NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH LEADERSHIP PART 2

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH LEADERSHIP PART 2 1 Timothy 3:1-11 April 20, 2008 Given by: Pastor Rich Bersett [Index of Past Messages] Introduction A guy named Pete gets a job as a switchman with the railroad, and undergoes weeks of training. The supervisor then takes him into the switch booth to test his readiness. The following exchange takes place: Supervisor: "Imagine you were sitting here alone and you learned a train was coming from the North on that track, and another coming from the South on the same track. What would you do?" Pete: "I'd throw this switch right here and put one train on the other track." Supervisor: And what if that switch didn't work?" Pete: "I'd go down to the track and throw that big switch lever there, putting one train on the other track." Supervisor: "And what if that switch lever didn't work?" Pete: "Then I'd come back here and call the dispatcher to stop both trains." Supervisor: "And what if the phone didn't work?" Pete: "Then I'd go to that gas station across the street and use their phone." Supervisor: "And what if their phone didn't work?" Pete: "Then I'd go get Uncle Joe." Supervisor: "Uncle Joe??? What would he do?" Pete: "Nothing, but he ain't never seen a train wreck." To keep His church spiritually healthy and vibrant God, in His incomparable wisdom, set elders in place as the spiritual leaders of each local body of believers. Where that simple plan has been ignored or poorly followed, churches have become spiritual train wrecks. Where that plan has been implemented with attention to its scriptural application, those local churches have thrived, served their communities well and glorified Jesus Christ as Lord. It is my sincere desire that MECF, when all is said and done, will be a church like that. In that spirit I challenge every man in this congregation to desire in the healthiest sense of the word to be the leader God intended you to be. Dear women, I would say the same to you—but that particular word is for the men. At the risk of wearing you out with the repetition, I urge every man to aspire to the role of church elder, that esteemed position of servant leadership. If, for any reason, you never make it, you will be a better man for the effort. God wants you to be better dads, better husbands, better employees and employers, to the glory of His deserving Name! He wants you to be a leader. In keeping with my irascible goal to equip and deploy disciples who will lead and disciple others effectively, I open this Life Group on Biblical Eldership, to any man who will accept the challenge to take the first of many steps toward eldership by fully understanding God’s revealed design. Elders, be they bishop-types who oversee the local church, presbyter-types who wisely lead and direct the local church or pastor-types who uniquely teach, preach and shepherd the flock. are called to serve God by serving His church in a most honored and demanding role: feeding, leading and protecting. Of all callings, this one is chiefly committed to the pattern of leadership taught us by Jesus with the riveting punctuation of repeated teaching and grave emphasis. That pattern of leadership? The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them . . . but you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. (Luke 22:25-26) Qualifications If that is the primary objective, what kind of man will a leader need to be to qualify for such a post? Providentially, God left us a clear word on that matter—in two places in the New Testament. One is Titus, chapter one, and the other is our text this morning. READ 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-11. A couple of quick observations about these qualifications: First, they are not a demand for absolute perfection. No one will perfectly live up to absolute perfection on any of these. Second, they are nonetheless necessary. The Greek word used is the verb DEI, and it means “it is necessary”. These qualifications, to Paul, are non-negotiable. So, while no one can live up to any of them with perfection, they are still nec-essary to qualify a man for eldership. How can this be? Third, the question is not Does a man being considered for the ministry of elder have to be perfect in all these ways (no), nor is the question to be ignored (Oh well, no one’s perfect, and Smitty here meets at least half the qualifications so let him be an elder—who cares if he’s a little violent and quick-tempered and loves to pick fights?) (no). The real question is: Is a man characteristically this way? (Characteristically above reproach, respectable, self-controlled, gentle, not a lover of money, etc.?) Lastly, did you notice anything else about this list? Everything on this list is precisely what every Christian is called to be. They are every believers’ maturity goals! Though every believer is called to grow into such character, not every one is there yet (and that’s okay—it’s a process). Others have come through their growth phases well and have matured. Basically Paul is telling Timothy, get your elders from that second group. Quite frankly, it’s like verse six says: He must not be a recent convert (a neophyte). He simply must be solidly rooted in his faith with character and behavioral evidence that he has obeyed the Holy Spirit in the sanctifying process of maturity. Let me just ask you—do you want a newly-baptized, immature baby in the faith as your spiritual leader in the church? Of course not. Again, these are “qualifications” for the office of elder. Desire the work (3:1) I’ve placed this first qualification in parentheses because grammatically, it really isn’t in the list with the others—it’s actually in a conditional clause (if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer). In one sense, it is only the one who has set his heart on being an elder who will strive to bring his life into such order. Secondly, if you were to appoint an elder and he did not want to be an elder, what good would that do? Clearly, the first thing to look for in a prospective elder is whether he has a heart for the work. Notice, I say WORK (not prestige)—“noble task”. Above reproach (3:2 and Titus 1:7) This doesn’t mean the man has never done anything wrong, but generally, characteristically, people who know him would not say of him, That guy? A leader in the church?! You should see him at work! You should be around him on the weekend! (see also 1 Peter 2:11-12; 3:16; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:21-22) One-woman man (or husband of one wife) (3:2 and Titus 1:6) In the first century there could have been issues with polygamy (not widespread). An