Teachers of the Word

Being in the ministry can be hard. While it should be a wonderful and joyful experience (and often is!), we are dealing with people. People who are sinners just like you and me, who make mistakes from time to time, who sometimes feel that their way is the "best way." Of course when someone is called to serve God's people, it does not mean they never make mistakes, or always know best. But it does mean that they are called to a higher standard and level of accountability. God has called out certain men to teach and lead His flock, and therefore has much higher expectations for them, both in the church as well as in their home.

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." James 3:1

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13:17

Being in such a position is a serious matter, and not one to take lightly. However, it is also important to recognize that if God has called a man to such a position, it is for good reason, and other members of the body should be willing to submit to his authority and leadership. It becomes very difficult to be effective in ministry if the very men God has called to serve and lead are not able to do their job. There are probably many reasons why congregations are sometime hesitant to follow (and sometimes very good reasons if the man in a position of leadership is not upholding God's standards, or living out the truth in scripture. But that is another matter entirely). One such reason is a lack of respect because of a man's age. There are a lot of young men in seminary, and serving in churches, who are strong, Godly men, grounded in sound theology from God's word, but because they are still young, members of a congregation are reluctant to listen to them, heed their warnings, or follow their advice, even when the words they speak are straight from scripture.

This is not biblical behavior. While it is certainly important to be discerning and prudent in who you trust to lead your church, congregations cannot simply overlook someone because of his age, or seeming lack of experience. Church members must listen to the words he speaks, and follow his actions, and measure them up against scripture. When he is found to be of sound doctrine, knowledgeable and trustworthy, men and women must be willing to respect his judgment and trust that his wisdom is from the Lord.

Timothy was facing this very dilemma in his congregation. While he was in his 30s, this was still very young by Greek standards. What some failed to recognize, however, was that Timothy had been trained and discipled by Paul since he was a teenager, so he had a great deal of knowledge and experience to offer. Therefore, Paul tells him to set the example of a Godly leader in his words and actions.

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." 1 Tim. 4:12

Rather than get discouraged, Paul instructs Timothy to continue to serve in the capacity in which God had placed him and live in such a way that shows his maturity, in his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. Again, these are very high standards to live by, but it is what God expects from the men who are to be the teachers and leaders of His people. So, while leaders in the church must set a Godly example, members of the congregation must respect the men serving and not look down on them because of their age. If a man leading is truly a man of God, and in his place of leadership at God's leading, his wisdom, judgment and decision-making will come from God.