The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV)
- The elders who direct the affairs of the church…
The special calling of pastors and elders is to give direction to the church. Notice, direction does not come from one individual (that is coercion). Nor does it come from everyone (that brings confusion). Direction comes from those who’ve been tested and trusted to serve as leaders in the church (that brings cohesion). - Especially those whose work is preaching and teaching…
A gospel church is always a church under the Word of God. So the ministry of the Word and the direction of the church belong together. If we are really serious about living out what God calls us to do, then we will want God to shape our lives and our church through his Word. - [Some] are worthy of double honor…
This means, first, that we are to respect those who have been trusted with leadership. “Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord” (1 Thes. 5:12). Here Paul says, “Those who serve well are worthy of double honor.”
This “honor” includes the support that those who give themselves to full-time ministry receive from the church. Paul quotes two Scriptures: “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain” (Dt. 25:4) and “The worker deserves his wages” (Luke 10:7). Pastors are compared to an ox and to a farm laborer. The analogies are significant. A man who goes into pastoral ministry must expect to work hard. And the church that calls him should pay him for his work.
How are you honoring the leaders/pastors who work hard in your church?