Compensation 5:17 – 18

Principle 5:17

· Careful attention should be given

o Elder = pastor, overseer

· Why should a pastor be compensated?

o Competent leadership (rule well = stands well before others; good superintendence; disciplined oversight)

o Diligent study & communication of the Word

· Double honor given (twice a normal effort would bring)

o Ministry excellence should be generously rewarded

Illustration 5:18

· Don’t muzzle the ox

o It was fair for the animal to enjoy some of the fruits of his laborer Deut. 25:4

· Pay the laborer

o A faithful laborer is worthy of receiving good wages
Deut. 24:15; Lev. 19:13; Matt 10:10; Luke 10:7

· Pay the pastor

o A hardworking pastor should be rewarded for his toil and laborious efforts

Confrontation 5:19 – 21

Proper Safeguards 5:19

· Accept no unsubstantiated rumors

o At least 2 or 3 witnesses required – the more the better!

o Multiple witnesses establish the truth of the matter

Stern Rebukes 5:20

· Substantiated claims must bring disciplinary action

o What impact might this have on the conduct of the church family? Acts 5:1 – 11; 1 Cor. 5:1 - 13

Impartial Discipline 5:21

· All action taken with view on accountability to God, Jesus and heavenly witnesses.

· God is observing how we conduct ourselves

o Impartiality demanded; no preferential treatment expected or given.

Consideration 5:22 - 25

Patience 5:22

· Don’t take the first person you find

o Take time to deliberately select the person who will be responsible for your welfare.

Purity 5:22

· Morally pure character

o A life reflective of a holy God

o Don’t allow a pastor’s sinful practices to taint the congregation

o A thorough examination of character, skill and integrity is called prudent.

Health 5:23

· Proper balance with health

o Not obsessed; not ignorant

· Care of body will reflect care for church

o The ideal pastor will take better care of his body so he can take best care of the flock.

o Poor health is no sign of spirituality

Reputation 5:24, 25

· Careful examination is a good idea

o True character cannot be hidden

o How can a church determine a man’s reputation?

Being a pastor is not an easy responsibility. After hundreds of years, the ideal pastor has been found. This model pastor suits everyone!

He preaches 20 minutes exactly and then sits down. He condemns sin but never hurts anyone’s feelings.

He works from 8 AM until 10 PM in every type of work, from preaching to custodial duties. He makes $60 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books regularly, has a nice family, drives a good car and gives $30 a week to the church.

He is 26 years old and has 30 years of preaching experience. He is tall and short, thin and heavy-set, and handsome. He has one brown eye and one blue; his hair is parted in the middle: the left side is dark and straight; the right side is brown and wavy.

He has a burning desire to work with the teens and spends all his time with the old folks. He smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work.

He makes 15 calls a day on church members, spends all his time evangelizing the un-churched and is never out of his office.