Character Matters

Introduction

This morning we are continuing our series on biblical church leadership focusing in on the role of overseer...

Body: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Verse 1

Overseer:

The term itself is widely translated as “bishop” “elder” or “pastor”.

Today we typically see this person as a pastor or an elder.

Regardless of what we call the office, an overseer is charged with overseeing the spiritual affairs of the church.

The basic idea is someone responsible for leading the church. An elder who is charged with guarding or watching over the church, particularly the spiritual affairs of the church.

My favorite title is the under-shepherd, as we are shepherding the sheep that belong to the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

The flock isn’t mine, it belongs to Christ and therefore it is a humbling calling.

aspires…desires:

This is a little ironic, because in Paul’s day, the overseer probably wouldn’t have been something that someone aspired to or desired.

Persecution...

Not always well thought of because of the FT’s...

Often times, those who desire to be a pastor too strongly are the last people we would want because their motivation becomes the position, not the calling...

Like today, a pastor is an imperfect person ministering to imperfect people...

Paul wants to show, however, that this is a noble task, worth following.

noble task:

When Paul calls it a “noble task” he is saying it has highly desirable or positive qualities which are of great benefit to the church.

And while it is true that some behave in an ignoble way, the office itself is noble, or worthwhile.

One of the more fascinating aspects of Paul’s instructions to the church when it comes to church leaders is that he doesn’t spend a lot of time talking about the duties of those leaders.

Neither overseers or deacons get a clear explanation of the tasks that will be expected of these roles.

This is probably because those tasks will vary depending on numerous factors and needs within the church.

However, we see throughout the rest of the NT some of the work of the overseers/elder/pastor:

prayer - Acts 6:4

ministry of the Word (preaching & teaching) - Acts 6:4

leading - Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:4-5

equipping - Ephesians 4:12

teaching - 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15

shepherding - 1 Peter 5:1-4

setting an example for others - 1 Peter 5:3

However, what Paul does focus on for both is their character. In fact, for Paul, character matters far more than the duties, as a man with an ungodly character will never lead God’s church in the direction God wants for it.

On the flip side, a man of high moral character is far more likely to not only hear from God, but respond to His leadership for the church.

Verses 2-3

Is this only an office for men?

This question that is widely debated today. Especially since the 1960s, we are seeing more and more denominations reinterpret this text to suggest that it encompasses both men and women.

In fact, today, those who suggest that only men can hold to office of overseer or pastor are in the minority, not the majority in the American church.

Here’s the challenge I would propose to the majority, however: this entire passage is male-centric in it’s wording (Greek & English); throughout the NT, men alone in the position of overseer/elder/pastor; and it is a very modern reinterpretation that I believe is more reflective of people wanting to adjust the Bible to fit with modern views, instead of allowing the Bible to drive our thinking.

This isn’t to say that women cannot serve as leaders in the church. Churches wouldn’t survive without women in leadership positions. Women are indispensible when it comes to leadership in the church.

But, I believe that the NT points very clearly to these two offices, pastor and deacon, being for men alone. And I will only ever ordain men to be pastors or deacons.

above reproach:

This means that there are no flagrant sins in the life of this man, which would mar his ability to lead and to give people an example to follow.

This doesn’t mean that he is sinless, otherwise it would be an impossible calling.

But it’s a call to live a life that takes Christ following as the most important driving force in his life, and therefore he is not a hypocrite when it comes to his walk with Christ.

Being above reproach is so important that, I believe the rest of what Paul lists here expands on what it means to be above reproach.

the husband of one wife:

Literally in Greek this is “one-woman man.”

The issue here is sexual purity.

In fact, sexual purity is one of the greatest downfalls of pastors historically, and especially in our time.

But, this verse is not without controversy as people often ask, “Does this mean that a pastor must be married?” And, “Does this mean a pastor can never have been divorced?”

Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to answer because Paul doesn’t really go into detail about what he means by “one-woman man.” Thus, different suggestions have been made:

Not single - Paul himself says that he wishes men would be single like him, so this is not a likely interpretation.

