Distinctive #8: Gospel Leadership

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.

1 Timothy 5:17-18

The eighth distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel leadership. Gifted and godly leaders are a sign of God’s blessing on a church. A local church depends in large measure on the character and competence of its leaders. Notice what is being said here about leadership in the church:

“Let the elders who rule...” It is the special calling of pastors and elders to give direction to the church. Notice that direction does not come from one individual. (That would be coercion.) Nor does it come from everybody in the congregation. (That would be confusion.) Direction for the church comes from those who have been tested and then trusted to serve as leaders. (That brings cohesion.)

“Especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.” A gospel church is always a church under the Word of God. The ministry of the Word and the direction of the church belong together. We must be serious about living out what God calls us to do and about letting God shape our lives and our church through His Word.

“Worthy of double honour.” This means, first, that we are to respect those who have been trusted with leadership. And Paul says that those who serve well are worthy of double honour.

Some churches have given such emphasis to the priesthood of all believers that they have lost sight of God’s particular call to pastoral ministry. So is it right to hire a pastor? Absolutely

Ministry advances through God’s people under the leadership of those who are called by God and recognised by the church to devote themselves to this work.

How could you help ensure that the leaders of your church are treated with the honour due their God-given role?