Page 9 - Pastoral Ministries -Student Textbook

potential elders 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? Elders 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 elder, after everything is said and done, the elder
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 elder.

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?

15. Not Resentful (2 Tim 2:24)

If the Christian leader goes about piling up statistics against people he suspects have wronged him, he is going to
become a bitter, disillusioned man of questionable value to the kingdom.

16. Having Believing Children (Titus 1:6)

The crowning success of every ministry is for the pastor’s children to grow up to know, to love, and to live for
Jesus. Yet salvation is by individual choice. No matter how we live our lives before our children, there is no
guarantee that they will make that choice. Believing parents should share the Gospel to their children.

17. Not Self-Willed (Titus 1:7)

What we are urged to avoid in this passage is being selfish and arrogant in the choices we make.

The person who is continually concerned about his satisfaction, the accomplishment of his goals, the forwarding
of his career is not a servant.

18. Not Quick-Tempered (Titus 1:7)

Oftentimes, a person can trace times of anger to periods where he is excessively tired,
hungry, or sleep deprived. A person who is quick-tempered all of the time probably
needs to see a counselor and stay out of the pastorate until he can resolve his
problem.

19. A lover of What is Good (Titus 1:8)

When we love something, we devote time and energy to it.

Those who are to serve Jesus in the pastoral ministry are those who already have proved themselves to be
pursuers of good.

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