Perpetuation of Church Leadership

Although the New Testament provides no example of elders appointing elders, perpetuation of eldership is implied in the elders’ role as congregational shepherds, stewards, and overseers. Perpetuating the eldership is a major aspect of church leadership responsibility. It is absolutely vital to the ongoing life of a church that the elders recognize the Spirit-given desire of others to shepherd the flock. If a brother desires to shepherd the church and truly exhibits that desire through appropriate action, and if he is morally qualified, then the elders are obligated to see that such a person is not frustrated in his desire. Such a brother needs to be officially made a member of the church eldership team.

Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership, pg.278

Elders Must Be Spiritually Fit

Much of the weakness and waywardness of our churches today is due directly to our failure to require that church shepherds meet God’s standards for office. If we want our local churches to be spiritually fit, then we must require our shepherds to be spiritually fit.

Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership, pg.71

Church Shepherds Must Protect the Flock

Guarding sheep from danger is clearly a significant aspect of the shepherding task. The same is true for church shepherds. They must continually guard the congregation from false teachers. Although the guarding ministry is a negative aspect of shepherding, it is indispensable to the flock’s survival.

Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership, pg.18

Church Leaders Can’t Fear Controversy

To tell us, as others do, that clergymen ought never to handle controversial subjects, and never to warn their people against erroneous views, is senseless and unreasonable. At this rate, we might neglect much of the New Testament. Surely the dog that does not bark and the sleeping shepherd are the best allies of the wolf, the thief, and the robber.

J.C. Ryle, Churches Beware! Pg.82

Celebrity Shepherds are Wolves

As in the times of the Hebrew prophets, so among Evangelicals today, it is too often the pastors, the shepherds, who are leading the people astray—though celebrity shepherds is surely a contradiction in terms.

Os Guinness, Impossible People, pg.31

Good, Bad, and Ugly

Way too much stuff collected to wait any longer!  And it has been a very busy week away from home with ER visit, doctor visit, wedding rehearsal and the wedding later today!  But the apologetics ministry never sleeps.  Lets look at what I’ve come across this week.

The Good:

Falling From Grace.  Good article about the false teachings of the need for Christians to follow O.T. laws.

Why we call out false teachers by name.

The pastor SHOULD BE overseeing the worship music!!

Responding to skeptics’ attack on Mark 2:26.  Part 1 and Part 2.

A good history of false teacher Aimee Semple McPherson, the person who originated the Four Square Gospel Church.

An outstanding resource!!!

What verse is Hebrews 1:6 citing?

What’s the purpose of pastors?

The Bad:

Beth Moore called down fire from heaven.

Another reason to distance oneself from John Piper’s teachings.

The Ugly:

Ah, the heresy and apostasy of the UMC.

The Philadelphia Church of God is a non-Christian cult.

For those who doubt the full-blown apostasy of the Church of England.

Mark Driscoll — Sigh.  This narcissist really needs to leave the limelight and quit disgracing the Christian faith.

An example of all that has been wrong about Roman Catholicism — murdering people who disagree with Catholic dogma.

The Lord Needs Bulldozers

Brethren, the time has come, once again, for the Church and her preachers to take heart and play the part of men in the face of the world’s whirling winds.  We will need the steadfastness of John.  Congregations need pastors who will dare to preach to them, not merely opine.  Pastors who, like John, will look their people in the eyes and tell them the truth about sin, faith, death, sex, marriage, faithfulness, virtue, and truth; who will call sin “sin,” and point sinners to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away their sins; the Lamb hidden for them to eat in the bread and the chalice.  We need the ministry of John, that the Church dare to stand apart from the world for the sake of the world; to look, speak, and act differently from every other place in the world for the sake of engaging the world with a Gospel not of this world.  We all need Pastor John’s preaching in our lives, to bulldoze our idols and make plain to us our priorities.  To call us out into the wilderness to repent and believe our Baptism.  To give us a joy for which we will gladly lose our heads.

Joshua Hayes,  Gottensdienst 24.4

“Stolen” from Steve Bricker.

What Are the Required Qualifications for Elders? Part 2

There are three qualifications for elder in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus which seem to cause contention.  

1. “Must be…the husband of one wife.”
2. “having his children under control with all dignity” 
3. “having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.”

