Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Paul is Instruction to Timothy

instructions in verses 19 and 20. The absolute seriousness “to main tain these principles” is underscored by Paul’s use of the first person singular verb, “I solemnly charge,” and the mention of “God” Him self, the Mediator “Christ Jesus,” and the elect “angels” of God—all who see and will someday judge. Furthermore, Timothy is to execute “these principles” justly and righteously. There is to be no discrimina tion or favoritism shown when dealing with accusations or sin. “Without bias” means without “prejudgment” or “discrimination,” that is, without judging someone guilty or innocent before the facts are known. “Without bias” seems to refer particularly to verse 19. It is possible to be prejudiced toward those who accuse an elder of sin, or toward certain elders, so we are to guard ourselves against such preju dices. The second term, “partiality,” may refer primarily to verse 20. Showing “partiality,” that is, “favoritism” or “preferential treatment,” to prominent leaders is a common practice in the world. So when lis tening to an accuser or rebuking the guilty, all proceedings are to be done “without bias” and without “partiality.” This is an important re quirement because God, Christ, and the angels see and will someday judge the proceedings. Despite this forceful appeal to act, the public discipline of church leaders has been, until recently, almost unheard of in most churches. The practice of covering up church officials’ sins and the trick of qui etly moving the offending official to another church is not uncom mon.36 Sadly, the predominant reason churches are beginning to disci pline sinful pastors is not because they fear and honor God, but be cause of the proliferation of multi-million dollar lawsuits against churches by people who have been hurt and abused by sinning pas tors. The failure to publicly discipline church leaders demonstrates a grievous lack of love for God and His Word. It reveals that we do not fear and serve God, but want to play church games. No matter how difficult or unpleasant such discipline may be, we must “maintain these principles” in obedience to God. The fear of God’s judgment and as sessment of our stewardship is to be our constant motivation and en couragement in all such difficult matters. Assessing Prospective Elders Investigating accusations of sin and disciplining leaders are always emotionally traumatic experiences. So in verses 22-25, Paul counsels

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