Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Finding Reliable Men: Hospitable

"How do you find our hospitality?"

That was the first question my young Middle-Eastern friend asked me immediately after our introduction. I'd been in southeast Asia for about two days, and he wanted to know how the people famed for their hospitality were doing. And he asked with an admixture of pride and determination to do something if for some reason I'd not found myself well-treated.

My immediate impression was, "Wow. I've never been asked that before. I wonder how many Christians ever ask that question of strangers they meet? Is hospitality an all but lost practice in the Christian faith?"

My questioner asked me that question nearly three years ago now. I still ponder it from time to time. Whether it's from my proud, competitive, sinful heart... or some genuine conviction, I want to do better. I want to be more hospitable.
The Apostle Paul teaches us that being hospitable isn't merely a "nice thing." It is essential to Christian leadership. An elder or overseer must be hospitable. It's one natural expression of being respectable and certainly is commensurate with the "noble task" of shepherding God's people. Nobility and hospitality simply seem to fit together. And it's all the more appropriate that God's people, especially their leaders, exhibit this quality.

My first Sunday morning visiting Capitol Hill Baptist Church, my family and I sat in front of a lovely family in the church balcony. I first noticed them because their children sat with them attentively and seemingly patiently participating in the service. I then took note of them because of their lovely and vigorous singing. But I really noted them when immediately after the service they greeted us warmly, he took me around and introduced me to many of the men in the church, and after about 15 minutes or so invited my family to join his at his home for lunch... right then.

Honestly, I was a little wigged out by the experience. First of all, his name was Jim. And literally the first three men he introduced to me were all named Jim. Strange I thought. What kind of church is this? Will I have to change my name again? But then the invitation to lunch so soon after meeting him. Well that just about knocked me down. At the very least, it was moving too fast. And with my southern upbringing, it might have even been considered impolite. I gave a polite southern way of saying no, "That's mighty nice of you. Perhaps some other time." Now everybody down south knows that a sentence like that means "no." And they know that's how you have to say "no" because actually saying "no" is itself impolite. And southerners are nothing if not polite.

So, I had clearly said "no" to this man's kind but hasty offer of lunch. And wouldn't you know it? The very next week when we went to this strange church again, he insisted that we join them for lunch. He was New Jersey. He didn't understand the rules and DC was too close to the Mason-Dixon to clearly establish which "Rome" we were in and what we should do.

Paul instructs the churches to look for hospitable men to lead Christ's church. Why hospitality? A few brief thoughts:
  1. Hospitality is a tangible expression of love. Christians are called to love one another and their enemies and hospitality gives practical form to that love. Elders should model this.

  2. Hospitality is a tangible way to care for strangers. How do we know that we're caring for the strangers in our gate? Well, one measure is how close we get to them. Hospitality brings us close in a meaningful way. It establishes intimacy and relationship that reflects the love of Christ in an identifiable way.

  3. Hospitality enables evangelism. Perhaps the reason so many Christians have no non-Christian friends and find themselves "far removed" from evangelistic opportunities is they are not hospitable. You can't share the gospel with a person you don't greet or with a person you will not spend time with in some way. Apart from being hospitable on some level, sharing the good news become close to impossible.

  4. Hospitality enables discipleship and fellowship. The early church devoted themselves to, among other things, breaking bread and fellowship (Acts 2). Among the fundamental activities of the early Christian church, hospitality ranks up them with devotion to the apostles' doctrine.
So, hospitality and the modeling of hospitality is essential to the Christian life. Churches are to be places filled with people given to this particular kindness and compassion. And those who are to be examples for all to learn from are to be hospitable.

How do we find men who are hospitable? How do we assess this qualification?

Some Observations to Make and Questions to Ask

1. Note those men who seem to make it a ministry of greeting everyone at church. Are they wall flowers or are they candidates for Mr. Congeniality? This may be little more than a bubbly personality working itself out, so we can't stop here. But it does pay to take note of the men who hang around after church, who arrive early, who greet visitors and saints alike. This greeting and welcoming activity is essential to being hospitable. And it's useful to note whether the man is doing this contrary to his natural tendency. Note the positive act of love that resists inward inclinations.

2. Note those men who are helpful to those in need. Hospitality often extends a helping hand. Those men who arrive early, are they helping seniors make their way to the church? Are they giving rides to other church members or visitors wanting to attend the church? Are they helping to not only greet but perhaps escort visitors to Sunday school classes or the children's ministry? Hospitality means service to those in need.

3. Does the man open his home to others? This is perhaps the most obvious form of hospitality, having someone over for dinner or fellowship, hosting them. We should identify those who seem to make their home a place of ministry. Perhaps they host a small group Bible study. Perhaps they're the first ones to volunteer to host a missionary or to prepare meals for visiting preachers. And, maybe they seem to always have people over for dinner like my friend Jim (the first Jim). Men with an active hospitality ministry like this are gems.

4. Homes are not the only place to show hospitality. Does the man use lunchtime opportunities to show hospitality? Does he use the lunch hour to build relationships with coworkers with the hopes of gospel opportunity? Does he meet regularly with other men from the church to build fellowship and accountability and to disciple? Is he hospitable in terms of caring for the elderly or serving his neighbors? Is he out in the workplace and community modeling this Christian discipline?

5. Does he accept invitations to hospitality? He knows how to humbly receive the love and care of others. It's especially important that he spends time with different kinds of people in the congregation (young, old, wealthy, poor, different ethnicities, etc.). The potential elder should model both the giving and the receiving of love. And in my experience, it's often the receiving of love and care that is most discomforting for people. We tend to want to feel strong. But the hospitable person doesn't do the mental calculus of figuring out if my host can 'afford' to do this, or whether it's a burden to them, or am I comfortable. He honors others by accepting their hospitality with genuine thankfulness and with as little myopic awareness of self as possible.

