05/09/2026
Churches need good leaders, but leaders are not exempt from accountability. Paul, as an apostle, commissioned Timothy to go and appoint elders in all the churches. Then Paul went on to say the following,
1Timothy 5:17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” 19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. 21 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone. 22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
If an elder does his responsibilities faithfully, he is to be respected.
If that elder does the preaching and teaching, he is worthy of double honor; he should be compensated well.
Timothy was not to listen to an accusation against an elder unless there were two or three witnesses present to confirm it.
If an elder had sinned, he was to be rebuked before the whole congregation, as this would also serve as an example to all that no one is above accountability, especially those who lead.
Timothy was made aware of just how important and serious these instructions were, and he was not to show favoritism to anyone.
Timothy was never to be in a rush to appoint an elder.
This shows me that churches need quality leadership, not lords, but caring and nurturing leadership.
Good leadership should be respected and honored accordingly.
Leadership is not a pass to do as one pleases or a position to lord over others. It is an opportunity to serve Christ by serving His body.
Leaders who act as though they are superior to others, are lords over others, and carry themselves as someone who is never to be questioned, do not fit the criteria of the word for a leader in the church.
The solution to poor, unqualified leadership is not an effort to diminish the need for leadership in the church, but rather a return to the instructions Paul gave to Timothy in the first place.
The problem is not fixed by abandoning the need for good leadership. It is fixed by following the wisdom in the counsel given at the first.
