TREATING A NEW PASTOR BIBLICALLY

Introduction The context of the present message is to set-up mentally for next week’s installation service. It is a celebration period and designed to inform the community regarding BBC’s new leader. The occasion affords a good opportunity to review what the Bible instructs us regarding how we should treat spiritual leaders.

Introduction It is the optimal time to preach this particular type of message, since it NOT designed to address any current problems with the pastor! Both the N.T. and the O.T. provide six (6) over- arching principles for how we should treat a congregation’s spiritual leader.

There are right ways, manners, and spirit in which to do so. Believe Him “Against an elder receive not an accusation, except before two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:19) The text does not say that a pastor is always right or that he is never to be questioned. There are right ways, manners, and spirit in which to do so. But, if the matter comes down to the pastor’s word against another—believe the pastor.

Obey Him “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17) The text does not say that the pastor’s idea is always the best idea nor that he is always right. There are ways and a spirit in which we can make an appeal when we believe the pastor’s ideas are not the best. When the pastor makes a final decision, however, then it is time to obey and submit in that area.

The Bible says we should both obey AND listen. 3. Listen to Him “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel listened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9) There is a qualitative difference between “obeying” somebody and “listening” to them The Bible says we should both obey AND listen.

Follow the Right Steps, If You Feel the Pastor Should Be Removed “And David said unto him, How were you not afraid to stretch forth your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 1:14) The point of the passage is NOT to imply that spiritual leadership should never be removed; sometimes they should. The point is that there is a right time, place, and protocol to follow. Do not take matter into your own hands and the ends to not justify unbiblical means.

Don’t Speak Evil of the Pastor “Then said Paul, I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.” (Acts 23:5) In this context, the high priest was definitely both wrong and out of line. The Apostle Paul, nonetheless saw the biblical injunction to treat the spiritual leader with respect. Although the pastor is NOT a “high priest,” he is nonetheless the church’s spiritual leader and, by way of principle, we also should speak respectfully to him and about him.

6. Don’t Murmur against the Pastor “And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.” (Numbers 12:1)   “Remember what the Lord your God did unto Miriam by the way, after you came out of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 24:9). There is a time, place, and manner that we should address potential disagreements that we might have with the pastor at times. Murmuring to others is neither productive nor biblical and we should not do so against the pastor. The golden rule is very applicable to how we should act and speak in times when we disagree with church leadership.