Conclusion

When Jim and his family were relocated from DC, at their last evening service Mark asked all those who had been to their home for lunch or dinner to please stand. In the service were probably 350-400 people. Literally 90% of the congregation stood and gave God praise for their hospitality. Their home and their lives had become a very real extension of the church's ministry and pastoral care. They bore immeasurable fruit simply by regularly having people over for their normal Sunday dinner.

And if that sounds like a burden, I should also mention that Jim and his wife have six children, adopted nephew and niece, and lived about 45 minutes from the church. He wasn't superman, but the way he and his family modeled hospitality sometimes made it seem so. It also convicts me for not forsaking ease and crossing more boundaries with the love of Christ. May Jim's tribe increase.
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Friday, October 12, 2007

Fatherhood, football, and hell

My wife sent me this link to a recent Salon article. In the article, an atheist father is troubled about how to convince his young evangelical daughter that he's not going to hell because he's not a Christian. The columnist, Gary Tennis, does a pretty interesting job using a football analogy to upend the atheist father's pride.

Though the piece risks trivializing the gravity of the situation with the analogy, it was nevertheless a helpful way to prompt the reader to see that he couldn't rightly judge the issue without ever genuinely coming into contact with it. Worth the read.
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Thursday, October 11, 2007

Finding Reliable Men: Temperate, Self-Controlled, Respectable

I don't much like walking through malls. I guess I'm the stereotypical male. I storm through to the one (at the most three) stores that potentially have what I'm searching for, select the item, and then escape the whole harrowing experience through the closest exit.

"Vanity fair" is such a dangerous place to hang out. Of all that could be said about malls, this is certainly true: they do not exist to promote sober-mindedness and self-control. Advertisements, displays, samples, music--the entire experience is meant to separate a person from their wallets in the most intemperate and out-of-control way as possible. Sobriety is disdained. Self-control flung off.

Over and against the materialistic orgies of the local mall, there stands the call of Scripture to Christians to be sober and self-controlled, to be good stewards, and conquerors of their flesh. And not surprisingly, the Apostle Paul in 1 Tim. 3:2 insists that those who are to be leaders in the church, elders or pastors, are to be people who are temperate and self-control. They are to be examples for the flock in this regard.

The word nephalios, translated variously as "temperate" (NIV), "sober-minded" (ESV), and "vigilant" includes the idea of being watchful or circumspect. It is to be free from excessive influence of passion, lust or emotion. The Lord calls his undershepherds to be sober in their desires, feelings, and attitudes. He is a person that places limitations on his own freedom. He's not drunk with wine, power, lusts or anything else. He doesn't understand every situation to be a paper bag to punch your way through.


Which enables the next qualification, self-control. The terms are closely related and aim generally at the same thing: an elder must be a person who bridles himself. He must control his internal state (emotions, etc.) and his outward actions. He is decent in conduct. He is not rash or unthinking, but sensible, discreet and wise. Foolish actors are unfit for leadership in the Lord's church.

A sober and self-controlled man is a respectable man. They live godly, ordered lives. And these are the qualifications necessary to shepherding the flock of God. Well, what are some ways of spotting such men in the church?

Observations and Questions (please add others)

1. Does the potential elder teach other men to live as they live? This is the essential calling of the elder (Titus 2:2). The elder candidate should be one noted for encouraging sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable behavior in others.

2. Is a man trendy? Is he a lover of fads, bouncing from one "new" thing to another? A man who is trendy and places emphasis on novelty by definition is one controlled by things outside himself. His appetite is for the ever-changing, ever-elusive "next great idea." He may be "down" with the coolest in the congregation, but the very basis of that acceptance is the kind of instability that works against sobriety, watchfulness, and self-control. We might see this in his style of dress or other purchases (cars, etc.). While we don't wish to be prudish about such things, trendiness in these outward things ought to be noted because they may be early warning signs of trendiness in the more important world of ideas. Is this a man that chases or seriously considers adopting every new church fad or "model" for doing church? Is he drawn to novel theological ideas? Trendiness has nearly destroyed the church from within. Those things are to be avoided. Instead, we're to look for men who are steadfast in their resistance to fads and trends and who adopt a consistently sound biblical view of themselves, the world, and God. We're looking for classic, well-worn pin stripe suits rather than the latest Paris, avante-garde couture.

3. Are the man's appetites balanced? Is there any place where he is given to excess? Foods? Alcohol? Negative emotions like anger? Or, does he restrain himself, exercising control and demonstrating contentment in all things? Men addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex or other things are not suitable candidates for the office of elder.

4. We should take note of the man's actions and reactions in various situations. How does he behave when things are going well? Is he self-controlled, praising the Lord, but not abusing his prosperity at the moment? Likewise, what is his demeanor and conduct when things are really tough? Does he handle suffering in a composed way? Does he persevere in adversity, not losing control to fear, resentment, or cowardice? Is the man a complainer? A complainer may be a man imbalanced in his desires, as he constantly assumes things should be done his way or at least a "different" way.

5. Do others respect how this man lives his life? Are his enemies unable to condemn him and ashamed in the face of his life and witness (Titus 2:7-8)?


CONCLUSION

The ministry and the church are always examined by those within and outside. Her enemies look for things to condemn and opportunities to slander. Churches are greatly helped in this onslaught when her leaders are respectable in their conduct and men of sound judgment.
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Monday, October 08, 2007

Finding Reliable Men: One Woman Man

Paul continues in his treatement of qualifications for leadership in the Lord's church. He has placed desire in the pole position and followed that with an ominbus statement of qualification: above reproach.

The first item the Apostle then lists, perhaps explicating "above reproach," is "the husband of but one wife." The phrase rendered more literally is "one woman man." And, here, there are some differences of opinion as to precisely what is meant.

Calvin follows Chrysostom in asserting that Paul "expressly condemns polygamy." Calvin argues that "Paul forbids polygamy in all who hold the office of a bishop, because it is a mark of an unchaste man, and of one who does not observe conjugal fidelity." D.A. Carson takes this position as well.

