Noble Task

Let's test those who wish to serve as deacons before throwing them in there. "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 3:10).

Getting back to 1 Timothy, let's begin to consider the qualifications for deacons. They must be dignified. They must not be double-tongued, addicts, or greedy. And they must hold on tightly to the gospel with clear consciences.

Because the pastoral task is so noble, pastors must have a noble reputation outside of the church. Note: We'll take a break after this devotion until August due to my travel schedule and preaching/teaching load this summer.

Because the pastoral task is noble, recent converts should not become pastors until they've had time to mature in Christlike humility. App Region Pastors Facebook Group The Rural Pastor Podcast

Because the pastoral task is noble, the pastor must first manage his own household nobly.

Pastor, we and those we're discipling to become pastors must not be lover of money. Also, here's an article your church might find helpful when thinking about pastoral compensation: Click here .

Pastor, we and those we're discipling to become pastors must not be violent and quarrelsome, but gentle.

We and those we are training to become overseers must be irreproachably noble in our relationship to wine and other potentially intoxicating drinks and substances.

Overseers must have the intellectual and interpersonal aptitudes necessary for teaching God's word to God's people.

Because our task is noble, we must be irreproachably hospitable.

Because our task is noble, we must be irreproachably respectable.

Because the task is noble, we must be self-controlled.

Because this task is noble, we must be sober-minded.

Because this task is noble, we must be above reproach regarding our marriages. If you're struggling with pornography, here's a video you should watch.

Be encouraged by the nobility of your task this week!

Let's lead the men and women in our churches toward holiness and propriety.

Your work among your people is a vital part of God's work in the world.

You stand in a long, continuing line of those entrusted with a noble fight. Remembering this will help you fight on this week.

Let's reset our attitudes from entitlement and pride to gratitude and humility this week. That way we'll be able to carry out our work as an act of worship. ⁠⁠Click here to fill out your annual ministerial report⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Click here to fill out your annual church report

Beware of legalism in your life and ministry. Christianity is about good news, not good rules. Click here to fill out your annual ministerial report Click here to fill out your annual church report

Let's do some self-examination this week. Is your heart pure? Is your conscience good? Is your faith sincere? Is your aim love?

Be encouraged this week! Your work helps your people grow strong in their grasp of the truth. To mature in their understanding of scripture. And this understanding increases their faith in Jesus Christ. Housekeeping: Deadline to register and pay for the pastor's conference is this Friday, January 12, 2024 To receive the monthly email newsletter, email me at matt@theappregion.org (Intro music b...

First episode! Couple of reminders: All registration and hotel arrangements for the App Region Pastors' Conference are due Friday, January 12 If you'd like to join the special prayer team that's praying for pastors for our open churches, email matt@theappregion.org. If you'd like to receive the monthly App Region newsletter, email matt@theappregion.org This week's scripture: 1...

Welcome to the Noble Task podcast, a new podcast specifically for App Region pastors. Our goal is simple: We want to establish another avenue for building you up with God’s word. I know there are infinite podcasts and other sources for you to receive God’s word from people far more gifted than I am, but I still think there’s value in something just for us. Each week (or as weekly as I can keep up...