God designed the Church. His plan is laid out in The Instruction Book.
Always keep in mind:
1. The Goal of the church is the glory of God
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him and we are most satisfied in Him when we are pursuing Him the way He designed.
2. Two Leadership Roles
Pastors, who serve by leading
Deacons, who lead by serving
1 Timothy 3:1-13
On Pastoral Qualifications.
The central issue is character. It’s not about what he DOES, but who he IS
God gives pastors to the church as practical examples of the qualities that should exist in every Christian.
It Is a trustworthy saying - Of great importance. A foundational issue.
If any man - First requirement: a man
The role of pastor/elder/shepherd/overseer is restricted to men.
…aspires to the office
It’s an outward pursuit in response to an inner compulsion God places in you.
He desires a good work
It’s worthy, honorable,, eternally significant.
It’s daunting and a burden but truly a joy for those called to it.
a good work
It’s demanding, lifelong, and never-ending. It’s not a 9 to 5 job.
Remember:
1. These qualities are those that every single Christian should pursue themself.
2. It’s not about perfection, but direction.
• Above reproach
The overarching quality. Not sinless, but blameless. It’s about integrity.
• Husband of One Wife -
This is about sexual purity. He’s fully committed to his wife. In contrast to the immoral culture he lives in.
• Temperate -.
Not rash or erratic, but balanced
• Sensible
self control, balanced judgment, real discernment.
• Respectable
Well mannered, not rude, a gentleman.
• Hospitable
Open home, open heart. He loves people both inside and outside the church. (The Gospel Comes with a House Key)
• Able to teach
This is of central importance. While all believers teach in certain contexts, a pastor must be gifted in this area.
• Not addicted to wine
Not known for drinking. Standing in contrast to the culture.
• Not Pugnacious
Not argumentative, quarrelsome or violent (physically and verbally).
A pastor must contend for the truth
without being contentious
• Considerate
Not a bully - doesn’t, maneuver, or manipulate or continually push to get his own way.
• Peaceable
Gracious, kind, considerate, tolerant, tender, forbearing, sympathetic, & patient.
• Free from the love of money
Pastors don’t have to be paupers, but they’re not in it for the money. Prosperity preachers are the very definition of “love of money” and inherently DISqualified.
• Leading His Own Household well
A family man. He loves his wife, his children, and has an obvious unwavering commitment to them.
This is important because there’s a distinct parallel between:
governing and caring for the biological family and
governing and caring for the spiritual family
The last two are protections
• Not a Recent Convert
He must be spiritually mature
Pride is a struggle for everyone, but even more so for the spiritually immature man prematurely placed in a leadership role.
• Good reputation with those outside the church
Well thought of both inside and outside. He should be known as loving, kind, generous, and good
This is how we all should be known in the world:
Philippians 2:14-15 – Do all things without grumbling or disputing, so that you will be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
There’s also a reminder of your pastor’s greatest need:
Because pastors are more vulnerable to the enemy’s attack, they desperately need the prayers & support of their flock.
The Bottom Line:
1. Hold your leaders to these standards.
2. Pursue them yourself with greater intensity.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP:
Which one of these characteristics is the biggest struggle for you?
Pursue that today with ferocious intensity.
Ask someone to hold you accountable.
So that you make the gospel more attractive and appealing to the world by how you live your life.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
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