Qualifications: Good
Reputation
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Remember, it is difficult to
discern the heart of another person. I do not advocate an atmosphere of mistrust
and being constantly suspicious. That is not right either. But we must seek to
appoint men to the pastorate who have a good reputation and respect in the
world, as well as in the church. The character of a man is important. If he is a
man against whom it is impossible to level any just charges of moral
inappropriateness, then we safe-guard ourselves against the world. It must be
possible to say about a man we are considering, that “he conducts himself
properly with respect to outsiders”.
Someone who does not have this favourable testimony and yet who is appointed to
be an elder may bring the church into disrepute. What an embarrassing situation
it would be if the world could turn round and say of the man we appoint, “you
have not chosen him, have you?”
A man may be very bold in his own counsel, knowing that he is not spiritually up
to the task, thinking “If I can get away with this conduct of mine, and still be
appointed pastor, I can get away with anything”. That is falling into the
devil’s trap, and into his power.
Now, of course, this is the worst scenario—and we cannot imagine the reality of
such a situation arising, But the warning is necessary. Indeed, we only have to
refer to the Scriptures and heed the clear warnings that it gives. For example,
“let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age,
let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18).
[Do a study in the New Testament on the word “deceived” and check how many
warnings there are against spiritual naivety.]
This final qualification, though coming last, is an extremely serious
consideration. Paul has not placed them in order of priority. Each and every
qualification must be taken seriously and applied in a spiritual and prayerful
way. And that is the only way to seriously consider this important task.
Everything that we do in our approach to appointing a pastor must be bathed in
prayer.
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