John MacArthur does not understand "one woman man" to refer to marital status at all, but to moral and sexual purity. "This qualification heads the list, because it is in this area that leaders are most prone to fail." MacArthur rejects the polygamy argument, saying it was "not common in Roman society and clearly forbidden by Scripture." The phrase is addressing sexual purity, not marital status.

In his excellent series of sermons on 1 Timothy, Phil Ryken makes the following observation:
To be above reproach, an elder must be 'the husband of one wife.' This does not prohibit bachelors from serving as elders. Commonly, elders will be married, and God will use the demands of their callings as husbands and fathers to do much of the sanctifyinig work that needs to be done in their lives before they are ready to serve as officers in the church. But remember that Paul himself was single and commended singleness to others as an opportunity for greater service in the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 7:17; 9:5). Some suggest that the phrase means 'married only once.' This would disqualify widowers who remarry, as well as men who have been through a divorce. If this is what Paul meant, however, one might expect him to be more explicit.

The point of the phrase is probably more general: elders must be morally accountable for their sexuality. The Greeks and the Romans of the day generally tolerated gross sexual sin. Polygamy was practiced by both Greeks and Jews. Marriage was undermined by frequent divorce, widespread adultery, and rampant homosexuality. The words of Demosthenes show the scope of the problem: 'Mistresses we keep for the sake of pleasure, concubines for the daily care of our persons, but wives to bear us legitimate children'.

Though there are some differences in what Paul may particulary have in view with this phrase, all would agree that sexual purity is a prerequisite for holding the office of elder.

And not surprisingly, there must be an examination of a man's life in this regard. How do we find the sexually pure "one woman man" in the congregation?

Questions and Observations for Single Men

1. What are the man's habits regarding dating and fellowship with Christian women? A man given to serial dating may be undiscerning and careless with the hearts of Christian sisters. If he is "playful" in matters of the heart, he may need discipleship in this area and will not be an appropriate example to the flock. Does he treat sisters in the faith "with absolute purity" (1 Tim. 5:2). Is that evident in the single man's social conduct with other women?

2. What are a man's entertainment choices? Does he view sexually explicit material or pornography? If he is embattled with this issue, it's best not to make such a man an elder. He will be responsible for being an example, teaching younger men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:6), and a life of sexual impurity is incongruent with the office.

3. Related to the above, how does the man battle lust? Does he gouge out his eye and cut off his hands (Matt. 5:27-30)? The warfare against sexual immorality must be waged at the level of desire. Men in the eldership should fight their sins like Christians, which means they must radically deny opportunity for the flesh, the world, and the devil to excite lusts leading to sin. And they must cultivate a deeper desire for Christ and the things of Christ. A single man who maintains camouflage in this area, or who flirts with or coddles his lust, is a danger to himself and others. An elder must accept and desire accountability in this area.

Of course, these are questions that apply to married men as well. But with a single man, determining if he is a "one woman man" requires thinking about the trajectory of his affections rather than examining his marital behavior. Do his behaviors "tend toward" purity or do they suggest immaturities to be avoided?

Questions and Observations for Married Men

1. Does the man evidence fidelity to his wife? Is he faithful emotionally and physically? A potential elder should be asked directly if he is in or has had an adulterous relationship with another woman, if he has broken the marital covenant. And if not the physical act, has he become emotionally involved with someone in a way that disqualifies him from the office? It would be wise to have this conversation with his wife as well. She may provide insight into the husband's attitude and behavior that may be blind spots for him. And it's wise to know whether the wife supports her husband as qualified for eldership. It's better to know these things previous to making a man an elder. The position and requirements of eldership will only add stress to any fractures that may already be present.

2. Does he organize his interactions with female coworkers and ladies in the church in a way that provides full accountability and transparency? For example, is he careful to avoid potentially compromising and tempting situations with women (traveling or meeting alone, etc.)? Elders who work in co-ed environments ought to be the kind of men that are trusted by female co-workers--not because they've proven themselves good counselors in intimate matters but because they've appropriately avoided such intimate encounters altogether and established safe distance from temptation.

3. Is the potential elder faithful in making his home marriage centered? By God's design, at the center of the family is sthe marriage of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24). Men and women leave and cleave from their parents and become one flesh. Being a one-woman man means, in part, maintaining a family atmosphere that disallows other people or things (children and work, for example) from displacing the marriage as the center of the family. This is part of what it means to have a well-ordered home. A potential elder prizes his wife even above the other precious people in the home and in earthly relationships directs his affections to that one woman first and foremost.
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Thursday, October 04, 2007

Finding Reliable Men: Those Above Reproach

"If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach..." (1 Tim. 3:1-2a).

The nobility of the pastoral office requires a certain character. The reliable men churches are to seek for the office must be men whose inner and outer lives are sewn together with integrity and Christ-like character.

The second characteristic that Paul lists after desire is "above reproach." This first characteristic is really an umbrella for all those that follow. A man is to be blameless in his outward conduct. He is to be upright and just in his dealings with others.

Paul says that the elder is to be beyond question in this regard. It's a reputation that is deserved. An elder is to be the kind of man that no one suspects of wrongdoing and immorality, the kind of man that people would be surprised or shocked to hear charged with such acts. It's certainly not that he is sinless or perfect, but that his demeanor and behavior over time has garnered well-deserved respect and admiration from others. This is critically important because once an elder at least two things are assumed: that man is then held out as an example for all areas of life to all the sheep (1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:1-3) and elders are to be granted the benefit of the doubt in the protection from charges they receive in the congregation (1 Tim. 5:19). One of the worst thing you can have is a man lacking in character setting a bad example while being shielded by the generosity of judgment the office warrants.

