There is an interesting verse as the first epistle to the Corinthians comes to a close. In it, Paul admonished the brethren to accept Timothy as a fellow worker (I Cor. 16:10). He then went on to talk about Apollos, saying “Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.”  (vr. 12).

Think about how Paul had strongly urged Apollos to go to Corinth. It wasn’t a passing question like, “Hey Apollos, would you like to go?” There is no doubt the apostle had some strong reasons for wanting this man to go to Corinth. However, Apollos didn’t just say no. We are told that he was quite unwilling. It wasn’t that he despised the brethren at Corinth. The text make it clear that Apollos was very busy at that time and could not get away right then.

All of this teaches us an important lesson about respecting the opinions and advice of others. It wasn’t Paul’s place to “order” this teacher of God’s word to go to Corinth. Nor was Apollos showing disrespect to Paul, since he informed him that he would go when he had the time.

The danger that we must see is making assumptions which blow a situation out of proportion. For example, Apollos could have blasted Paul and assumed that Paul was thinking he wasn’t busy and could go at the drop of the hat. The apostle could have also told the brethren at Corinth that Apollos said he had something that was more important than coming to be with them. The fact is, whatever Apollos had going on, wasn’t to be measured by importance. Whatever he was doing needed to get done, and going to Corinth is something that was also needed.

All Christians would do well to learn from this example and work together and respect one another.

Chuck

When Paul left Crete, we are told he left Titus there to set in order the things that were lacking (Titus 1:4-5). The thing that stands out is the fact that the apostle felt he needed to have a preacher teach on the importance of leadership. We know that because he was told to appoint elders in every church.

As one reads through the qualification of elders (Titus 1:5-9; I Tim. 3:1-7), you can’t help but notice what is required in order to become qualified. No one is unqualified to teach one day and then is qualified to teach the next day. Nor is one unhospitable one day and then is considered hospitable the next day. We can say this about each and every one of the qualifications. This shows that leadership is developed and brethren need to be exhibiting these qualities long before being appointed.

The good news for a local church is that before such people are appointed as elders, the congregation has been blessed with those who have been demonstrating their abilities in the leadership role. They have been doing this by being blameless, not self-willed, not being quick tempered, not being violent, not greedy for money; being hospitable, loving what is good, holding fast to the word, able to teach, married with faithful children.

What’s great about all of this is the fact that leaders in the church act that way even if they are not elders, deacons or evangelists. This goes for our sisters in the Lord too. God’s children are part of a local church family and do what they can to help out (I Cor. 12:12-27).  Who doesn’t love to see Christians who jump in to take care of things that need to get done? Whether inviting people to their home, cleaning the building, preparing the Lord’s Supper, teaching a class, leading singing, helping with the radio, or working on the website, etc.

Until a local church appoints elders like Titus was told to do, those without them are being blessed having the members working together developing their leadership qualities to help things run smoothly. May we all be doing what we can to help, and not hinder, the work of the church.

Chuck                                       

This past week I had a person inquire about the term “pastor.” I explained that the word is referring to elders (Eph. 4:11) and that to become an elder one must meet the qualifications found in Titus 1 and II Timothy 3. I also went on to tell her that Jesus condemned the use of titles (Matt. 23:7-9). The problem with elevating religious leaders is not new. The church at Corinth faced this, and Paul rebuked them sharply (I Cor. 1:12-15).

Her response was to ask “What do people call you – by your name?” Yes, that is exactly what people do. The Bible describes those who proclaim the gospel as being preachers, ministers or evangelists. I pointed out that I am “Chuck who preaches,” not Preacher Chuck. Unfortunately, many in the religious realm who claim to be teachers demand that they be called Pastor so and so.

This problem is so ingrained into the minds of people that they find it very hard to reject. Many editions of the Bible – some in print for hundreds of years – list the authors of the first four books of the New Testament as Saint Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The fact is, all Christians are saints (II Cor. 1:1). So again, I am to be a saint, but I am not Saint Chuck.

Here is the fundamental question – have religious leaders earned the right to have a designation that is different from the rest of the flock? Man was responsible for coming up with a clergy/laity distinction. It is not a Biblical concept. (This distinction is also why certain religious leaders feel compelled to wear a special garment to make them distinct from the rest of the congregation). These practices are contrary to the word of God but are accepted by many today.

I realize the use of the titles “Pastor”, “Reverend”, “Saint”, and the like are not going away. However, we do not have to follow this unauthorized path. Instead, let us give God the glory He is due by doing only what He has authorized. If you want to discuss religious titles further, please reach out.

