| Pastor
Deacons
When working in harmony, they have the potential to turn their communities upside down for Christ.
When not fulfilling their positions Scripturally, they can tear a church up and split it "fifty-two ways from Sunday." |
THE PASTOR
Those men who are called to be pastors do so only with a deep sense of God's moving in their lives. To enter the ministry without the clear leading of the Holy Spirit would be tragic. Only those who are definitely called of God should venture to go forth into the pastorate.
The qualifications for a pastor are very well defined in the Scriptures.
1st Timothy 3:2 makes it clear that a pastor (bishop/overseer) must be blameless. Having a lifestyle that is without blame is by no means an easy task. To do so, one must be totally reliant on the Spirit and Word of God. Furthermore, he is to be a married man who is faithful to his wife. Added to that are the characteristics of being watchful, clear minded, being well behaved, hospitable to all with whom he comes into contact, and one who is well studied so that he might be a good teacher of the Bible.
Titus 1:7 goes on to say that a pastor must also be a good steward with all that God has blessed him. Whether it be the ability to communicate through preaching or a tender soul that draws others to a stronger commitment to Jesus Christ, being a faithful servant is a necessity. Furthermore, the man of God must not be selfwilled, quick to become angry, one who is given (unable to control) what he takes into his body, a man who resolves issues with violence, or is in it for the money (and being a Baptist pastor will definitely not assure one of becoming independently wealthy any too soon).
The Baptists have been blessed with many a good man who truly loves God and God's people. These men have gone on to build ministries that reached their generations for Jesus Christ.
"...not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (1st Cronicles 1:26)." Therefore, the church that seeks only young handsome rising stars with natural charisma are doing God a great disservice. Wonderful preachers of God come in all shapes and sizes and varying degrees of personality. Yet, all who are called and yielded to him are more than useable and will be a blessing to any church who is wise enough to call them to minister to the flock. Barring those who are truly "wolves in sheeps clothing," a truly committed pastor will uplift and build a ministry in a community with a strong evangelistic outreach, effective discipleship teaching programs, and opportunities for all to serve as God has given each one abilities and talents.
"When a man is on fire for God, people will come from miles around to watch him burn." ~ Dr. Jack Hyles |
"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
~ 1st Timohty 3:1 |
THE DEACONS
The Greek word "diakonos" is simply translated as "servant" in English. In fact, the word "waiter" would be just as accurate.
A group of godly men who love the Lord, are approved by the church, and determine to suppor their pastor as the leader of the church are a huge blessing to any congregation. Every pastor blessed with such a group of deacons will find that his ministry is enhanced ten-fold if not a hundred-fold by having such men to assist in the work of the local church.
Conversely, any man or group of men who holds the office while refusing to be a true "servant" can be an absolute curse and scourge upon the pastor, people, and ministry of any church so inclined to allow them to continue to hold the position.
If there is any strength in the leadership of a church, it is because a group of truly spiritual men are in total support of the man God has called to pastor the congregation. On the other hand, if there is any weakness the Baptists have endured, it is their tendency to allow deacon "boards" to run the church and, consequently, relegate the pastor to second fiddle. Nothing kills the potential of a church for both spiritual and numerical group more than a handful of men who consider themselves to be the end-all of whatever happens in the life of a congregation. Even sadder is a church membership that allows such men to conduct their business. Deacons who do not see themselves as true servants should immediately resign their positions and seek God's forgiveness in having given into the sin of spiritual pride.
A deacon who is truly yielded to God will find total fulfillment as a servant. By simply making himself available to support, pray for, assist, and be loyal to the congregation and the man God has chosen to be the pastor, such a man is a blessing indeed.
May God raise up a new generation of "diakonos" so that His work might go forward and reach many for Jesus Christ! |
| "For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." ~ 1st Timothy 3:13 |
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