Another critically important thing is that an elder be held in high esteem for his character, not for his wealth, popularity at parties, or any such worldly thing. There is a real temptation and pitfall when it comes to discerning whether men meet this requirement of being beyond reproach. We may be tempted to grant this status to men on the grounds that they have "made it in the business world," "have a long family history with the church," or "everyone really likes Joe, he's a great guy." The apostle isn't commending notariety in those terms, but a dignity of character commensurate with the office. If a man is popular in the worldly sense but lacks the "beyond reproach" character Paul identifies, he will likely lead out of his popularity instead of character. He may fear man more than God (a temptation at times acutely felt in the office), or attempt to run the church like his business, or assume certain "rights" because of his standing in the community or his family name. That man may cripple an eldership for a time.

All Christians must be above reproach, but Christian elders must be so. How do we find such men? How do we train men in this attribute?

On the Lookout for Those "Beyong Reproach": Some Observations to Make (Please add others)

1. Take note of those men who are faithful in their dealings inside the church. For example, do they keep their commitment to give regularly and sacrificially to the church? Do they swear to their own hurt, keeping their word when others might not blame them for backing out of a commitment?

2. Take note of men who "command respect" (in the best sense of the phrase) from others. Are there men who inspire uprightness in others? Perhaps by their very presence people out of respect for them seem to "straighten up" or show more zeal. Perhaps he is a man that everyone turns to or nominates for positions requiring ethical integrity because they are confident he will "do the right thing."

3. Take note of those men who carry on their lives outside the church with integrity. Are they men who show up to work on time, or men who can't hold a steady job because of poor work habits? Are they men who manage their financial affairs well, paying debts and living within their means, or are they men living beyond their means financially and failing to meet obligations?

Some Questions to Ask (Please Add Others)
Assuming church leaders have such a man in view, a few questions might be asked during the "courting" of that man for eldership.

1. Is there anything in your life you feel disqualifies you for serving as an elder? It's a wide open question but a good basic way of beginning to hear the man's self-assessment and possibly find out more about his integrity.

2. Would any of your coworkers or family be surpised to hear that you were a leader in your church? Here, you're sorta probing for whether the man's reputation is good among others outside the church. The question relies on the man's knowledge (imperfect) of his reputation among others, but it's a start. Church leaders may decide to ask this question of some of the man's business associates or coworkers to get a response from them as well.

3. Are there persons who would say you should not serve in any church's leadership? And why would they say this? Elders are to enjoy good reputations inside and outside the church. If there is some outstanding "beef" from others, it would be good to explore (a) the nature of that dispute, (b) how the potential elder has handled that issue--whether godly or not, and (c) whether the opinion of others disqualify the man.

CONCLUSION
The character of the elder is paramount in importance. The nobility of the office requires that only men with befitting integrity hold it. In a day where most people, Christians included, are repulsed by the idea of "judging others," being patient to discern mature and "beyond reproach" character for potential elders may be one of the most difficult things churches do in finding reliable men. But it's necessary for the health and purity of the Lord's Bride.

And because it's necessary, cultivating this kind of integrity--both in the current elders of a church and prospective elders--is critical. Questions, encouragement, and accountability regarding our conduct in various settings should constantly be on the agenda in our discipling and teaching efforts.
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Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Finding Reliable Men, 1

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Tim. 2:2).

These are the Apostle Paul's well-known words to Timothy, his "dear son" in the faith, a young man who had grown up in the spiritual instruction of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Tim. 2:2, 5). It's a deeply tender letter at almost every verse. The apostle is writing in the "shadow of the gallows" as one commentator put it, and he is giving his final instructions and exhortations to this young pastor who has traveled, served, and learned alongside him.

Among the many jewels in this letter is Paul's charge to Timothy to find and entrust "reliable men" with the things Timothy has learned from Paul. The apostle's teaching is to live on, being passed from faithful hand to faithful hand. Consequently then, the pastor is one who of necessity must be able to spot such reliable men and be able to train them in this stewardship. If a man is not given to discipling others in this way, it's likely that he is not called to the pastoral office.

Okay... that's the easy part... saying that a pastor must do this or that. But practically, what does this look like? How is it done? What are some effective and less effective approaches to fulfilling this charge?

In this series of posts, I want to invite the pastors/elders out there to a conversation about finding and training faithful men for the task of leadership in the church. I'm no expert. I haven't been at this very long at all and I'm certain there are tons of men out there who have and are doing it well. So, as we work through the list of qualities the Apostle Paul lays out in 1 Timothy 3, I hope folks--as Paul does here with Timothy--will contribute with their experiences and learning.

Today, we focus briefly on the first qualification Paul lists in 1 Timothy 3:1--"If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task" (NIV). "If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task" (ESV).

In our finding and entrusting reliable men, we're first to look for men who desire this "noble task." We're to find men who have a "heart for it," who "aspire to the office."

This, in my experience, isn't as straightforward as the words suggest. Has anyone out there come across men who "want the office," who lust for it really, but aren't fit for the task? And conversely, has anyone come across men who are fit for the office but think that desiring it is a show of pride or ungodly ambition or impoliteness? Then there are those who are probably qualified but lack desire because of some "super elder" image don't think they're qualified.

Practically speaking, one of the first things Timothy has to do is clarify and teach godly ambition, including the godliness of aspiring to be an elder. A number of the elders at CHBC are faithful in encouraging young men (including 20-somethings) to include in their personal aspirtation or goals the goal of being an elder (at least qualified to be an elder). Especially when one considers that the only quality peculiar to eldership in this list is "apt to teach," that all the other qualities are things that should mark every Christian, this challenge to aspire to be an elder is good and godly. It's another way of saying to Christian men this is what Christian maturity and Christ-likeness looks like. And that's to be desired, not shyed away from or down-played. Can you imagine the upward toward Christ pull and power of having a church filled with men strongly desiring/aspiring in a godly fashion for leadership? In my experience, the problem is generally the opposite... men aspiring for comfort, anonymity, ease and just about anything else except "the office of overseer."

