Page 8 - Pastoral Ministries -Student Textbook

Personal note . . . “I’ve never lived lavishly but God has consistently supplied more than my needs.” Rod Elliott

12. Managing His Own Household Well (1 Tim. 3:4)

The word of Scripture reads, “Keeping his children under control with all dignity.” The statement presupposes an
understanding relationship between father and his children. It requires that he be consistent in his discipline and
true to his word.

A pastor should be a model of loving discipline. He should love his children more than his job, be extravagant in
his expressions of love for and praise to them and treat them as genuine human beings capable of profound
thoughts that can contribute to this life. Families with continuously uncontrollable children are not suitable
model for a congregation. Unless parents can manage the art of parenting, they should not engage in the
pastoral ministry.

Here Paul warns against men who could be too preoccupied with the affairs of the church and too little occupied
with what is going on within their households (1Sam.1-2).

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 elder. 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
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 pastoral-level care to others. The potential elder 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 elder 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 pastor remains a disgrace. By good outside reputation, however, the Bible does not mean that
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