There is a disagreement as to what “husband of one wife” means.  I think if one reads it literally there should be no question.  The elder must have a wife (rules out a woman being an elder), and one wife only.  Now, if he is a widower he still had a wife, and if he remarries after his first wife died, he does not have more than one wife.  A polygamous man is not qualified.  A man who has had more than one wife through divorce is not qualified (divorce would also demonstrate that he didn’t have control of his own household —1 Tim. 3:4).  An unmarried man is disqualified because the requirement says he must be married. 

With items 2 and 3, the question is, how long is a father responsible for his children’s behavior?  A father can have well-disciplined children raised in the knowledge of the faith, but when they become adults and leave home, they are no longer the responsibility of the father.  In their adult years they can get caught up in various sins, turn their back on the Faith, etc, but this should not be held against the father as for qualification for eldership.

Some other comments regarding qualifications:

A pastor is the shepherd of the flock, and therefore must have some sort of experience in the area of shepherding, which is why Paul said to not be in a hurry to ordain people new in the faith (1 Tim. 5:22), and why the office title of “Elder” includes the idea of an older man. This means that a freshly-minted seminary graduate is not qualified for the position of even “youth pastor”; experience has shown that these young men are more inclined to want to be “buddies” than mentors.  These men may be put in position of teachers or other work, but not ordained as “pastors.”  They are too young and have no experience at shepherding.

A man must have a family in order to get experience in shepherding, but a man with young children shouldn't be a pastor because he needs to spend his time helping to raise them and learning about shepherding.  While a man with a normal job can be there for his family to assist his wife, a man who is an elder is virtually on call 24/7 for counseling, emergencies, etc., and often away engaged in the business of the ministry even on his “off” time. 

As for “believing children,” children must be old enough to understand the faith in order to accept it for themselves, so having unbelieving young children is not a problem, but if his children are in their teens and still not believers, then that says something about the teaching in the home and, again, disqualifies the man for the office of elder.

The qualifications make it plain that the man must have a wife and family, otherwise there is no way to judge how well he runs his own household!

Some interesting citations about Titus 1:6:

In this repeated list of the qualifications of the elder, one thing is specially stressed.  He must be a man who has taught his own family in the faith.  The Council of Carthage [A.D. 419] later laid it down: "Bishops, elders and deacons shall not be ordained to office before they have made all in their own house-holds members of the Catholic Church."  Christianity begins at home.  It is no virtue for any man to be so engaged in public work that he neglects his own home.  All the Church serviced in the world will not atone for neglect of a man's own family.

William Barclay (Barclay is known for bad teachings, but this quote is used because he cites the Council of Carthage)

The next qualification is another aspect of that mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:4.  It calls for a good testimony in his own house; his children must be believers.  This is the scriptural standard.  How can one be called a leader publicly when his own family doesn't follow him as a result of his private life and testimony?  How many fail here.

The negative aspect is that they must not be living wild and dissolute lives.  This seems to qualify further the "believing children."

William MacDonald & V. Paul Flint (Emmaus Bible College Correspondence Course)

Since older men would be chosen for leadership, it is assumed that the elder would have children.  The latter must share their father's Christian faith by having made a personal decision.  Their remaining pagan would throw into question the father's ability to lead others to faith.

D. Edmond Hiebert, Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary

The idea here of "faithful children" means believing children.  If a man cannot lead his own children to the Lord, he ought not to be an officer in the church. ... For the cause of Christ and for the sake of the office, an officer in the church must have believing, obedient children.

J. Vernon McGee

Well, this is what I can think of at this time.  Perhaps in the future I may have more thoughts regarding the literal interpretation of what 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9 mean when compared to those who are looking to fit their particular ideology into the passages.

What Are the Required Qualifications for Elders? Part 1

The Bible uses a few different words to describe the same position, depending upon the particular English translation:

Bishop/Overseer:  These two are based on the Greek words episkopos or episkope.

Presbyter/Elder:  These two are based on the Greek word presbueros.  

Pastor.  This word, poimen, merely means “shepherd.” It is used metaphorically for what the elders are to do with their “flock.”  Over the centuries it has taken on the meaning as a title of an elder, usually the senior or teaching elder in an assembly, depending on the government of the individual body.

The point here is that four words mean the same person, while the fifth — although used more as a title — reflects the duties of an elder in a metaphoric way.

Two passages in the New Testament tell us what the requirements are for the position of Elder.  I’m going to use the Holman Christian Standard Bible version for examining them, but will note many other versions in my commentary for examples of other translations.