Secondly, practically, Timothy will likely have to clarify and teach the goodness of the leadership task. Paul calls leadership in the local church "noble." And it is. But there may exist the impression that it's a burden, a headache, or a necessary evil. So it may be necessary, without painting a false picture of unending comfort, to develop, discuss, preach, and model joy in the ministry. After all, it's the Lord's intent that leading His church be a joy to those men with the privilege (Heb. 13:17b). Part of the nobility of the task comes from the privilege of modeling Christ for His people. The elder is to be an example in all things (1 Tim. 4:12). The man not desiring to model Christ should be asked, "What exactly do you intend and think is more worthwhile to model than Christ?" It's also noble because it's necessary. The Lord designed the church in such a way that it requires godly leaders. The sheep need shepherds. And tending the sheep is a good thing.

The task is noble and therefore to be desired.

But practically, what are some things we can do/questions to ask to discern which men have this godly ambition?


Some observations to make (feel free to add others):

1. Note those men who are regularly in attendance at the church's services (Sunday morning and night if you have one, mid-week prayer or Bible study) and the church's business meetings. Start with those who already show an active commitment to the ministry and who will be models of that commitment to the body.

2. Note the men who already appear to be shepherding members of the church yet without the title "elder" or "pastor." Who are the men that care for others by visiting or practicing hospitality, giving counsel (being often sought after by others), and who participate in the teaching ministry of the church.

3. Note those men who show respect and trust in the existing leadership, who work to understand the directions leadership pursue, who ask good/apropriate questions in appropriate settings, who avoid creating confusion or dissension in public meetings, etc.

4. Be patient and note those men who evidence the desire over time. Watch a man; encourage him. But observe the desire in fruitful seasons, in dry times, when he is full of joy, and when he is sorrowful. Does the desire persist, grow, and strengthen, or fade, wither, and weaken?


Some questions to ask (feel free to add many others)

These are just a few things we might ask of those who catch our eye:

1. Have you ever thought of being an elder? Start here. Many have never considered it and will be surprised that we ask. Others have considered it and maybe put it out of their minds because of some incorrect impressions we may be able to correct. For those who have not considered it, we should be prepared to give them some reasons why they should, ranging from "this is one way of defining Christ-like maturity for Christian men" to "I've seen these particular things in you that suggest to me this is something you should think about."

2. Have you considered that your lack of desire might be an indication of spiritual complacency or misdirection? Again, this question builds on the teaching that desiring the office is a good thing and that the qualifications for the office are a good self-assessment for Christian maturity. Pastorally, we want to press that vision into our men.

3. Why do you desire to be an elder? To what extent are you aware of anything impure (pride, power, etc) in your motives? This is a question, obviously, for those who are considering eldership. Because we don't want to lay hands on any man hastily, we need to practically tease out godly ambition from impure motives. None of us are perfect in our motivations; we're all sinners who wrestle with some mixture indwelling sin. But due diligence requires we help a man excavate his heart and that we inspect what's unearthed. Are we looking at a humble man desiring to serve, or an unsubmissive, proud seeker after control? What's the source of his eagerness and desire? We're to avoid calling men who may desire oversight "for shameful gain" or to be "domineering over those in our charge" (1 Pet. 5:3).

4. Have you ever considered what would happen to the church, to the sheep, if they have no shepherd? Does your heart respond the same way as Jesus' at the sight of shepherdless sheep? (Matt. 9:36; Mark 6:34) This is for those men who may recognize giftedness and some qualification but who may be shrinking away from leadership. Sometimes it's helpful to take the man's eyes off himself and focus them on the people he would be called to serve. More is at stake than whether or not an individual feels "comfortable" with the idea of leadership, though that should be attended to. At stake is the spiritual care of the sheep.

5. Have you considered what your avoidance of leadership teaches the congregation about this noble task and the care of souls? This is for men who are already seen as "shepherds" in the eyes of the body. Sometimes gifted, qualified men are helped to realized that even in their avoiding of the role they are teaching the congregation something about leadership. They are teaching them that even the men most spiritual and gifted in the eyes of the body think this is a burdensome or unnecessary task. And in teaching that by example, men unintentionally may lower the congregation's standard and expectation for its leaders and consequently lowering the quality of spiritual care and oversight they and future generations may receive. After all, the congregation is commanded to "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consder the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith" (Heb. 13:7).


CONCLUSION

Finding men who desire the noble task of overseer is of great importance. Choosing pastors is the most important decision a congregation makes, for the pastors will shape the congregation through their teaching and their model. And given that, the Lord calls us to find men who "shepherd the flock of God... exercising oversight... willingly, as God would have [us]... eagerly... being examples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:2-3). May the Lord give us discernment, patience, and clarity of thought and observation as we seek reliable men who desire this noble task.
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Monday, October 01, 2007

Speaking of Conferences...

The Desiring God conference audio and video is all online. If you've missed this, you'll probably want to carve out some serious time to listen and enjoy. I really wish I could have been there for this one.
Here are the sessions and speakers:






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Women's Conference with Noel Piper

The sisters at Capitol Hill Baptist Church are hosting a women's conference that promises to be edifying and challenging. The conference will be held, D.V., October 12-13 at CHBC. Noel Piper is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. And the theme is a "Psalm 91 Woman."

A description from the conference information page:
"Noel will be speaking on "The Psalm 91 Woman"--a meditation on living as a godly woman without fear. She will explore how this psalm speaks to women today as we strive for godliness in our busy, modern lives. Noel will also bring us the story of Betsy Stockton, a woman from the past who exemplifies a life without fear. Times of teaching will be accentuated by worship, Scripture, and prayer."

