Qualifications: Having ExperienceThe next qualification for a pastor is another negative: “not a novice”, or “not a recent convert”. The word Paul used literally means “newly planted”. If a man is merely a beginner in the Christian life, then he is not qualified yet to be an overseer. He needs experience in the Christian life. He needs opportunity and time to grow from a tender young shoot to a more mature plant, that is able to cope with the winds of change and icy blasts that blow against the warmth of Christian fellowship. A recent convert inevitably lacks the maturity, respect, and prestige that are required in an elder. A man may have all the spiritual and practical gifts—he may have all the family requirements—but if he does not have any real practical experience of church life then he is at a severe disadvantage. A man may have been taught well in the Scriptures—he may be able to conduct himself well in the pulpit—he may be convinced of the things he believes—he may have many people skills—he may be extremely committed—but—if he has no experience of church office then there is a considerable danger that he may not cope with the demands of leadership that will inevitably be thrust upon him. To appoint such a man may well be disastrous for him, and it will certainly harm the church.
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Copyright © 2002 Homerton Baptist Church. |
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