Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 89

March 30;    I Timothy 3:6;    89/260(II);    ‘Maturity Takes Time’

1 Timothy 3:6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

This verse is talking about desiring to be a pastor.  Bishop, Overseer, Pastor would all have the same basic meaning.  There are a few things to clarify concerning this verse.  Ephesians 4 tells us very clearly that the five fold offices, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher are not offices that you choose.  We are told that the Lord Jesus calls a man or a woman to those offices.  As wonderful as the ministry is and the privilege it is to be called to one (or more) of those offices, there are challenges that five fold ministers face, that unless a man or woman is called, that person will be overwhelmed.  There is a grace given by the Lord to stand in those offices that those who are not called do not have.  If a man or a woman is called to pastor, there is a time of maturity that is vital.  It is said, that a quarterback in the National Football League takes eight years to be fully matured.  If that is true for a secular calling, how much more a pastor who has the responsibility to represent the people to God and God to the people.  Often it is wise for a new pastor to begin as an associate, under a senior pastor.  We have a friend, well known in the ministry who started under a pastor who wisely told this young pastor to shine his shoes.  Pride will destroy a pastor.  If no one can teach you anything or attempt to help you with godly wisdom, the devil who forfeited heaven by pride will have a very good chance to greatly hinder the ministry of the new pastor.  Admit your need for help of your peers who have been in the ministry, talk to them, learn from them and the Lord who called you will mature and help you.