If you're in the DC area Oct. 12-13, prayerfully consider joining the ladies at CHBC for a tiem of fellowship in the word. Registration closes Oct. 1st (today!) so register today.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Around the Blog in 80 Seconds

Today, I'm settling back into the routine at FBC Grand Cayman after a simply glorious time of fellowship over the weekend with the saints at CHBC and dear friends from NC. As I do, I'm benefitting from much of what has gone on around the blog this past week. So, I thought I'd post a few links:

Many people often look at me with a grin and nod when they learn I'm a pastor in the beautiful Cayman Islands. They imagine it's all sun and surf. They have no idea that the underwater beauties of Cayman (and there are many, I'm told) are all lost on me. And, they have no idea that the thing that induces them to that knowing nod and grin is a tacit admission that life in an earthly paradise dangerously dulls the senses and lulls an unwatchful man to a complacent, often slothful sleep. That's why my soul rejoiced this morning in this sermon, Boiling for Christ, from John Piper.

I also appreciated this call from Michael Haykin for churches in Ontario to rise up for Christ! It's a call that needs heeding everywhere Christ's people gathers. Here's his concluding paragraph:
Soldiers of Christ in truth arrayed, rise up and have done with lesser things and labour for the Master in this province. We must be assured that if we do not do it, God’s kingdom will come but He will use others to bring it in and pass us by. He is no man’s debtor, and simply because we are the heirs of a great past, does not mean he is obliged to use us. There are churches in this province with rich heritages but today they are living in those pasts, stuck in the ruts of their traditionalism. Look to Christ and break free from such bondages! Be again his free people–the glory of what it means to be Baptist (oh the vast diference between tradition and traditionalism). Be assured that if we do not, God can and will raise up others and other causes and they shall know his presence and have the joy of seeing sinners saved and the saints edified.

My brother Lance Lewis over at Blaque Tulip has been announcing the end of blackness for a couple weeks now. In his most recent post, he's loading the body of the Black Church into the hearse. You can also read parts one, two, and three.

Spurgeon says know what you're preaching about or sit down (HT: Debtor to Mercy via Justin Buzzard).
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Thursday, September 20, 2007

Why I Stay Away from the Airport News Stand

There are a number of reasons. Chief among them are the scantily clad women airbrushed on slick magazine covers. But then there is the non-stop blaring of CNN or some other news station. And then there is what passes as "news." I found this item--not in the airport news stand--but while surfing the net waiting on my plane to board.

"State Sen. Ernie Chambers Sues God." I'll confess. I don't know whether to applaud the senator's concern over frivolous lawsuits or to rant against the silliness of a "justice" system that allows such a suit. I'm too tired to do both. I wonder if Hitchens, Dawkins and others will make it a class action suit.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Between Trips

This week I'm between trips to Toronto and Washington, DC. So, I've not had much time to write and blog. But in the time the Lord has given me, for which I am thankful, I've had the privilege of doing an interview on transracial adoption with Dan Cruver and Carolina Hope Christian Adoption Agency.

Also, the brothers at NA gave me the privilege of reflecting a little bit on how to humbly approach orthodoxy as well as humbly represent it.

Also, Boundless extended an invitation to reflect on the blessing of God-ordained parental authority in our lives and how to honor it when we're "grown."

These are just the things I've been able to contribute elsewhere. Check out the ton of good work going on at these and related blogs. While things are a little slower here, I hope these are useful.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Take Heed to Yourselves

From Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor:

"Take heed to yourselves lest you should be void of that saving grace of God which you offer to others, and be strangers to the effectual working of that gospel which you preach; and lest, while you proclaim the necessity of a Saviour to the world, your hearts should neglect him, and you should miss of an interest in him and his saving benefits. Take heed to yoruselves, lest you perish while you call upon others to take heed of perishing, and lest you famish yourselves while you prepare their food. Though there be a promise of shining as stars to those that turn many to righteousness (Dan. 12:3), this is but on supposition that they be first turned to it themselves: such promises are made caeteris paribus, et suppositis supponendis. Their own sincerity in the fiath is the condition of their glory simply considered, though thier great ministerial labours may be a condition of the promise of their greater glory. Many men have warned others that they comen not to the place of torment, which yet they hasted to themselves; many a preacher is now in hell, that hath an hundred times called upon his hearers to use the utmost care and diligence to escape it.

"Can any reasonable man imagine that God should save men for offering salvation to others, while they refused it themselves, and for telling others those truths which they themselves neglected and abused? Many a tailor goes in rags that maketh costly clothes for others; and many a cook scarce licks his fingers, when he hath dressed for others the most costly dishes. Believe it, brethren, God never saved an my for being a preacher, not because he was an able preacher; but because he was a justified, sanctified man, and consequently faithful in his Master's work.

"Take heed, therefore, to yourselves first, that you be that which you persuade others to be, and believe that which you persuade them daily to believe, and have heartily entertained that Christ and Spirit which you offer unto others. He that bade you love your neighbors as yourselves, did imply that you should love yourselves and not hate and destroy both yourselves and them."

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Of Gospel-Less Gospel Preachers

"How horrible to be a preacher of the gospel and yet to be unconverted! Let each man here whisper to his own inmost soul, 'What a dreadful thing it will be for me if I should be ignorant of the power of the truth which I am preparing to proclaim!' Unconverted ministry involves the most unnatural relationships. A graceless pastor is a blind man elected to a professorship of optics, philosophising upon light and vision, discoursing upn and distinguishing to others the nice shads and delicate blendings of the prismatic colours, while he himself is absolutely in the dark! He is a dumb man elevated to the chair of music; a deaf man fluent upon symphonies and harmonies! He is a mole professing to educate eaglets; a limpet elected to preside over angels. ... It is a dreadful position for a man to be in, for he has undertaken a work for which he is totally, wholly, and altogether unqualified, but from the responsibilities of which this unfitness will not screen him, because he willfully incurred them. Whatever his natural gifts, whatever his mental powers may be, he is utterly out of court for spiritual work if he has no spiritual life; and it is his duty to cease the ministerial office til he has received this first and simplest of qualifications for it."


