This article seeks to help the commission of pastoral succession of some churches that often ends up being guided more by pragmatism and misconceptions of success than by biblical principles and fidelity to the Lord.
One of the most crucial moments in a church is pastoral succession. Unfortunately, many churches with faithful pulpits end up being destroyed by the wrong choice of a new pastor. Unfortunately, many ministers, fearful of losing their positions and ignoring the brevity of life, end up failing in the responsibility that God has entrusted to them to train the next generation of ministers and to teach the congregation the characteristics to look for in a minister of the Word.
- What happens is that many members end up looking for culturally influenced features.
- Especially the corporate world.
- Unfortunately.
- The commission of pastoral succession of some churches is guided more by pragmatism and misconceptions of success than by biblical principles and fidelity to the Lord.
We should pay attention to scripture standards, and we can find an example and instruction in Paul. In his ministry, the Apostle had in mind four generations: “And what have you heard of me through many witnesses, this conveys this to men who are faithful and also able to teach others?(2 Tim 2. 2). Paul (1st) instructed Timothy (2nd), who should instruct faithful men (3rd) who would instruct others (4th). In addition, he taught the second generation to recognize the third generation (see 1 Timothy 3:7; Titus 1: 5-9).
The apostle’s example should serve as a model for us, especially for today’s pastors, has been fundamental to the continuity and health of a church for several generations that its pastors and members know what to look for in a candidate for ministry and in a candidate in the process of pastoral succession.
Colin Marshall
We have to be talent hunters. If the current generation of pastors and ministers is responsible for calling, electing, and separating the next generation, we must constantly seek out the kind of people who have the gifts and integrity to preach the Word and guide God’s people.
Based on pastoral epistles, we learn that by selecting elders, bishops, and deaconos, we should look for people who are:
In this basic list, we could add other qualities and characteristics that often indicate people who have the gifts and potential to be gospel workers:
As we work with the people of our churches, we must be aware of those who have these qualities or who have the potential to develop them. These are the “people worth watching,” the potential workers of the gospel for the next generation. If you start seeing someone like that in your church, ask yourself some of these questions:
The type of person who answers these questions has the potential to grow up and become a “recognized evangelical worker. And one of the most useful steps on this path is a ministry of learning. “
If your church is going through a pastoral succession, pay close attention to the biblical norm. Loyalty to Senhor da Seara will always be wiser than following the world’s advice.
As a result of 25 years of work, this book explains how to work closely with people, make disciples of them, help them grow and thrive in gospel ministry, and stay with them for the long term.
By: Vinicius Musselman Pimentel. © Return to the Gospel. Website: VoltemosAoEvangelho. com. All rights reserved. Source: Errors and tips when choosing the next pastor in your church.