MODELS IN MINISTRY

 

John writes as an elder (v.1). Doubtless, he is that in age, but he is also that in leadership. He is a spiritual father to God’s people. His desire is for the prosperity of the flock (v.2). He is especially thrilled when the church is walking in the truth (v.3-4). He affords an excellent model for ministry.

John begins with COMMENDATION. 

This letter is directed to his beloved Gaius—Gaius the Generous (v.5-8). This man loved the Lord and loved people—and put his money where his mouth was. In particular, he supported the missionaries and evangelists who came through on their journey. Jesus gave us one mission—the Great Commission, as we call it. We should imitate Gaius in giving to get the Gospel out.

John also commends Demetrius (v.12). I call him Demetrius the Devout. His devotion to Christ was a compelling example for all.  When you took the plumb line of truth and held it up beside him, he was in alignment with God’s Word. He sets a standard for us to follow.

Yet, John also brings CONFRONTATION.  There is another man in the church that needed to be confronted for his wickedness. I refer to him as Diotrephes the Dictator (v.9-10). His ego was extraordinary. He was a church boss—and for him it was, “My way or the highway.”  You groveled before him or you were driven out of the church. His works were diabolical and his words were demonic.  God calls us to lead the sheep and not drive them as cattle.

There was more that John might have said (v.13-14), but this is enough for now. Here is the bottom line, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (v.11).  

An elder of the church should follow John’s pattern—commending the good and confronting the bad—fearless in our stand for the truth. We should exemplify generosity and devotion as Gaius and Demetrius.  The sad reality is that some church leaders have a swollen head and shrunken heart like Diotrephes. In that case, one should check their spiritual birth certificate. What model for ministry will we follow?

THE FELLOWSHIP OF ENCOURAGEMENT, The Duties of the People

 

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem....  (Philippians 2:29)

Have you ever received one of those email chain-letters that tell you if you don't forward it, something bad will happen to you?  Read this one:

                  Do you want a perfect pastor?  Here is what it takes:

He pleases everyone.  Preaches exactly twenty minutes and follows it with an invitation in which everyone is convicted but no one is offended. Works from 7 AM to midnight in every aspect of work from counseling to janitorial work.  27 years old with 30 years of experience.  Tall and short.  Thin and heavy set.  Handsome but not overpowering.  One brown eye and one blue.  Hair parted in the middle and straight on one side and wavy on the other, with a balding spot on top revealing his maturity.  Has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all his time with senior citizens.  He smiles constantly with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously at his work.  Invests 25 hours a week in sermon preparation, 20 hours in pastoral counseling, 10 hours in meetings, 5 hours in emergencies, 20 hours in visitation and evangelism, 6 hours in funerals and weddings, 30 hours in prayer, 12 hours in correspondence, and 10 hours in creative thinking.  Is always available in his office.  He always has time for all committees and activities of the church. He never misses the meeting of any church organization and is always busy evangelizing the un-churched.  Has perfect kids.  Spouse plays the keyboard.  The perfect pastor is always the next town over.  He is talented, gifted, scholarly, practical, popular, compassionate, understanding, patient, level-headed, dependable, loving, caring, neat, organized, cheerful, and above all, humble. 

If your pastor does not measure up, simply send this notice to six other churches that are tired of their pastor too. Then bundle up your pastor and send him to the church at the top of your list. If everyone cooperates, in one week you will receive 1,643 pastors.  One of them should be perfect.  Have faith in this letter.  One church broke the chain and got its old pastor back in less than three months.

Let me tell you what will really transform a pastor—loving encouragement!  It won't make him perfect, but it will help!

Encourage him with YOUR PRAYERS.   Repeatedly, you find Paul pleading for prayers (Phil.1:19).  It is far better to talk to God about your pastor's deficiencies rather than other members!   Recall how Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands?  Do that as you pray!

Encourage him by YOUR PRESENCE.  Paul wanted to do more than send a letter.  He wanted to send a servant.  Face to face is vital.  The best meal won't nourish you if you aren't at the table.  It also discourages the cook!  On Sunday mornings a spiritual buffet is waiting!

Encourage him with YOUR PRAISE (Phil.2:29). Not to puff up with pride, but to fuel up with encouragement!

Encourage him with YOUR PRACTICE (Phil.2:19-20).  Paul wanted a return on his investment!  The farmer wants to see fruit for his labor! 

Encourage him with YOUR POSSESSIONS (Phil.2:30b). They sent an offering.  We are to support the ministry.

Inside one of our church member’s Bible I read, "How good would this church be, if every member were as good as me?"  Good question.  What is your answer?