The Bible and...: Part 4d: Pastors

The Bible and...: Part 4d: Pastors
Monday, April 15, 2024 by Dr. James W. Walraven

What does the Bible have to say about how a congregation is to treat church leaders? What does one do when problems arise?

In the last post, we looked at common unbiblical attitudes in regards to pastors; how individuals and even churches, expect their pastors to be perfect, a demand they seldom if ever make of themselves.

I’d like to start with what the Bible doesn’t say. Sadly, it is common in certain segments of the “church” (for example, the NAR) for the pastor or other leaders, to have almost cult-like power. In those types of groups it is common to hear the phrase, “Don’t touch the Lord’s anointed” whenever someone even dares raise a legitimate question about how they are interpreting Scripture, let alone anything else.

One does find the phrase, or something close to it, in 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15. In context, both verses refer to the time of Abraham and the wandering of the other patriarchs back in Genesis, and the way God kept them from harm. Neither of those passages have anything to do with God’s supposed protection of false preachers from those who dare question them.

As stated at the start of this series, reading a passage or verses of Scripture in context matters. False teachers can pluck a verse out of its context and twist it to make it mean almost anything, as they do in this case.

So what does the Bible say about leadership? To cover the topic in detail goes far beyond the scope of this blog series. But making a few brief points would be helpful.

1. Hebrews 13:17 (NAU): “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

God will hold leaders accountable, but it is beneficial to live in a way that enables your leaders to lead with joy, and not with grief. In terms of obeying them, it is worth noting that Hebrews 13:7 states that we are to imitate their faith; 3 John 11 adds that we are to imitate what is good. In essence one could say that the aim would be to follow your leaders as they follow Christ.

2. 1 Timothy 5:17 (NAU): “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

In our discussions with others, do we give the elders God has placed over us double honor, or double grief? Do we think “ruling well” is defined by what we want, or what the Bible says? Too often, we think in terms of the former.

The very next verse deals with pastoral wages:

3. 1 Timothy 5:18 (NAU): “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’”

Also, 1 Corinthians 9:14 (NAU): “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”

Deliberately underpaying a pastor is not biblical. Even in tiny churches where the pastor must be bi-vocational, the church should provide something. Equally wrong, and another topic the Bible wanrs about, are situations where leaders and pastors fleece the sheep. That is often seen in cult groups, “health and wealth” preachers, and other false leaders.

4. Finally, what if an elder is involved in serious sin? Contrary to what some say, that sin isn’t to be ignored. Matthew 18:15–17 outlines the basic process: start privately, and only take it to the entire church as a last recourse. 1 Timothy 5:19–20 (NAU) deals specifically when accusing an elder of sin: “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.”

In essence, the verses say the same process is involved as Jesus disclosed in Matthew 18. A leader’s sin is not to be ignored, but preferably dealt with prirvately. A public rebuke is given only if the leader continues on in sin, and hadn’t repented.

Rather than demand leaders conform to our ideas about leadership, and berating them if they don’t (a seemingly American pastime), it would be far better if we treated leaders in line with what the Scriptures say, with the respect God requires. It is high time we drop our unbiblical preconceived ideas about pastors.

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