Not a polygamist - while true, it wasn’t widely practiced in the Hellenistic world Paul was writing to.

Not remarried - but what about in the case of a death or a biblically acceptable divorce, like with marital unfaithfulness? And, what about a pre-conversion divorce? Can’t God forgive all sins?

Not unfaithful in marriage - this is most likely point Paul is making.

The issue really is how one conducts himself in marriage.

If someone is unfaithful in his marriage, the most intimate, personal relationship possible between two people, then how can he be expected to be faithful to Christ’s bride, the church?

I believe that the sense that Paul is getting at here is that the man would be devoted to his wife and not a philanderer.

A married man ought not to be even flirtatious with another woman. He must only have eyes for his wife.

Now that I’ve said I believe it’s most likely pointing to the call to be faithful in one’s marriage, I want to make something very clear:

Those who are remarried must be examined closely, not just given a free pass, especially in a culture like ours that embraces divorce for any reason.

I believe it’s important to hear someone’s story, determine what God has been doing in their life since their divorce, and pray diligently about each specific situation.

But, a divorce can certainly be a reason that a pastor or a deacon is disqualified from service.

I personally feel so strongly about this that I would probably not hire a pastor who has been divorced, except for very specific, biblical reasons. (I feel slightly different when it comes to deacons, as I’ll discuss next week.)

sober-minded:

Literally, he is to be temperate.

This means he is not given to any extremes in behavior.

One of the things I love about the PNW is our fairly temperate weather: it’s usually not too hot or not too cold. Yes, we have small stretches of weather events, but generally speaking it’s going to be pretty mild here when it comes to our weather.

The pastor should be similar to this. Not given too emotionalism, but fairly even keel most of the time.

self-controlled:

Meaning in control of one’s impulses. This goes beyond our emotions. It’s our acting out on our emotions.

The pastor ought to be mastered by God, not by his emotions.

And, most importantly, he should model this for others.

Proverbs 16:32 ESV

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

respectable:

Does he live an orderly life that is respected by others? Is his behavior worthy of respect?

hospitable:

Does he treat guests and strangers with generosity? Is he friendly and welcoming to people, especially other believers?

able to teach:

Specifically able to teach and preach God’s Word.

I believe this is a requirement for all who would call themselves pastor. Not that they would be able to preach every week, but all who call themselves pastor ought to be able to correctly handle God’s Word when called upon.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Interestingly, this is not expected of other roles, such as deacons.

not a drunkard:

The church cannot be led be a man who is a slave to that which will intoxicate him.

This would indicate a person who isn’t self-controlled.

My personal conviction (not a biblical mandate) is that a pastor shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. I think it is too easy to become a stumbling block to someone else when it comes to alcohol, so it is my firm conviction to never drink alcohol under any circumstances and I would encourage other pastors to not do it either.

But, again, that’s my personal opinion, not a biblical mandate.

not violent by gentle:

Meaning not a cruel or brutal person. The CSB says “not a bully.”

A gentle person is someone who is merciful and tolerant when it comes to others. The KJV says “patient”.

not quarrelsome:

A pastor shouldn’t be a person who is looking to get into verbal fights and arguments. The pastor is a peacemaker.

This doesn’t mean we should be people-pleasers and/or push-overs. We must stand for what is right. However, a person who enjoys arguing and fighting with people is not fit for ministry.

not a lover of money:

Money should never be the pastor’s goal of life. While we must be wise with money and there is nothing sinful about getting paid, a lover of money is one who is driven by money. Who thinks about money too much. Who refuses to be generous and to live a simple life.

The key to all of these requirements is that the Christian leader must be someone whose public and personal life is an example to others.

Verses 4-5

manage his own household well:

Paul takes special time to focus on how an overseer manages his own household.

Paul does this because the household is a great proving ground for how someone might care for the church.

Additionally, some pastors are wonderful at church but terrible parents at home. It’s easier to put on a show when people are looking, but at home we have our guards down.

But what does managing his own household well mean? Paul seems vague here.

He mentions submissive children, so we can assume that Paul is pointing out that a man is showing leadership at home with his children and guiding them to be devoted followers of Christ.

It doesn’t suggest, however, perfect children either!

It means he is willing to discipline as discipline is needed. He guides and directs their spiritual lives, just as he does with the church.

Verse 6

not a recent convert:

While Paul doesn’t lay-out a timeline here, he believes that a pastor should be someone who has been a Christian long enough to develop spiritual maturity.

Paul’s concern is that a new convert will become conceited. Why?

Because of the lack of spiritual maturity.

A immature Christian will fail to really understand the gravity of the position and become overly focused on personal and professional advancement.

Notice that this is the first mention of the devil here. Why does Paul warn about the “condemnation of the devil”?

It means the same kind of condemnation as the devil faces. The devil’s fall came because of pride. It will be the same with immature converts who rush to leadership before they mature spiritually.

Verse 7

well thought of by outsiders:

Why would an overseer need to be well thought of by outsiders?

Because when leaders fall it brings disgrace on the church and can even sully the name of Christ in the minds of non-believers.

So What?

A pastor is necessarily held to a high standard because he has a high calling on his life.

A good summation of all of this is that the pastor must be one who there is clear evidence of the Spirit’s work in his life.

Not that he is perfect. Not that he is not still being worked on by the Holy Spirit. But that it is clear that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in his life.

One writer said that a pastor is one who knows the Word, teaches the Word, and follows the Word.

Additionally, we learn from Acts 20:28-31 that a pastor, or elder, is held accountable to Christ because Christ is the authority of the church, not the pastor.

Next, lest we misunderstand, just about everything mentioned for pastors here is true for all believers, except maybe the teaching of the Word.

It is the leaders job to model what they would like to see in their people.

The church must see the pastor as fulfilling a noble task.

Most of the focus of this sermon has been on the character of a pastor. Justifiably so. However, I hope you are seeing that this is both a high calling and at times an overwhelming calling.

Within the modern American church, 40% of pastors are considered at high risk for burning out and leaving pastoral ministry forever.

Additionally, the growing trend right now is that fewer and fewer young men are entering the ministry. And, the majority that are, do not want to pastor established churches (choosing to either start a church or take part in a parachurch organization). The average age of a lead pastor has jumped from 50 years old in 2000, to 57 years old today.

Many pastors are leaving ministry because they feel like too much is expected from them, most of their work doesn’t reflect their giftedness, “death by a thousand papercuts”, not enough of the membership of the church is serving the needs of the church, and family pressures becomes overwhelming.

I mention this because the members of the church must commit to seeing pastoral ministry as a noble task and doing what it takes to build up and strengthen godly men who are following the call to be pastors.

Part of the role of a church member is to make it easy for a pastor to pursue his continual character development in all areas of his life.

What fills my pastor up? What tears him down?

You know who knows this best? His wife, his kids, and his secretary. These people see him at his best and at his worst...

To guard the most vital aspects of his ministry.

Others serving within the church frees the pastor up to focus on his most important work.

Share what God is doing in your life often.

This is vital to understand because the devil works overtime to make pastors feel like failures and guilty...

Last, but not least:

The church must protect the pastor’s family.

If you want to destroy a pastor quickly, attack his family.

Many, many, many pastors leave the ministry every year because it’s too much of a strain on his family.

Most pastor’s families are financially tight, to say the least;

Pastor’s families live under a microscope;

The stress of the job can cause a pastor to have health problems, which the family has to attend to;

The pastor’s family has to share him with the congregation and the community;

Many pastors don’t have a great work/life balance;

Pastor’s kids are leaving the church at an alarming rate, often times sighting how their father was treated by the church as their reason for leaving.

The church must put a high priority in doing everything in their power to protect the pastor’s family.

Show them grace;

Don’t make unreasonable demands;

Remember, the pastor’s family consists of human beings.