Comments on: More Than Just a Preacher

By: Daniel Chaney

Daniel Chaney — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:22:23 +0000

Michael,

The qualification of being the husband of one wife is a command for an elder not to be divorced and remarried etc., but it seems as if this qualification is assuming the fact that the man already has one wife. Paul was not married, but was he an elder in a local church? It seems that for Paul, marriage would have hindered his ministry, rather than complete it.

You asked, “As for his household and unruly children, would you limit elders to those with children in the home?”

The qualification of having ruled his household well/has his children in subjection seems to imply that the man indeed has children AND has kept them. If a man does not even HAVE children, he cannot have ruled well his own house, and cannot possibly handle the church. This qualification does not require that the man have children living at home, it requires that his household be in order. In other words, his children cannot be in rebelion whether in or out of his house.

In Christ,
Daniel Chaney

By: Michael Herrmann

Michael Herrmann — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:13:37 +0000

Rick,
I think that’s a fair question and I love to see people taking the Word seriously. But, did the apostle Paul have a wife or children? Isn’t it possible that the qualification that the man be husband of one wife is a qualification of his character and not of his marital status? Could a widower be an elder?

As for his household and unruly children, would you limit elders to those with children in the home? Certainly we should look at a man’s family, if he has one, and determine his fitness for being elder. But if he does not have children should that preclude him from being elder?

By: David B

David B — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:05:53 +0000

Here is a random question. Are all pastors called to be the same? Just wondering. As I studied about Jonathan Edwards, he had actually stopped visiting his congregation. As he spent so much time in the Word and study/exposition. Is that acceptable now? As I am studying and finishing up my bachelor’s degree, and looking at seminary possibly. I question myself sometimes in the fact I more driven and prone to study than sometimes fellowship. I wonder if it will be I will be driven to be a teacher more than a pastor.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:09:05 +0000

Are there people called “pastors” without a wife or children? A domestic qualification yes, but a qualification nonetheless. Some may even answer why must he have a family? God replies… “(For if a man no know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”

Why would God give a qualification that cannot be met? A qualification is “a condition or circumstance that must be met or complied with.” If God puts a “must” on something, must it be met?

Not just to be contrary, I assure you.

By: Nate B.

Nate B. — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:31:56 +0000

K. Hays,

Thanks for your question. Yes, Pastor MacArthur makes hospital visits, as do our other staff pastors.

By: K. Hays

K. Hays — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:31:53 +0000

Dear Dr. MacArthur and/or Mr. Johnson, do you ever make personal visits to someone to counsel, console, confront,cheer? Do you ever make hospital, convelescent home visits? I really am not speaking of random,non-personal visitation, but of those from your church, those you know or family or friends of those in your circles?
I know it would be impossible to reach out to everyone who is suffering or needed a personal pastoral touch, but there must be times you feel led to care for the sheep in a personal way as a pastor.

By: GUNNY HARTMAN

GUNNY HARTMAN — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:43:38 +0000

You know, in seminary they really emphasize the preaching part, which is understandable. Stewardship of the Word is crucial and preaching skills can be developed in a lab.

However, where graduates are often lacking is in pastoral duties apart from the Word. This is where it’s crucial to learn from a mentor in seminary or at least get involved greatly in the local church.

Sadly, many of the smaller, “training ground” churches suffer through these guys and (perhaps inadvertently) give them their OJT education in these areas.

Often these smaller churches where these guys live & learn after making many mistakes are the unsung heroes of some who are great pastors (who can preach as well).

By: Eddie

Eddie — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:34:47 +0000

Rick,
Wouldn’t you agree that in reality, if we are honest enough, no one meets the requrements set out for pastors?

By: Steven Lamm

Steven Lamm — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:39:58 +0000

Rick,

This was a blog adapted from the article. Actually, it was a response to a question from a GTY listener.

I can assure you that John MacArthur pulls no punches when it comes to the biblical qualifications of church leaders listed in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

You can’t cover everything in a single blog post.

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:44:26 +0000

A very fine article on the role of pastors as shepherds. On the other hand the most extensive passages dealing with pastors was completely ignored (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). Could it be because it deals with qualifications. Qualifications which most who call themselves “pastors” do not meet?