A Word to Pastors

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To his young protégés, Paul says it’s a good thing to want to be a pastor. If you are qualified and want to be in a place where you can use the gift the Spirit of God has given you—then seek that office. (However, if you don’t have the spiritual gift and don’t feel led—then, by all means, don’t feel bad about not being in ministry.)

Never is a pastor to “rule” the church. He serves the church, not rules over it. A pastor ought to be many things. Here’s a list to start:

• “Blameless.” He shouldn’t be found guilty of anything he might be accused of.
• “The husband of one wife.” The elder shouldn’t have two wives (polygamy was common in Paul’s day).
• “Temperate.” He’s calm and cautious.
• “Sober-minded.” He’s serious-minded about his responsibilities.
• “Of good behavior.” He stays away from questionable things.
• “Hospitable.” He should love people and welcome strangers.
• “Able to teach.” He must be able to teach the Word of God.

An elder’s life should also be defined by what he doesn’t do:

• “Not given to wine.” He’s not dependent on alcohol.
• “Not violent.” He’s not quarrelsome, but instead, he’s peaceable.
• “Not greedy for money ….” The love of money is the root of all evil, we’re told later in this letter. The way a church officer handles his own money or the church’s can lead him into trouble. “…But gentle.” An elder should be someone you can reason with and talk to.
• “Not quarrelsome.” He shouldn’t constantly be stirring up trouble in the church.
• “Not covetous.” He doesn’t put the pursuit of wealth above everything else.

An elder must also rule his own household well. He’s dignified and commands respect without being a dictator. A man doesn’t know how to rule the house of God if he cannot rule his own home.

An elder must also be mature in his faith; he’s not a new Christian who is a target for pride. Pride was Satan’s great sin and is often the sin of elders and preachers. Pride is dangerous for all of us, but it’s inexcusable in the church.

An elder must also have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church. In other words, he pays his bills, is trustworthy, and tells the truth. If he doesn’t do these things, he would better represent the devil than he would represent the cause of Christ.

A deacon, also translated as “minister” or “servant,” is another office in the church. He deals with the practical, material matters of the church, but he should also be a spiritual man. Just because someone is a successful businessman doesn’t mean he will make a good deacon. A deacon’s personal and spiritual qualifications are a priority over his practical functions.

The spiritual qualifications which the Bible lays down for church officers must still hold good today if the church is to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. The church and its officers must hold to New Testament doctrine, calling out the sins which are clearly labeled as such in God’s Word. They must act on God’s behalf with a pure conscience, even in the toughest of times. This takes a mature Christian, which is why an officer’s character must be proven to be blameless over time.

Even the wives of deacons must measure up to certain godly standards. They should be worthy of respect and not be given into gossip. She should be self-controlled and trustworthy. She should be faithful to Christ, her husband, and His (Christ) cause.

Paul sums up his list of qualifications with an umbrella statement: I’ve written this to you so you will know how to act in the house of God. If the officers don’t represent the truth, the church has no foundation and can’t hold up the truth of God. Those who lead the church must live faithful lives to represent and proclaim God's truth to the world.

1. What is the difference between a pastor who serves the church and a pastor who rules over it?

2. How can the sin of pride be deadly to church leaders?

3. What would an appropriate attitude toward money look like, not just for leaders in the church, but for everyone?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s complete teachings on 1 Timothy 3:1-8 and 1 Timothy 3:8-16.