The question:
Is the POSITION (of Pastor) to be honored, or the MAN?
Here is one of the passages I have been chewing on...
17The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.Here's where I am tonight - The position of elder is a position of honor. I Timothy 3:1 says, "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do." It is something that a man "aspires to." It is a position that requires a great deal of character and a life that is "above reproach." (Above reproach does not mean perfect or without error, or any fault. It refers to a character that is known to be good, godly, and 'generally' above reproach.)
HOWEVER
The POSITION is not honored above the MAN. The man is to be due "double honor" if he rules well, and especially if he works hard at preaching and teaching. So there is a qualification for the degree of honor given to the man. It is also interesting to note that while the position (and the man who has qualified for it) calls for special considerations when an accusation is made against an elder, it is also true that provision is made for how to handle accusations (5:19-20). A single accusation is probably not sufficient for discipline. HOWEVER, when there are numerous people who share in an accusation, then neither the man nor the position should be elevated to "untouchable" status. The man is to be approached. If he continues in the sin he is accused of, the he is to be rebuked before the congregation. Certainly his sins should not be covered up nor should they be excused because of his position. The man is not excused because of his position.
Here's my conclusion:
A pastor is not OWED honor or respect because he holds a position. He should hold the position because he is honorable and respectable. When he is no longer honorable and respectable, he is no longer fit to be an elder and should be dealt with in a biblical manor.
edited 11/19/07
