As something of an introduction to this particular post under the overarching heading 'Fleshing it Out' I would like to enter this terrain through a ‘side door’, if that makes sense, and so – here it is; ‘should a man embark upon the ministry before he has it all together?’
Now that is a very open-ended…very broad and relative question, in one sense. What do I mean? Not, of course, perfection...otherwise no pastors till glory (and when I say pastors I mean elders too - really the same office) will ever or have ever been ready or fit for office…and this cannot be the case, as God counts fitness in the lists of requirements He Himself gives in His Word (some do qualify!).
Further, I'm not really concerned in the asking with the character aspects...this is a vital study and of supreme importance, but I have another aspect of the ministry in mind as I think and write.
The subject at hand is one of an ethical nature. But even there it has as its root concern the whole matter of sound doctrine which, contrary to some of the (perhaps all [?]) 'Emerging' guy’s opinions, always leads to orthopraxy (sound living).
The trigger thought that plagues me is simply this: In pastoral counselling we will face many challenging questions. For instance, may a woman pursue the pastoral ministry? Should we marry a Christian with an unbeliever? Is divorce ever okay in God's eyes...and, either way; is re-marriage permissible at all if the ex-spouse is still alive? How far is too far in ‘dating’? Dating? What if homosexuals have 'married' and then get saved...how do I guide them through these almost uncharted waters?
These are random ‘off the cuff’ selections, but the point is made. Back to my question…having now something of a context within to place it…’may a man become an elder before he is clear on these matters?’ (My wording will change throughout as I restate myself for the purpose of clarification)
Again, one may rush in to answer 'of course'! But wait a minute! We as pastors of God's flock will give an account...we have a stricter judgment! We may not plead 'Lord, Lord we only knew a little...surely You understand'! And if we were to do so God's response will be 'then why did you embark on this task without being ready? Oh, I see, seminary came to an end and you needed a job...and so you used the church and filled an office with premature service! Depart from Me!'
What am I getting at?
I actually have myself under the spotlight as I write and that with regard to the whole matter of divorce and re-marriage, as a case in point. It seems as if everyone I study has it ‘all together‘ on this matter...only thing is they almost, to the man, differ one from another! Now without opening a can of worms or argument on this particular issue...which, as far as I'm concerned, is of the most difficult in the entire Bible, I simply wish to highlight the fact that our congregations trust us to, of all living people, shepherd them in this whole matter!
Must these poor souls go to ‘CUM’ or even a real Christian bookstore like’ Augustine Books’ or ‘Good Neighbours’ to find their paper pastors to answer their questions? This would mean that we negate our duty...our chief duty, and 'delegate’ their shepherding back to themselves...without having developed hermeneutics, in most cases…without a full doctrinal framework with that!
This is not on! This is wicked! This is WRONG however you slice it!
Before a man enters the eldership, I believe, he must have firm handles on such matters! He is entering the realm, of shepherding...and that to ‘green pastures and still waters’…not ‘garbage’...’but at least he is employed’!
Our current pastors must get their acts together! We must break the chain of ignorance and study, grapple, sweat and weep till we land with conviction upon such matters so as to ensure a new (ancient really) breed of men to lead God's people into the future!
This is because we are the shepherds of the Churches, those who God holds accountable - chiefly. It is His precious flock that is under our charge! These are real lives, with real issues facing them! Dare we quickly take this office to ourselves and risk leading them astray with their one chance at life in this world? We are handling the most precious cargo imaginable!
The churches are the lampstands...light bearers! Light and truth are synonymous! Oprah doesn’t have the light! Dr Phil is sorely lacking! Only the Church of our Lord Jesus has the real answers to the vital issues facing mankind...from the one and only true and living God's perspective.
As Elders we must know the Bible in such a way that we are able to live it and train others in it. This means that we must be mature men of God before we embark upon this sacred office of Shepherd!
This may be impractical in our day...so what! I'm not suggesting for a moment that we have fully arrived on every issue...but that we are well convinced on that which is revealed so as to make carefully weighed judgments regarding the application of theses doctrines in each unique ethical situation. The same texts interpreted the same way must form a basis for a multiplicity of practical out-workings...this is it!
Again, my question; ‘may a man enter into the office of elder/pastor without first having such wisdom or handles on the truth?’ I, to my own shame, would say, decidedly so, absolutely not!
There is no question here! Be ready first! Don’t get ready over time! Get ready over time...yes...time before! Not perfectly so, but at least principally so!
Just some thoughts drawn from my own embarrassing life experiences that are sadly due to my lack of proper preparation for this terrifying, glorious, sober, satisfying calling to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with his own blood!
God help us all!
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