What Are We to Do with Ministers?

This message focuses on three key principles found in 1 Timothy 5:17-25. (1) Treat your minister like an ox! (17-18). That means providing reasonable compensation in response to his labor (especially the elders who rule well, laboring in preaching and teaching), so you can help the minister meet the material needs of his family. "The laborer is worthy of his reward." (2) Treat him just like anyone else should be treated! Don't receive accusations that are not verifiable. But if the elder has sinned, then he should be rebuked so that others also may fear. This is to be done without any partiality or preferential treatment. (3) Treat him carefully and cautiously! Churches must be patient and discerning as they appoint men to positions and responsibilities of spiritual leadership. It takes time to truly understand the character and motivations of a man desiring to serve as a minister.