Treat Your Elders Well
As we continue through 1 Timothy, we read these words in chapter 5: "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.' Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning." (1 Timothy 5:17-20)
What Does "Elder" Mean in the Church?
First, a word about terminology. In some churches the word 'elder' refers to the group of people on a church board or leadership - lay people, called to oversee the work of the church alongside the pastor.
In my denomination, the Church of the Nazarene, we understand elders to be the ordained ministers who are called to lead churches. Deacons are also ordained ministers, but they are called to other church ministry rather than to lead a church. When Paul talks about elders here, we believe he means ministers who are called to oversee a church as a pastor.
Why This Passage Matters, Whoever Your Pastor Is
So, this is an important passage for Christians to know, because it teaches us something about how to treat our ministers. Sadly, there are many cases around the world of pastors being quite poorly treated by their churches. It’s said that pastors’ children often leave the church when they become adults, largely because of the hurtful and uncaring ways in which their parents were treated as pastors of churches.
I am blessed to be able to say that I have been very well treated by the two churches at which I have served – eMseni Methodist Church was a wonderful place to learn and train, and the Church of the Nazarene here in Boksburg is a caring and kind community.
But I’ve heard the horror stories, of ministers who are treated poorly not just by their congregations, but by their denominational leaders.
How Paul Says to Treat Your Minister
Paul spends some verses here explaining that Christians need to treat their ministers well. We’ll explore exactly what he says in the next few days, but for today, consider this: does your minister, or pastor, need a word of encouragement or love from you today?
Chances are the answer to that is a resounding yes!
Take a moment, why don’t you, to send a message to your pastor, because as the Scripture says, this person is worthy of honour today.
Paul tells Timothy how a church should treat its ministers, and the lessons reach every believer. Ask God today what kind of church member He is calling you to be.