1 Timothy 3:2-7

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3 not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy -- 4 one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.

Titus 1:6-9

. . . one who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion. 7 For an overseer, as God's administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

There are 16 individual qualification cited in 1 Timothy and 15 in Titus (but one, “blameless” cited twice).  Let’s look at them all individually, first from 1 Timothy. (Definitions of the Greek are taken from Vine’s Dictionary.)

1 Timothy 3:2

“above reproach.”  The Greek word here is anepileptos: literally, "that cannot be laid hold of," hence, "not open to censure, irreproachable”.  The KJV says “blameless,” while the NLT says “a man whose life cannot be spoken against.”

“husband of one wife.”  The NAS says, “married only once.” The Jewish N.T. says ‘faithful to his wife”

“self-controlled.”  The Greek word here is nephalios: “temperate.”  Several versions use “temperate,” KJV says “vigilant,” REB, GWN, TEV all use “sober.”

“sensible.”  The Greek is sophron: "of sound mind, self-controlled.” A few versions use “self-controlled,” while NAS says “prudent,” KJV “sober,” New Berkley Version “discreet,” Moffatt “master of himself,” Beck “of good judgment.”

“respectable.”  Greek kosmios: an adjective signifying "decent, modest, orderly.”  KJV says “of good behavior,” New American Bible says “decent,” Berkley and the CEV say “well-behaved,” RSV says “dignified,” Moffatt “unruffled,” Twentieth Century NT “well-ordered life,” Beck “of fine behavior,” Revised English Bible “courteous,” Jewish NT and TEV “orderly.”

“hospitable.” Greek philoxenos: "hospitable", "love of strangers" (philos, "loving", xenos "a stranger”).  Many versions say “hospitable.”  KJV says, “given to hospitality,” NLT “enjoy having guests in his home,” Beck “kind to guests,” CEV “friendly to strangers,” TEV “must welcome strangers in his home.”

“an able teacher.”  The Greek is didaktikos: "skilled in teaching.” Many versions say “able to teach,” KJV says “apt to teach,” Berkley “qualified to teach,” REB “good teacher.”

1 Timothy 3:3

“not addicted to wine.”  Greek paroinos: lit., "tarrying at wine" (para, "at", oinos, “wine”).  Variations are “not given to drunkenness,” “not be a heavy drinker,” “not a drunkard,” “not drink excessively.”

“not a bully.” Greek plektes: "a striker, a brawler.”  “not violent” (NIV, Beck, TEV), “no striker” (KJV), “not be given to…brawling" (REB), “not...be a violent person” (GWN).

“gentle.”  Greek epieikes: denotes "seemly, fitting"; hence, "equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law"; it expresses that considerateness that looks "humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case.”  Variations are “patient,” “genial,” “of a forbearing disposition” (REB).

“not quarrelsome.”  Greek amachos: lit., "not fighting" (a, negative, mache, "a fight"), came to denote, metaphorically, "not contentious”.  NAS “uncontentious,” KJV “not a brawler,” Berkley “conciliatory,” JNT “not…get into fights,”

“not greedy.”  Greek aphilarguros: lit., "not money-loving" (a, negative, philarguros, “money-loving”).  “not a lover of money” (NIV, NAB, JNT), “free from the love of money” (NAS), “not after money” (NBV), “not avaricious” (REB).

1 Timothy 3:4

“one who manages his own household competently.”  “manage his own family well” (NIV, NLT, Beck, GWN, TEV), “ruleth well his own house” (KJV), “presiding well over his own home” (NBV)

“able to manage his own household properly” (Mof) “be in control of their own families” (CEV).

“having his children under control with all dignity.”  “see that his children obey him with proper respect (NIV) “having his children in subjection with all gravity” (KJV), “keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way” (RSV), “whose children are kept under control and well-behaved” (TCNT).

1 Timothy 3:6

“not be a new convert”.  “not a novice” (KJV),  “be mature in the faith” (TEV)

1 Timothy 3:7

“have a good reputation among outsiders.”  “have a good reputation with those outside the church (NAS), “have a good report of them which are without” (KJV)

Notice in the stated qualifications, Paul gives the reasons for three of them:

1.  v. 5 gives as the reason that he must manage his own family and see that his children obey him:  “If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?”

2.  v. 6b tells us the reason he can't be a new Christian: “he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.”

3.  v. 7b tells us why he must have a good reputation with those outside the church: “so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.”

Titus 1:6

“blameless”.  Greek anenkletos: signifies "that which cannot be called to account", i.e., with nothing laid to one's charge (as the result of public investigation).  “above reproach” (NAS, NBV) “well thought of for his good life” (NLT), “unimpeachable character” (REB), “have a good reputation” (GWN CEV), “without fault” (TEV).

“husband of one wife” Same as 1 Tim 3:2.  “married only once” (NAB), “has one wife” (Beck)

“having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.”  “whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient” (NIV), “having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion” (NAS), “having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly” (KJV), “with believing children who are not accused of licentiousness or rebelliousness” (NAB)

Titus 1:7

“blameless”  Same as vs. 6.

“not arrogant.” Greek authades: "self-pleasing" (auto, "self," hedomai, "to please"), denotes one who, dominated by self-interest, and inconsiderate of others, arrogantly asserts his own will, “self-willed.”  “not overbearing” (NIV, REB),  “not self-willed” (NAS, KJV, NBV, JNT), “not do as he pleases” (Beck), “not be a stubborn…person" (GWN), “not bossy” (CEV).

“not hot-tempered.” Greek orgilos: "angry, prone to anger, irascible.”  “not soon angry” (KJV), “not irritable” (NAB, GWN).

“not addicted to wine.”   Same as 1 Tim. 3:3.

“not a bully.”  Same as 1 Tim. 3:3.

“not greedy for money.”  Greek aischronkerdes: denotes "greedy of base gains.” “not pursuing dishonest gain” (NIV), “not fond of sordid gain” (NAS), “not given to filthy lucre” (KJV), “no money-grubber” (REB), “not use shameful ways to make money” (GWN), “not...dishonest in business” (CEV).

Titus 1:8

“hospitable.”  Same as 1 Tim 3:2.

“loving what is good.”  Greek philagathos: "loving that which is good.”  “lover of goodness” (NAB), “right-minded” (REB).

“sensible.”  Same as 1 Tim 3:2.

“righteous.”  Greek dikaios: was first used of persons observant of dike, "custom, rule, right," especially in the fulfillment of duties towards gods and men, and of things that were in accordance with right. The Eng. word "righteous" was formerly spelt "rightwise," i.e., (in a) straight way.  In the NT it denotes "righteous," a state of being right, or right conduct, judged whether by the divine standard, or according to human standards, of what is right.  “upright” (NIV, TEV), “just” (NAS, KJV, NAB, REB), “fair” (NLT, NBV, GWN, CEV).

“holy.”  Greek hosios: signifies "religiously right, holy,”...  “devout” (NAS, NLT, REB), “moral” (GWN), 

“self-controlled.”  Greek enkrates: denotes "exercising self-control.”  “temperate” (KJV)

Titus 1:9

“holding to the faithful message as taught”  “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught” (NIV), “have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught” (NLT), “must keep hold of the true doctrine” (REB).

Vs 9 gives a reason for this qualification:  “so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.”

OKAY!  If we blend all the requirements of the 1 Timothy and Titus passages together, we have the following qualifications:

1.  A man who is above reproach, whose life cannot be spoken against, is of unquestionable integrity,  unimpeachable character.  1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:6,7

2.  A husband of but one wife and faithful to his wife.  1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:6

3.  A man who is circumspect and temperate.  1 Tim. 3:2

4.  A man who is self-controlled, prudent, discreet, sensible, and of good judgment.  A man who is disciplined. 1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:8

5.  A man who is respectable, decent, courteous, well behaved and dignified and leads an orderly (disciplined) life.1 Tim. 3:2

6.  A man who is hospitable - showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, opening his house freely to guests.  1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:8

7.  A man who is a capable and qualified teacher.  1 Tim. 3:2

8.  A man who does not drink excessively.  1 Tim. 3:3, Tit.1:7

9.  A man who is not pugnacious - not given to brawling. 1 Tim. 3:3, Tit. 1:7

10.  A man who is gentle, considerate, and patient. 1 Tim. 3:3

11.  A man who is not quarrelsome or a troublemaker.  1 Tim. 3:3

12.  A man who is not a lover of money, nor does he pursue dishonest gain.  1 Tim. 3:3, Tit. 1:7

13.  A man who manages his own family properly. 1 Tim. 3:4

14.  A man whose children obey him with proper respect, are submissive and well-behaved.  1 Tim. 3:4

15.  A man whose children are believers and are well-trained. They are not open to the charge of being loose in morals and conduct or of being unruly, disorderly or rebellious.  Tit. 1:6

