Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Plight of Young Pastors

[10] When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. [11] So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 1 Cor. 16:10-11 (ESV)

Timothy was a young man, a student of the gospel under Paul, and one of the first pastors of the church. Paul instructs the Church at Corinth to put him at ease among them. That is to take care of him, and listen to him, for he is doing the work of the Lord. It often happens that young pastors, are despised by their congregations, or people in the congregation, though they teach what is right and proper, and preach the gospel. If the pastor is preaching false doctrine than something needs to be done. But one ought to be very careful that the pastor is teaching falsely before making accusations. It may be that one’s own position needs to be examined and corrected. Pastors give up a lot to go to seminary and study God’s word, most are very sincere in their beliefs. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t sincerely wrong. But they should even then be treated with respect, as Priscilla did for Apollos, and waited till they were in private to instruct him, so as not to embarrass him in public. This may have made Apollos much more willing to accept her correction, and instruction. Her work certainly bore much fruit through the later work of Apollos.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Young pastors are also God's mouthpieces and should be listened to as one would listen to the Lord Himself.

Not that pastors, young or old, are to be treated as gods but that they are speaking for God.

It is their responsibility for shepherding the rest of us with respect to God's Word and His sacraments.

A pastor is an earthen vessel and will make mistakes and ought be corrected in a loving way.

I thank the Lord for His pastors and pray that they would be bold underlines of His Holy Word.

Es ist das Heil said...

May we learn this lesson from Priscilla!

"A harsh word stirs anger,
but a gentle answer turns away wrath!" Proverbs 15:1

apollo819 said...

es ist das heil..

Thanks for the Proverb....as you know, it is very relevant an appreciated.

Es ist das Heil said...

apollo819-

Amen Bro!!

Bror Erickson said...

Hey guy's I'm back for a day or two. Did a round robin preaching circuit this weekend, even took me into Colorado. Took John to dinosaur national monument, and camping in the Uinta's also picked Elder berries that should make a very fine wine. Thanks for all the encouraging posts.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great trip! Dinosaurs, berry pickin', and gospel preachin'!

How can you beat that?

A 6 year old boy at Dinosaur National Monument. I have a feeling I know what you guys'll talking about for awhile.

Es ist das Heil said...

Glad you had a Great time on your trip. I bet John had a Blast! I know my daughter has the best time in the Mountains when we go.

Haven't been to the Uintas since 1997, but I remember it like I was standing there! I have two Pic's of there on my wall in my Den. They bring back many fond memories!