From C.H. Spurgeon's "The Minister's Self-Watch," Lectures to My Students (Christian Heritage, p. 10).
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An Excruciating Case of Baptism and Membership

The blogosphere's recent roil over baaptism, membership and the Lord's supper has cooled a bit. That's probably good. It's the kind of conversation that requires reflection, not speed. But my wife passed along this personal situation involving baptism and membership. Obviously this situation is exceptional, but it's worth the read, prayer and counsel for our brother. For my money, make the local church's practice of baptism a higher priority than that of the parachurch organization.
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Monday, September 17, 2007

Back in the Saddle Again...

It's good to be back home and back in the swing of things in Cayman after a wonderful trip to the warm?? climes of Toronto, Canada. Toronto is regarded as one of the most diverse cities in the world--and with good reason! It's one of only a couple places I've visited where I've ever really felt any level of culture shock. The Lord has brought the nations to its door, giving gospel-believing Christians there a great missions opportunity. I'm impressed with the need to pray more fervently for this city and its churches.

In addition to ordering up some warm weather for me, the folks there were wonderfully hospitable and encouraging in the Lord.

It was a great privilege to "bunk" with Ellen and Anand, transplanted Trinidadians who opened their home and literally showered me with generosity. Despite Anand's crazy work schedule, he and Ellen were tremendous hosts, and I won't soon forget their kindness.
My official Canadian tour guide and historian was Pastor Ken Davis, pastor of Thistletown Baptist Church. Ken is about as close to walking laughter and Christian joy as you'll find. And I love his deep love for his people at Thistletown. Saying he has "a pastor's heart" is too much of a cliche. He loves the people of the church and the community. It was a privilege to preach at Thistletown Baptist, a very diverse congregation that loves God's word and each other. They know how to make a brother feel right at home.

Later that evening I also had opportunity to fellowship with Pastor Paul Martin and the saints at Grace Fellowship Church of Toronto. Paul blogs over at Kerux Noemata. It was great to have time with the saints during the evening service, where Paul did an outstanding job meditating on the prayer life of Jesus. Paul is a towering figure in the pulpit! :-) And later, Paul and his lovely family opened their home to me and Tim Challies for a fun pizza dinner and conversation.
If you're in the Toronto area and looking for places where the word will be preached, I can't recommend Thistletown Baptist and Grace community highly enough.
The Sola Scriptura conference was also a great time of fellowship in the Lord. I learned a great deal about Islam from James White and Michael Haykin who both gave excellent talks on apologetics and the history of Islam, respectively. Heinz and the team at Sola Scriptura are to be commended for organizing an outstanding conference and fellowship. May the Lord bear much fruit from it.
And after a great several days in Canada, sampling Tim Horton (I must say I'm still a Krispy Kreme kinda guy) and thoroughly enjoying the body of Christ, I'm tremendously blessed to come home to my family and the saints of FBC. It's good to be back in the saddle.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Greatest Sin Ever Planned

"The greatest sin that was ever committed in the history of the world... was planned by God, namely the death of His Son."


John Piper's concluding comment at Wheaton ("Treasuring Christ and the Call to Suffer," part 3).
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Monday, September 10, 2007

Diary of a Mad Black Preacher

My man Lance Lewis is angry about the silence of African American churches and church leaders in the wake of recent domestic abuse scandal involving Juanita Bynum and Thomas Weeks. He's angry at the abuse of women, and he's angry at the Black churches silent acceptance of the false "gospel" of prosperity preachers. He writes over at Blaque Tulip:

Because of their high profile positions and marriage this incident has drawn national attention and in my view demands some kind of response from the church. And at this point I’m speaking particularly of the black church whether Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist and Reformed (small as it may be). We have to respond because Mr. Weeks and Ms. Bynum represented a large and growing (and at this time the most influential) section of the black church and we accepted that. Few ever questioned their theology, their claims, their methods or their lifestyle. It seemed to matter little to us that almost every time they took the stage they systematically violated each of the first four commandments. If that weren’t enough it appears they consistently broke the ninth command and instead of keeping the tenth actually elevated it, turned it completely upside down and declared that covetousness is the real mark, purpose and goal of salvation and life.

All the while we for the most part stood by silently. They were black after all. If they wanted to engage in the organized crime of weekly flock fleecing well who were we to judge. No, for the black church (including some within the black reformed community) theology is the white man’s distraction. An opiate that would lull us to silence in the face of the "real" problems blacks folks face in white man’s America. I hate to say it but it seems that for far too many of us ethnic strife with our white brothers and the larger white society is THE issue. It’s as almost as if we didn’t care that week after week our people (whom we claim to represent and care for so much) were being fed poison that would corrupt their souls and destroy their lives. I wonder how would we respond if a white person stood up and told black people to send them the mortgage and rent money to receive their blessing? It seems that we’re all too willing to call a spade a spade as long as that spade sports a white visage.

Do I sound angry? Good because I am. I’m angry because it appears that it’s alright for black people to be led into gross idolatry as long as the high priests and priestesses are black like us. I’m angry because if a white evangelical got up and declared that churches separated along ethnic lines was the will of God we’d jump all over him, call for his immediate removal and demand an apology and retraction. Yet over and over and over again false prophets can recast and re-imagine God in their own image to line their pockets and for the most part we utter not a mumbling word.
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Vintage R.C.

From R.C. Sproul's The truth of the Cross:

"The prevailing doctrine of justification today is not justification by faith alone. It's not even justification by good works or by a combination of faith and works. The prevailing notion of justification in Western culture today is justification by death. It's assumed that all one has to do to be received into everlasting arms of God is to die" (p. 10).

If you haven't picked up this gem of a book, I'd highly recommend it. R.C. does what he typically does with deep theological truths and centuries of Christian history--he simplifies it and presses it home in tremendously helpful ways. I plan on doing two things with this book:

1. Begin reading it for the first 10 minutes of our Wednesday night Bible study class; and

2. Buying a bunch and giving them to members of the church.
When you read The Truth of the Cross, you easily recognize why R.C. is loved as a Bible teacher and worthy of the recent lifetime achievement honors he's received.
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Thursday, September 06, 2007

Around the Blog in 80 Seconds

Upcoming Conference

It's the land of really nice people, a quarter of my congregation, and Tim Horton's!


