Pastoral Epistles: Biblical Organization (Part 3 of 3)


5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you 
Titus 1:5 

In this final article in our series on the Pastoral Epistles, we are going to touch on the non-negotiable truths about church leadership or government. Unfortunately, many times the church structure follows the design of man; however, God has spoken clearly through His word about what He desires His church to look like and we would do well to follow His design. We will consider two specific offices in the church, the pastor and the deacon.

In both letters to Timothy and in Paul’s letter to Titus, we find instructions on the qualifications of a pastor/bishop/overseer/elder. This does not imply that man has usurped control over the church from God. Truly the church is ruled by Christ, but God has ordained it to be led by the elders. While we most often think of God’s word being challenged on matters of social justice, sexuality, and origins; however, God’s Word is also being challenged in matters of church government. For example, when we read that the elder must be “the husband of one wife” some will argue that 1 Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:6 are no longer applicable and that it is perfectly fine for a woman to be a pastor.

Likewise, some pastors wrongfully consider the title “overseer” as a command to have control over everything. Whether it’s running the sound system or picking out drapes for the nursery, some pastors feel it their duty to be involved in every decision. Not only is this exhausting for the pastor, but it’s also hampering others from using their gifts in the church. A pastor can oversee and delegate at the same time. In addition, the biblical model of a plurality of elders, along with deacons appointed to assist the pastor and elders, precludes the pastorate from becoming a “one-man show.” The Scriptures express rather clearly in numerous places the NT pattern for every church having multiple elders (see Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 29:17, 28; 21:18, Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5; Jas 5:14; 1 Pet 5:1-2; 1 Thess 5:12, 13; Heb 13:7, 17).

The second office for the church is equally important, but distinct in its function. Deacons serve the body of Christ and support the ministry of the Word in very unique ways. While they share many of the same qualifications as a pastor/elder, they do lack one qualification, the ability to teach. They are by no means lesser than the pastor and churches would do well to establish a strong body of deacons for the health and care of the church.

Some might infer that these qualifications are too restrictive and put man in a position of limiting who God could use. But my argument is that we are not limiting God; rather, God has clearly defined in His perfect wisdom what is pleasing, right, and good. As in all matters of life, we are called to obey His Word and not to redefine, reinterpret, or reject it. If you are wearied by this, ask God for wisdom and humility in this matter and trust in His divine purpose and will. We all have been gifted and are called to serve God’s church and advance His kingdom. Just as we need leaders who are faithful to our Savior, we need churches who will be pillars for the truth.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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