elder can’t have two or more wives or a wife and a mistress. What about divorce? There is no direct reference to divorce here, though some sincerely infer that. At its very clearest, this verse tells us that an elder must be devoted only to his wife—not adulterous or flirtatious. (see also 1 Corinthians 7:2; Matthew 5:27-28; Ephesians 5:25-30) Temperate (or sober) (3:2 and Titus 1:8) To be temperate or sober-minded means being the kind of person who is not easily swayed by a sudden excitable notion or whim; he is level-headed, in control of his emotions and attitudes. (see also Titus 2:2-16; Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 4:17) Self-controlled (3:2 and Titus 1:8) This term (Greek, SOPHRONOS) refers to one who thinks with wisdom, who takes appropriate care concerning things he says, things he does and things he plans. He is one whose behavior does not need constant attention by others, but whose actions have been wisely considered. Such a man is spiritually “alert,” counsels wisely. (see also Titus 2:2, 5; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8) Respectable (or dignified) (3:2) A respectable person is decent, orderly and modest. He is not flashy or flamboyant; he does not tend to attract attention to himself. Rather he wants God to be noticed and glorified. (see also 1 Corinthians 14:40; Romans 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12) Hospitable (3:2 and Titus 1:8) Literally this term is “love of strangers.” An elder needs to be the kind of person who non-prejudiciously reaches out to others, who is friendly, who gives attention and care to new people, conscious of their need to feel welcomed and accepted. (see also Romans 12:13-16; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9) Able to teach (3:2 and Titus 1:9) An elder simply must by adept enough in the content of God’s Word that he can readily exhort, correct or even reprove. He is one who may or may not be a gifted teacher, but nevertheless handles the Word with respect and discernment. He is know- ledge-able and conversant enough in the scriptures to help others understand spiritual truth. (see also Hebrews 5:12; 6:1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 3:15) Not a heavy drinker or not given to much wine (3:3 and Titus 1:7) Many are surprised this qualification is stated this way and that it doesn’t read He never touches alcohol. But it doesn’t say that, and allows for the prudent, non-addictive, discretionary drink. To imbibe alcohol is not prohibited, but to be controlled by appetite or addiction certainly is. (see also Galatians 5:12; Romans 13:13) Not violent, but gentle (3:3 and Titus 1:7) The elder is to be a gently, restrained person, one who is not easily riled or one who reacts to others with raised voice or fist. It would be an interesting meeting of the board of elders if a couple of these guys disagreed on something. (see also Ephesians 4:26-27, 31; James 1:19-20; 3:17; Philippians 4:5) Not a lover of money or greedy (3:3) Spiritual oversight of the Lord’s church is no place for a hoarder or a covetous or avaricious person. Dishonest gain is strictly prohibited for elders (1 Peter 5:1-4). Even a questionable distortion of values (mammon vs. kingdom) is a dangerous luxury for a spiritual leader. (see also Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Matthew 6:19-34) Good husband and dad or must manage his own household well (3:4-5) The elder’s children should respect and obey him, not as a dictator, but as a man of principle. He must likewise love and serve his wife receiving back from her respect and loving trust. If a man cannot manage his own family, how can he serve effectively in a leadership role in the family of God? (see also Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:19-21) Not a recent convert (3:6) As we discussed earlier, a younger, less mature believer, thrust into a leadership role may become conceited, authoritarian or overwhelmed. There is a good deal of personal, spiritual maturity necessary for this responsibility. (see also 1 Peter 2:1-3; Romans 12:3; Colossians 1:28) Good reputation (3:7) To avoid the danger of the church’s witness in the community being tarnished, no man whose character is suspect in the eyes of that community should be an elder in the Lord’s church. As under “above reproach” the elder must be respected as a “good man” even by unbelievers. (see also 1 Peter 2:12; Philippians 2:14-16) Paul wanted both Timothy and Titus to know in no uncertain terms what to look for in a potential leader. As we outline and elaborate on these requirements, note that Paul said very little about skills or abilities or even gifts. All these characteristics relate to qualities of life, high morals, ethical behavior, right attitudes, pure motives, proper goals, positive habits, quality relationships and a good reputation. The Holy Spirit’s main concern through the apostle Paul is that good spiritual men would lead the Lord’s church. But what does the New Testament say about the church’s responsibility toward their elders/leaders? Church Responsibility Toward Elders Hebrews 13:7-9 - Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings… Skip to verse 17: Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. What do you hear in these passages? In a nutshell, the church members’ biblical responsibility toward their elders is this: MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM. Taking on the role of leadership in any organization is a daunting thing. It can be very draining. There will be long hours sometimes; there are often sleep-deprived or even sleepless nights; there is the occasionally burdensome worry over the spiritual error or need of some of the flock; there are financial, emotional, sociological, administrative and relational issues that will often come up in a group of 150 or more people. Your elders commit themselves to serve Christ and His people, feeding, leading and protecting them. The New Testament is very clear that the members of the church flock are to respond to their elders in these ways: 1. Understand the spiritual gravity of the elders’ responsibilities   2. Pray for your elders (and other leaders: LG leaders, Team leaders)   3. Respect them for the work that they do   4. Emulate them – they say that imitation is highest form of praise, but the Bible says it is the perfectly proper response   5. Obey them   6. Submit to their authority Billy and I will be leading a special Life Group targeting Biblical Eldership starting May 1. If you are interested in being a part of it, please let me or Billy know as soon as you can. There will be a complementary study for women: The Power of a Praying Wife.       [Back to Top]