16.  A man who is not a new Christian.  1 Tim. 3:6

17.  A man who has a good reputation with those of the outside world.  1 Tim. 3:7

  

18.  A man who is not overbearing, self-willed, arrogant or presumptuous.  Tit. 1:7

19.  A man who does not get angry easily.  Tit. 1:7

20.  A man who loves good people and good things, and is devoted to good.  Tit. 1:8

21.  A man who is just, fair-minded.  Tit. 1:8

22.  A man who is holy and devoted to holiness. Tit. 1:8

23.  A man who is knowledgeable in the Word and holds firmly in his belief to sound doctrine.  Tit. 1:9

Now that we have looked at the Biblical qualifications for elder, my next post will examine the qualification which cause controversy.

Pastors: Preach Both Milk AND Strong Meat

In spiritual nurture there is milk, and there is strong meat; and it is a part of the business to the preacher to know the difference between the two.  He must vary the diet according to the people’s need—not only milk, and not only strong meat—otherwise his preaching will not be edifying.  Then again, there are varying circumstances; and this Word is to be applied to every conceivable circumstance.  Some of the listeners are happy, and some are sad; there are those who may be enduring persecution and tribulation; some may be celebrating a victory.  There is a word for all; and a full ministry of the whole Word will meet every condition and every conceivable circumstance.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16,” pg.204

The Work of Pastors Is To Build Up the Church

The work of the ministry is to build up the body of Christ.  It is the business of the ministers to build up the Church, not to build up themselves!  Alas! they have far too often built up themselves, and we read of princes of the Church living in positions of great wealth and pomp.  What an utter travesty that is of Paul’s teaching!  Let us note also that ministers are called to build up; not to please and to entertain.  The way in which they are to do this is summed up perfectly in that most lyrical passage in Acts 20.  The Apostle Paul was bidding farewell to the elders of the church at Ephesus, at the seaside, and this is what he said: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (v.32).

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16,” pg.202

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

A Warning to Shepherds Who Mislead the Sheep

Contrary to the teachings of Jonathan Cahn and his ilk, America is NOT the new Israel.

Steve Bricker has a good analysis of a blog post by false teacher Jen Hatmaker.  This woman really needs to learn what the Bible says rather than what she wants it to say.

Tim Keller seems to forget that we had a reformation, as he promotes Roman Catholicism.  I’d say anyone who promotes the RCC is a false teacher, wouldn’t you?

Roman Catholics really have no right to claim apostolic succession, infallibility of teaching or anything else related to Christianity as long as so many of their private schools promote ungodly teachings.  I have posted TOO MANY of these examples on this blog.

Of course the Roman Catholic Church continues to meddle in politics to force the world to accept their social gospel message, this time by supporting the false “climate change” narrative.  More proof that the RCC does NOT represent God.

The Greek Orthodox Church is demonstrating their own apostasy

An excellent review of the latest Beth Moore Simulcast event, demonstrating more reasons why Beth Moore is a false teacher who needs to be avoided.  This is followed up by a companion article about Beth’s issue of romancing Jesus, along with the whole “Jesus is my boyfriend” theology.

John MacArthur explains why women are not to be teachers or leaders in the assembly.

Way too many “Christians” are looking for a “Donut Church.”  Their site really makes some good points about today’s apostate church.

This is what happens when you make a woman a bishop.

A good examination of the problems with the Catholic Mary.  Not as detailed as my article on the subject, but certainly a great summation.

A PCUSA heretic, Mark Sandlin, has gotten to the point of virtually worshipping abortion, and lies about what the Bible, early Christians, and even science say about the unborn child.  If you have to lie to support your ideology, that should say something about how false it is.

Destructive trends in the church.  HT to Elizabeth.

I just this week learned of a new Bible translation, the “Modern English Version.”  Supposedly just an update of the KJV with modern English.  So what is the point?  Another way to make money off of God’s Word?  A new “KJV Only” prop?  Or developed for a niche group (endorsements seem to be from charismatic people)?  And don’t we already have an updated language version of the KJV — the KJVER — for the KJV only folks (although some KJVOs don't like it because it isn't "real" KJV)?  Why do we need another translation when we have good, accurate, formal translations already?

Finally, it is really good to hear of a pastor who stands his ground on the Word of God.  If only more would do so.