Page 35 - Youth Discipleship Student Textbook

The word “dignity” can apply either to the father or to the children in their submission and obedience.
Of course, one expects both with a qualified youth pastor. Such a man deserves respect, and it shows in
how his children follow his leadership. He is dignified, respectful, or reverent. His children in turn pay
him back the same respect and reverence.

13. Not a New Convert (1 Tim. 3:6)

“For this reason, the Lord insists that any under-shepherd who leads his Church must not be a recent
convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1Tim.
3:6), The other reason for this is that, a new convert may not be able to withstand the steady pressures
that comes with youth pastoral ministry.

New believers need time to be instructed, shaped and cared for, and since they are the ones who need
such care, they lack the maturity to provide youth pastoral-level care to others. The potential youth
pastor must not be a recent convert in the faith. A recent convert has much to learn, apply and master
in his own life before he can begin to disciple and shepherd others in this way.

Paul does not give us an age requirement or length of time that automatically signals maturity. Pride is a
spiritual enemy that could threaten a new convert.

Pride causes us to think more highly of ourselves than of others; it affects how we treat others and
perhaps even tempting us to treat them too harshly. Pride also makes us unwilling to follow other
leaders. Ultimately, a proud man becomes vulnerable to falling in the office.

14. Enjoying a Good Reputation (1 Tim. 3:7)

A man who desires to be an youth pastor must possess a strong reputation among those outside the
church. If a man is well regarded inside the church but poorly regarded by non-Christians, he does not
qualify as a suitable candidate for Christian ministry.

This qualification has serious spiritual implications that may tarnish the witness of the local Church if the
reputation of that youth pastor remains a disgrace. By good outside reputation, however, the Bible does
not mean that potential youth pastors will not bear the reproach that Christ bears. The world hated
Jesus, and the world will hate His followers (Matt.10:24-25). All who desire to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tim.3:12).
So, the key question is: Does reproach fall upon him because of Christ or because of his own character
and habit of life? Youth pastors must commend the gospel and everything that conforms to sound
doctrine. By doing so, even the Christian enemies should feel ashamed about their evil comments in the
face of a life lived well for Christ (1Pet. 3; 16).

In other words, even if issues were to be raised against an youth pastor, after everything is said and
done, the youth pastor must be found to be without any case to answer. This is the kind of men we
should ask God for when it comes to the office of youth pastor.

What would people in your hometown say about you? What sort of neighbor have you been? How did
he react when a neighbor’s child beat up his child? Did he pay his debts? Was he honest in his business
dealings?

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