In our last study we saw that the first responsibility of elders in the church is to lead the church. The second aspect of leading is in the realm of teaching. The primary responsibility of elder is in teaching the church.
Elders Labor at Preaching and Teaching (1 Tim.5:17)
The word "Labor" that is used in 1 Timothy 5:17 in the phrase "especially those who labor" is the word kopiao, and it means to "become wearied or tired" (BAG), speaking of a "strong exertions: work hard, strive, struggle" (Analytical Lexicon of the Greek NT). This is "toil and labor" (A Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint). Kittel defines it ‘to wear one’s self out" (The Theological Dictionary of the NT). Elders work hard at preaching and teaching the flock. "The ministry is hard work and not to be taken lightly" (KJV Bible Commentary). And when you measure an elder's ministry, you must understand that this is how the saints are equipped (Eph.4:11-12). An elders priority is "prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). John MacArthur notes the difference between preaching and teaching by stating that preaching "emphasizes proclamation, along with exhortation and admonition, and calls for a heart response to the Lord. (Teaching) is an essential fortification against heresy and puts more stress on instruction" (The MacArthur Study Bible).
The Church is to be Led By Those Who Preach and Teach God’s Word
It is easy today to preach cute sermons that do nothing more than tickle the ears but as John MacArthur notes "The proclamation of God’s truth by preaching (Gr. Kerugma) and teaching (Gr. Didache) changes men and women’s lives. That is why dynamic churches are directed by a pulpit that teaches biblical truth and motivates Christians to apply it...Some think that preaching ought to emphasize positive thinking that assumes everything is wonderful and rosy...Others think that preaching should be geared toward helping people solve their problems. We live in a world that is so psychologically oriented, it seems like we can hardly think without getting into clinical analysis. We can’t objectively accept anything without analyzing it. That reasoning has carried over into the church and has developed what I call ‘problem-centered preaching.’ It is where the preacher states the problem and gives ten verses out of context on how to solve it, along with a few stories about some people who solved it. A pastor isn’t a glorified psychoanalyst, a grandfather, or a Santa Claus who pats you on the head and tells you everything is fine. The preacher’s task is not only to educate Christians in the Word of God but also to encourage them to change their behavior in conformity to it. In fact, in many cases he should make them feel worse before they feel better because there has to be healing before there can be restoration. When I preach a sermon that convicts those who hear it, I know that the message is getting through. A church pulpit isn’t primarily designed to help people make decisions about the details of everyday living. It is meant to teach the Word of God and identify sin so that they might change their behavior. Pacifying one’s problems doesn’t make a person feel better. Rather confessing and repenting of sin and changing one’s life is what produces true joy" [MacArthur, J. 1998, c1991. The Master's plan for the church (electronic ed.). Moody Press: Chicago].
This was the constant activity of the early church. Acts 5:42 says, "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." This occurred wherever they had opportunity: On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-16), In the temple (Acts 3:11-26), Before the rules of the people (Acts 4:5-12), In every house (Acts 5:42). This was also the priority of Jesus (Mk.1:14), Stephen (Acts 7), The Church (Acts 8:4), Philip (Acts 8:5-8), Paul (Acts 9:20-22), Barnabas (Acts 13:2-5), John Mark (Acts 12:25), Timothy (Acts 16:10; 2 Tim.4:1-2), and Silas (Acts 16:19-21).
Is this the priority of the pastor's in your church? Are you freeing them up to lead and teach God's Word? One of the ways you can do that is to help them in the shepherding process. If there is a need you can meet, then meet it. Don't call the elders to do ministry God has put before you. As you do this, you will free them from being distracted from "the ministry of prayer and the word."
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