October is Minister Appreciation Month. It is a relatively new emphasis but an important one. The observance provides churches opportunity to honor their pastors as 1 Timothy 5:17 suggests.
True, the verse says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor.” But the word “elder” is a synonym for several other English words, including pastor.
The Greek language uses three words that are translated by at least six English words. The word “episkopos” is translated “overseer” or “bishop” in English Bibles. The word “poimeen” is rendered “shepherd” or “pastor.” The word “presbuteros” usually reads “elder” or “presbyter.”
In 1 Peter 2:25, Jesus is said to be the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. These are two functions of the same person. A careful reading of Scripture will show all three terms used interchangeably. They are not separate offices or an outline of a hierarchical church structure. They are all functions of what Baptists know as pastors. Of course, the word “pastor” is a Latin word meaning “shepherd.”
So the pastor or pastors of a church are worthy of double honor.
The verse raises a question for some because it says the pastors who are worthy of double honor are those “who direct the affairs of the church well.” On more than one occasion, this verse has caused members to argue about how well the pastor has directed the church’s affairs.
For some, this means counting nickels and noses. If the numbers are up, then the pastor has done well. If the numbers are down, then his performance is lacking.
Others evaluate the pastor on how well he has fulfilled their expectation of the office. Has he been in the right places, said the right things and kept company with the right people?
For a few, “directing the affairs of the church well” means only one thing: The pastor has done what they told him to do. It is amazing how often individual church members equate their personal wills with God’s will.
All of these evaluations have one thing in common: They all assume the pastor works for the local church. The local church hires him, supervises him and can fire him. Therefore the pastor works for the local church. The logic is impeccable but wrong.
A pastor may work “at” a church, but he does not work “for” a church. A local church may change the location at which a pastor works, but no congregation can sever the relationship between the pastor and the One for whom he works.
Baptists believe a calling to be a pastor is a divine one. It is not a vocational choice picked from an array of many choices. Being a pastor is the result of a calling from God to dedicate one’s life to serving Him by serving His people.
That divine calling is affirmed by a local congregation in the licensing and ordination process. A local church must affirm that a candidate for ordination evidences a divine calling in his life and exhibits spiritual gifts appropriate for such a life of service.
The apostle Paul cautioned Timothy, his protégé, at this point. In 1 Timothy 5:22, Paul wrote, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” Churches would do well to heed these words and allow time for those sensing God’s call to demonstrate that reality through their lives and service.
Ordination, however, does not make one a pastor. That happens only when a local church calls an individual to be its pastor. At this point, the individual has experienced a personal divine calling. A local church has affirmed general gifts for ministry. Finally a congregation affirms the leading of the Holy Spirit for the individual to exercise the gifts as its pastor.
The whole process emphasizes a pastor works “at” a local church but always works “for” God.
First Peter 5:2 instructs a pastor to be the “shepherd of God’s flock that is under your care.” He is to care for the souls of the congregation and community. He is to provide direction for the church as overseer. The congregation belongs to God, but verse 3 says it has been “entrusted” to the pastor.
Pastors need and deserve financial support. That is part of the double honor referenced in 1 Timothy 5. But pastors do not serve because they are “greedy for money.”
Pastors are the leaders of the church — the overseers or bishops. The pastor is to be the catalyst for ministry. But pastors do not serve because they are on a power trip and want to “lord it over” others. Rather pastors are to be examples to their members. Pastors preach and teach but not to build a personal reputation. It is to build up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).
Even though Baptists believe in the priesthood of all believers, the pastor represents the presence of God like no other member in the congregation. That is why his presence is often requested in emergency situations.
Pastors are not “hirelings.” They are God’s undershepherds serving so that when the Great Shepherd appears, they will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (v. 4).
When either the pastor or the church forgets that the pastor works “at” but not “for” the church, relationships become confused. Trouble often follows.
When both remember God’s plan for the pastor and the local church, both can work together in such a way that every month is Minister Appreciation Month. In such situations, offering double honor is easy to do.
Share with others: