1 TIMOTHY 5:17-20 THE CARE AND FEEDING OF SHEPHERDS
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.
These instructions are addressed to Timothy as an apostolic representative, to whom St. Paul has given the special work of establishing and maintaining church order in Ephesus. Already he has been given instructions dealing with false teachers, corporate worship, overseers and deacons, sound teaching and pastoral care. Now Timothy is schooled in the care and keeping of church leaders. Elders are to be held in high esteem and given adequate provision, but they are not to be held above proper church discipline.
Too often churches have suffered greatly due to the misbehavior of a respected leader. The human tendency is to elevate those who demonstrate spiritual wisdom and leadership to an unhealthy status that isolates them from community accountability. This is not a phenomenon that is unique to the Church, but is found in all religions and even recently in the secular realm in areas like investment banking. The list of fallen Christian leaders during the last 10 years is too long and depressing to be included here. But what was common to all of them was their lack of accountability to anyone.
St. Paul directly addresses the top-down aspect of accountability and discipline when he instructs Timothy to rebuke the wayward elder before the community. However, he also gives direction about the role of the members of the community. 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. It is the responsibility of the community to provide for the elder; both for his physical well-being and his spiritual well-being. Both the elder and the community must remember and remind one another that Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and therefore gave the model for proper church leadership.
Proper church discipline is orderly. First you speak directly to the one who you feel is in error. If the error continues you then take two or more others with you. Only after those approaches fail do you go as a group to the one who has authority over the leader. And, of course, throughout the process the One with ultimate authority should be being petitioned in prayer. Above all other concerns, always and continuously provide spiritually for your leaders through prayer.
Guide me Father in my interactions with the leadership of my church. May I show proper respect and support for our leaders. As I encourage the expression of their gifts for ministry may I also be an accessible and honest friend to them. Keep them ever in my prayers to you for nurture and protection. Amen.