Today, I have the privilege of heading off to Toronto, Canada to participate in the Sola Scriptura Ministries conference "Christianity--Islam: Two Faiths! Two Worldviews! One God?" It should be a great time of fellowship and study. I'm looking forward to hearing both Dr. Michael Haykin and Dr. James White open the word and guid us through the history of Islam and some apologetics. I have the privilege of sharing on the popular Islamic worldview, jihad, and basics of evangelism. If you can't join us, pray for us as we gather and reflect on this important topic.

What Seminaries Need
Speaking of Dr. Haykin, you mght enjoy this post (The Top Ten Needs of a Theological School) over at his blog. Haykin is well-equipped to offer these reflections. He led Toronto Baptist Seminar for some time and is a gifted educator.

Debating the Crucifixion

If you're in the Seattle, WA area on Friday, Oct. 19th, you might check out a debate on the crucifixion of Christ between James White and Muslim apologist Shabir Ally.



New Attitude Blog

The brothers at New Attitude are opening their blogging doors to a number of characters who themselves need new attitudes! Justin Taylor (Between Two Worlds), Justin Buzzard (Buzzard Blog), Josh Harris (JoshHarris.com), Eric Simmons, Doug Hayes (Covenant Mercies), Issac Hydoski (ONE), Joe Stigora, and Ricky Alcantar, and the chief of sinners needing an atttitude adjustment, me, join to reflect on humble orthodoxy and the call to follow Jesus. I'm looking forward to a fun time of blogging with a cast of characters who are humble, funny, insightful, and passionate about the truth.
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Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Surprising Sources of Joy in Pastoral Ministry, 9

One of my weaknesses is that I have a hard time letting people care for me. I move between pride, on the one hand, and a kind of concern for inconveniencing others, on the other. Actually, as I think about it, pride is probably at the root of both responses. Man! Pride is subtle.
Anyway, I have to work on killing pride so that I might be cared for by others. In my own mind and heart, I've probably perverted the notion that it's better to give than to receive so that I'm ever the giver and never the receiver.

Practically speaking, this robs me of one source of joy the Lord intends pastors to receive in the course of their ministries. The Apostle Paul is our model. He writes to the Philippians, "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it" (Eph. 4:10).

It's a little difficult for me to be easy with the apostle's reaction here. People express a renewed concern for him and he "rejoices greatly." To my proud ears it sounds as though the apostle is taking advantage of someone or overly concerned with his needs above others. After all, isn't he the one who wrote think more highly of others than you do yourself? That's my head blabbing.

But here's what I've discovered since coming to FBC Grand Cayman. The numerous and wonderful ways in which the people here have loved on my family and me have caused us to "rejoice greatly in the Lord." The truth of the apostle's words, though slowly seeping into my head, have been quickly attested to by my heart and experience with the saints here. We praise God for the tangible and specific acts of concern and care we've received from the body here. They have been acts of genuine love, and by God's design acts that excite joy in the pastoral ministry.

Just a few examples:

1. There's a lady in the church with an evident gift for hospitality, and she uses it liberally in the church. On a couple occasions, unprompted, out of the fullness of her heart, she has prepared appreciation dinners for the staff. My wife and I have benefited in a number of ways, but I'll mention two that really stirred joy in our hearts. After a Wednesday night Bible study, this young woman catered a surprise birthday party for my wife, featuring my wife's new favorite dish--Cayman-style lobster. My wife and I celebrated our 16th anniversary this past weekend. I didn't even know the lady knew it was our anniversary. She arranged for people to keep our children over night and sent a professional chef to prepare a dinner in our home! It was a joyous time! Her concern for us has been overwhelming.

2. I recall the night we moved into our place here in Cayman. Probably five couples descended on our home and took over the unpacking and assembling of furniture. It was a great blessing.

3. Then there are the three or four older members of the church who have a special ministry of encouragement to me. They very frequently find me after the service to encourage me in some specific way. And they drop by the office from time to time "just to check on me" and bring me fresh fruit. I'm gaining weight through their concern, but I like to think of weight gain as lingering evidence of previous joy :-).

4. The elders show constant concern for me as they ask about my schedule, balance, and commitments. As they've been helping me to think through these things, I've greatly rejoiced in the Lord at the blessing that they are and the tangible expression of love that their concern represents.

Honestly, I could go on and on. The Lord has been tremendously kind in sending me to the people of FBC. I greatly rejoice in Him. And, honestly, I'm surprised by how much joy comes from letting others care for you--not out of some sense of just deserts or anything like that, but from a sincere heart of love and mutual care.

To my pastor friends, notice in the second part of verse 10 that Paul recognized there are sometimes circumstances in which a people are unable to express concern. A couple of questions: (1) Are there any ways, like me in my pride, that you tend to deny people opportunity to care for you? (2) Is your lack of joy in ministry, to the extent that you lack joy, connected with the inability or failure of the people to show their concern for you? If so, how will you labor to remove that inability and/or express your need in a humble, godly way that invites care for you (and your family)?

To members of local churches, notice that the Philippians were eager to show their concern for the apostle, even to the point of sharing in his troubles (4:14). A couple of questions: (1) In what way can you work to be sure your pastor is "amply supplied" (4:18) and greatly rejoicing in the Lord for your concern for him and his family? How can you tangibly express loving care for your pastors today or this week? (2) What barriers in the life of the congregation need to be removed in order for the body to grow in this way? How can you lovingly point those barriers out to others and collectively express greater love for your shepherds?

Life in the local church is meant to be joyous for all, for pastor and people. Perhaps there is no better way for us to strengthen our joy in the Lord than to care well for one another in all things. May the Lord help us to do so.
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