Chuck

Last week, I discussed the fact that I am not a pastor. A reader then sent me a great question. The individual read the qualifications for a pastor/elder found in I Timothy 3 and in Titus 1. After examining those passages, they concluded that I meet the qualifications and therefore ought to be a pastor. I am always thrilled to receive feedback like this that shows people reading and reasoning from the scriptures. Still, this also showed that more discussion on the topic is needed.

Being godly is not enough

It might surprise many religious people today, but the apostle Paul was not a pastor. The denomination I once was part of even referred to Paul’s writings as “Pastoral Epistles.” Just because he and Barnabas had appointed elders in churches did not mean they themselves were pastors (Acts 14:23). In fact, the Bible never refers to Paul as a pastor/elder - he does not qualify! Yes, an apostle of Jesus Christ was not qualified to be an elder! We are told that within the list of qualifications, one must be married and old enough to have believing children (I Tim. 3:2-5; Titus 1:6). Also note that one of the duties of an elder was to shepherd the flock they oversaw. How could Paul do this when he was traveling and gone for years at a time (I Pet. 5:1-2)?

Always a plurality of pastors/elders

As you read through the New Testament, you will note that whenever elders/pastors were appointed it was ALWAYS two or more. Paul sent for the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). Acts 14:23 states that elders were appointed in every church. When Peter spoke about being  an elder (he was qualified), he spoke about elders being among the brethren (I Pet. 5:1). James mentioned to call for the elders of the church when a member was sick (James 5:14). These examples are not calling for elders from different churches – they are showing a pattern of multiple elders in every church. We even read in Hebrews that the members of the local congregation were to obey and be submissive to the elders who watch out for their souls (Heb. 13:17).

Not “once an elder/pastor, always an elder/pastor”

Just as men can become qualified, they can become unqualified. However, this is not really my point. Consider this – if a local church appoints two men as elders and one moves away, then that eldership is dissolved because there are no longer multiple elders. The church no longer has any elders until there are multiple, qualified men who accept the responsibility again. Also note that the man who moved away is not automatically an elder in his new town’s church. Local churches choose men they know are qualified and appoint them as elders (Titus 1:5). This principle is taken from Acts 6:3-5. The qualifications of being able to teach, having a good reputation within the church and in the community, practicing hospitality, etc. must be proven first. Only after this can he be considered for the role.

No set combination

As we already pointed out, being an apostle like Paul did not automatically qualify him to be a pastor/elder. Still, an apostle could be an elder like Peter was (I Pet. 5:1). The same is true with preachers. Not all preachers are qualified to be an elder/pastor. Some are not married, while others may not have children. He might also lack one of the other qualifications. Some preachers are qualified though and serve both roles (multiple elders are still required though).

The denominational concept of a pastor is nothing like what you read of in the Bible. Too many today use it as a title rather than a function within the church. I preach, but I am not “Preacher Chuck”. If one is an elder, they are not “Elder So-and-so”. May our understanding harmonize with scripture in this important matter.

Chuck

Where in the Bible does it teach the concept of “Pope”? The term cannot be found. If anything, you learn from the scriptures that no apostle was above any other (Matt. 20:20-28). As a matter of fact, we are told that the foundation we are to build our faiths upon is the apostles with Christ being the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). Peter is not specifically listed or called out in any way!

Consider Peter for a moment. He was the one that Paul had to confront due to his hypocrisy (Gal. 2:11-13). I do not want to suggest that Peter was not forgiven – he was. After all, he even became an elder within a local church (I Pet. 5:1-4). When you read the qualifications of an elder (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9), we know he was married and had children. This is consistent with what we learned about him early in Christ’s earthly ministry when Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Matt. 8:14).

Peter’s role as an elder raises another interesting fact. Local churches were to have multiple, qualified elders. There were to be elders in every church, not a singular elder (Acts 14:23). An apostle could become an elder, but being an apostle was not a prerequisite. Why is that important? This means that when Peter worked with other elders, he as not the “head” elder. Why not? Because elders are to shepherd the flock/church of which Jesus is the head (I Pet. 5:2-5).

The reason why the false concepts about Peter even rose up in the first place was due to a misunderstanding of Matthew 16:17-18. In this text, Jesus asked all of His apostles a question (verse 13). We are told “they” answered Him (verse 14). When Jesus asked “them” another question (verse 15), Peter spoke up and answered (verse 16).  Christ then said “upon this rock I will build My church” (verse 18). It was “upon” this confession of faith Christ was talking about – not Peter specifically! If another apostle spoke up first, would the church have been built upon him?  These lines of questioning illustrate the problems with the non-Biblical concept of “Pope.” This just goes to show that all children of God need to handle His word properly and avoid elevating men beyond their intended roles.

                                                                                             Chuck