Preaching & Teaching Series March 2nd & 3rd, 2013 What Matters Most Preaching & Teaching Series March 2nd & 3rd, 2013

“What Matters Most?” We continue our Series

What Matters Most? What should a Church expect of its Pastor and leaders and what does God expects of His church. Today we will affirm church leadership, and know that we are holding our leaders and ourselves accountable to godly standards of leadership.

Above Reproach 1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, …

Above Reproach not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

Above Reproach 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Me Above Reproach Paul offers Timothy the 2nd of 5 “truthful sayings.” “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” Overseer, elder or pastor – This was the church leader in Paul’s day. Today, it would be “pastor.” The godly character and leadership of a pastor is as critical for the church then as it is today. Today, we will evaluate my leadership! Me

Above Reproach Paul says, when someone wants to be a pastor, they desire a “noble work.” What led me into the ministry? The rest of the story…. The profession is an honorable one according to St. Paul. But Church work is work!

Above Reproach Paul mentions qualifications for Church pastors: “Moral character” “Self-controlled” “Respectable” “Hospitable” “Able to Teach”

Above Reproach “Controlled use of alcohol” “Not violent, but gentle” “Positive home life” “Not a new convert” “Have a good reputation outside the church”

Worthy of Respect 1 Timothy 3:8-13 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

Worthy of Respect 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Worthy of Respect 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Worthy of Respect Next, Paul lays down qualifications for all who serve in God’s church. Paul uses the word “deacon” It literally means “servant” It means any service provided by believers to the Church;

Worthy of Respect Paul shares the qualifications for male leadership in the Church: “Worthy of respect” “Sincere” “Control the use of alcohol” “Not greedy for money” “Maintain the Mystery of the Faith” “Tested before becoming a leader”

Worthy of Respect Paul also has something to say about female leadership in the church. “Worthy of Respect” “Careful with their use of words” “Temperate” “Trustworthy”

Not Just the Leaders, but ALL Christians 1 Timothy 3:14-15 14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Not Just the Leaders, but ALL Christians Paul purpose in writing Timothy was to let him know how people are to act in God’s household. Appropriate conduct for believers in Christ; The Church is NOT a building, but the community of believers.

Not Just the Leaders, but ALL Christians Paul describes this community of believers as: “The pillar of the living God,” is God dwelling in our hearts and lives; “The foundation of the truth,” is the truth of our Savior Jesus and realizing that it is our responsibility to share the message of a Savior to our dying world.

Paul’s Evaluation of All of Us As Pastor? How do I measure up to these qualification? Where do I need to put forth more effort? This is where your encouragement and prayer are so necessary.

Paul’s Evaluation of All of Us As leaders in the Church? Leading the church and leading a business are not the same. In the Church, we must be spiritual leaders and not just have “good business sense.” How are you as a “Church Leader” growing spiritually to lead this “Spiritual Organization?”

Paul’s Evaluation of All of Us As individual Christians? How does God live in and through me? How am I sharing the love of Jesus Christ with neighbor or friend? We all must remain faithful to God’s truth in Christ – because it’s What Matters Most!