Read Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christi Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and do nothing out of favoritism. (1 Timothy 5:19-21) ComprehendPaul gives Timothy three guidelines for confronting the sins of respected members. First, he instructs for caution: "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses" (1 Tim. 5:19). A high degree of caution is in order because leadership is based on character. Many leaders are familiar with having their character derided by a slanderous individual. People spread lies and rumors and gossip that are shocking in their boldness. The remedy? Give your leaders the same protection that everyone else has. Never listen to gossip about leaders, or even to a serious accusation, if it only comes from one person. All charges must be substantiated by two or three responsible people if they are to be considered. Second, Paul advises courage. Though we must be cautious in accusing, if the charge is substantiated, we must rebuke. This may sound cold and unloving, but it must be done, for the sake of the church—"so that others may take warning" (v.20)—both minister and congregation. We must determine to lovingly confront those who are doing wrong. A lack of fortitude is not loving but unloving—unloving of Christ, unloving of the church, and unloving of the offender. Finally, Paul advises fairness. The apostle knew, perhaps all too well, that leaders are often the objects of favoritism from other leaders. So he urges Timothy to show no partiality or favoritism. This is a weighty matter. "God," "Christ Jesus," and "the elect angels" are called as witnesses in 1 Timothy 5:21. Timothy and his leaders are called to exercise fair, even-handed discipline in the sight of the very ones who will one day judge them. When a leader fails, it is the church's loving responsibility to confront the sin for the sake of the church and the individual. Adapted from 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit, by R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chappell, copyright ©2000, pages 132-134. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187. For more information, visit www.crossway.com. Discuss
Thank God for your leaders and pray that God would enable them to live for him.    Handling ConflictConflicts big and small demand a thoughtful, heartfelt approach.  Conflict & HealingLearn how to stay positive, handle situations appropriately, and heal any wounds that are holding back the church.  Church DisciplineTrain your church leaders how to discipline the church with love and for growth. One Lord, One Faith, Two Services How to reach people who seek a different approach to worship.
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