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We see in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, the spiritual qualifications for those desiring to be a church leader. There are qualifications for elders and deacons that have to be met in the Word of God. There can be a little confusion with these qualifications depending on what translation of the Bible you are using, which is why there needs to be careful study of the expectations for leaders in the Body of Christ.
David Mathis's latest book looks at these qualifications and explains them to his readers. The book is titled, Workers for Your Joy. The title is based on Hebrews 13:17, which says in the ESV, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." Mathis stated that his book wants to give leaders a "renewed sense of preciousness of (their) charge and enrich the joy (they) find in it-for the good of (their) people."
As the book begins, one thing that Mathis states that should be appreciated by those in pastoral leadership or a layman in the church is that pastors are first and foremost sheep. They are do not become super saints or high-class citizens in the Kingdom of God. They are prone to sin and error just like all of us. They are not immune to temptation and yielding to it.
The first part of the book deals with Christ calling those in ministry. One thing that Mathis states is the Bible never distinguishes between Christian vocation and secular work. We are all to work for the glory of God. What makes Church leadership different is the desire and aspiration to do it as 1 Timothy 3:1 says, "It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work" (LSB). Mathis continues on that pastors are not recently converts to Christianity so that they will not become conceited or arrogant. Also, pastors must teach the Word. They must have a desire to communicate God's Word clearly and accurately.
The next section of the book deals with the moral qualifications, which are that pastors must self-controlled and the husband of one wife. Pastors are to keep themselves and doctrine in check so that they may lead their people well and not astray. They are also to be devoted to their families as well. Many pastors have the tendencies to neglect their families. It is a sad reality, but for the man to lead God's church, this must not be so.
The final section addresses how to deal with outsiders. What is meant by this is those outside the church. Lost people regardless of their social stature or economic status. Is the pastor respectable to all outside the church and hospitable to all?
This book is not a commentary to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, but a simplified study on these passages and what is expected for church leadership.
I received this book from Crossway in exchange for a review.
