A Warning to Leaders
Have you ever come across a section of scripture that at first glance you believe you understand what it means? However, upon further study and growth in the faith, when you come back to this section you find out that what you believed is not what the scripture is saying. For me, this scenario played out when I was preparing for our study on James chapter three. If you have studied this chapter before, you would most likely have been told or believed that this powerful chapter is a warning to simply keep your tongue in check. There is no doubt that this is true, however, James chapter three is a double sided blade. It has application for the born-again believer this is true, however, it is a chapter that I believe is to be directed towards those who wish and currently are in pastor/teacher roles within the body of Christ. Allow me to show you what I mean.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.”
James 3:1-4
At the very beginning of this chapter, James the half-brother to Jesus Christ, offers a warning. This warning is for those who wish to step into a role in which they will be teaching the scripture. It is not a desire that one should take lightly, as James will go on to express by stating that those who teach will be held and judge to a higher standard. This is because of the outcome that their teachings will bring.
For example, let us consider a pastor at a church. Now imagine that a pastor goes up to preach and either intentionally or unintentionally fumbles in their understanding of the word of God. For those believers who are weaker in the faith, they will take what the pastor teaches without question. They simply believe that the pastor has the knowledge and years of study to back up their claim so why should they search the scriptures further. Now imagine that same body of Christ going out and declaring what their pastor taught them to nonbelievers. For the sake of the argument let us imagine that what was taught was that Jesus was not eternal and existed before being born through the Holy Spirit by Marry. Unfortunately there are some cults who believe this heresy. If a pastor teaches false ideas, the people who listen to him go out and share it with others. This creates stumbling blocks for nonbelievers. False ideals being shared can cause some to turn away from God believing that He does not care, or even giving them a false sense of salvation without recognizing that in order to be saved they need to repent of their sins.
This is why James is using descriptions of a bit or a rudder. Both items are small in comparison to what they control. A horse out of control can lead to injuries to those around it while a ship that has a broken rudder can crash and cause mass destruction. A pastor in a church holds great responsibility and it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. It is why we are offered examples of what a pastor should be in 1 Timothy 3:1-10.
The key aspects that a man who is wishing to step into a pastoral role should have are:
1. Must be above reproach; the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:2-3a)
2. Must be gentle and peaceable, free from the love of money ( 1 Timothy 3:3b)
3. Must manage his household well, keeping children under control with dignity ( 1 Timothy 3:4-5)
4. Not a new convert ( 1 Timothy 3:6)
5. Must have a good reputation with those outside the church ( 1 Timothy 3:7)
While it is true that by God men are given the authority to teach and lead a church, do not be mistaken that women are free from the higher standard as well. For those women who wish to lead a woman’s study or a children’s ministry, you are stepping into a leadership role and as such will be held to a higher standard as well. It is why 1 Timothy 3:11 continues and states that a woman who follows Christ should be:
1. Dignified
2. Not given to malicious gossips
3. Temperate
4. Faithful
If you are someone who is thinking of stepping into a leadership role, I pray that you do not do so lightly. James states that not everyone is called to this path. I ask that if you feel as if God is calling you to lead a Bible study to please take a moment and pray. Pray that He will bless your words so that you can teach His word accurately and be able to steer the group in God’s truth. I ask that you pray this for your pastor and the fellowship leaders in your church. Pray that they are always attuned to what God’s word states and do not stray from it.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex