Governments, Tongues,
EPHESIANS 4:11
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and teachers
SPIRITUAL GIFTS (arranged to show duplicate listings)
ROMANS
12:6-8 I CORIN
12:6-8 I CORIN
12:28-30 EPHESIANS
4:11
Prophecy Prophecy Prophets Prophets Ministry Teaching Teachers Exhorting
Giving Ruling
Mercy
Faith
Word of
wisdom Word of knowledge
Healing Healing Miracles Miracles Discerning of
spirits Tongues Tongues Interpretation
of tongues
Apostles Apostles Helps Governments
Evangelists Pastor/teachers
SPIRITUAL GIFTS (LISTED BY SIGN VS. MINISTRY GIFTS.)
SIGN GIFTS
Prophecy, Faith, Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Healing, Miracles, Discerning of spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Apostles
MINISTRY GIFTS
Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Ruling, Mercy, Helps, Governments, Evangelists, Pastors and teachers
Those that make distinctions between sign and ministry gifts normally reject the sign gifts for our own day. The sign gifts were for the apostolic days and this can be shown in several different ways.
APPENDIX EIGHT
THE GIFT OF PASTOR-TEACHER EXAMINED
OUTLINE
Introduction
1. The Context Of The Gift
2. The Description Of The Gift
3. The Meaning Of The Gift
4. The Application Of The Gift
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
In my early college days the Lord laid it on my heart to prepare for the ministry of teaching at the college level. All of my college and seminary work was aimed toward that time when I would be teaching in a Bible college or Bible Institute. The Lord used a number of things to help me understand that I had the gift of teaching. To begin with, I found that I seemed effective as a teacher with several age groups. Many people responded positively to my ministry and finally there were many that told me they felt that I had the gift of teaching.
I proceeded to pray concerning where the Lord might be able to use me and it seemed obvious that teaching was the area. From that point on I attempted to be involved in that ministry. As time went by, I discovered that the usual college/institute teacher was a pastor that had decided later in life to go into teaching. Many of them as I observed were men that did not do that well in the pastorate.
At one point in my life I was faced with deciding whether I should go into the pastorate. I was not comfortable with doing the work that we noramlly assign to the pastor. The roll of marrying, counceling, funeraling etc. As I considered these things it crossed my mind that I was certain what a
teacher was, but that I was not certain about what a pastor was. As I considered this, a word study about the word "pastor" seemed appropriate.
1. THE CONTEXT OF THE GIFT
The gift is listed in Ephesians four. Please take time to read verse 11-16. Notice that the gift of pastor is linked to the gift of teaching. This gift is listed in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, and Ephesians 4:11. We cannot look at the gift of pastor without considering the gift of teaching. Some link these two gifts together showing there is a gift of pastor-teacher and a gift of teaching. The thought being that the pastor of a church should have the gift of pastor-teacher while a teacher would have the gift of teaching.
The text seems to indicate that the Lord gifted different men in different ways. The emphasis is on the man that is gifted in the text. The man that was listed as a pastor also received the gift of teaching. This is not to say that every pastor must have the gift of teacher, only that Christ gifted some with both pastor and teacher. You might wonder why I give emphasis to this. The church is given the gifts that it needs. We have a wrong concept of what the pastor of a church is. Today a pastor is a man that preaches, teaches, councels, calls, visits, mowes lawns, cleans floors, and everything else.
I believe, and I believe that Scripture teaches that this concept is grossly wrong. A pastor is not all of these things. A pastor is a man that has the gift of pastor. This man may be the local undertaker, or the banker, or the butcher. He is a man in the church that can do the work of a pastor. We will look at what I mean as we go along, but we MUST get rid of the thought that the pastor of a church is the man that does everything.
Paul in Ephesians was not trying to say that the pastor-teacher was the head of the physical local assembly. He was telling the Ephesians that the Lord had given some men the gift of apostleship, some men the gift of prophet, some men the gift of evangelism, some men the gift of pastoring and some men the gift of teaching. The first two, the gifts of apostles and prophets were among the sign gifts that have passed away. He stated by coupling the gifts of pastor and teacher together that some men have both
gifts. He was not requiring that the pastor be a teacher or that every teacher be a pastor.
There are two gifts. Pastor and teacher. The pastor gift is not listed elsewhere in scripture. Indeed the translation of this Greek word by the term "pastor" is misleading and probably due to the wrong concept of pastor that the church has had for many years.
The Greek term translated pastor here is actually translated differently every time it appears in the New Testament. It is normally translated shepherd, which is a totally different idea than what we have for the pastor of our day. Let's consider all of this for awhile.
What are the terms that are used in Eph.? The term translated pastor is "poimeen" and it is normally translated shepherd. Indeed, it is never translated pastor, except in the Ephesians text. The term translated teacher is "didaskalos" and is translated "master" in the Gospels and teacher in the rest of the New Testament.
2. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE GIFT
Let's look at the term "poimeen" and find out just what a shepherd should be. There are only two references containing this term in the epistles and both of them are referring to the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25)
The other uses of the term are found in the Gospels. We won't take time to look at these, but they show the ministry of a shepherd to his sheep. Probably the reference that depicts the overall idea is Matthew 9:36 which shows the overall concern of the shepherd. "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they were faint, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." You should note that this Shepherd not only had the compassion for the people, but His entire ministry was the steps He took to relieve their misery. It was a caring, and ministering to the sheep.
I would like to sum up the thoughts of the other Gospel references and just list the items that can be seen concerning the shepherd. (These references contain the word "poimeen". Matthew 9:36 (Mark 6:34);
Matthew 25:32; Matthew 26:31 (Mark 14:27); Luke 2:8-20; John 10:116.)
THE SHEPHERD
Gathers the sheep. Collect, control, draw, and limit are part of gathering sheep.
Keeps the sheep from falsehood or things that are not true.
In the case of Christ, He died for the sheep.
Watches over the sheep.
Stick with the sheep to assure their safety. Won't leave them.
Know his sheep. His sheep will also know the shepherd. This is not descriptive of many of our churches today.
We won't go into these thoughts. You can apply these things for yourself.
3. THE MEANING OF THE GIFT
If the man is gifted to be a shepherd then he is one that practices the art of shepherding with a flock of believers. The man that is a teacher is teaching the sheep to do the work that the Lord has for them to do.