It’s About Time

As mentioned in earlier blog, I have always attended Baptist churches that only have two offices: Pastor and deacon.  It is only when in the States that I got to hear about Baptist churches having pastor, elder and deacon.  Usually the Presbyterians are the ones with three offices in the church.  Having said that I am not against the plurality of elders – that is having more than one pastor in a church.   After all, Paul greeted the pastors and deacons (οὖσιν ἐν Φιλίπποις σὺν ἐπισκόποις καὶ διακόνοις) in his letter to the Philippians. 

I am of the persuasion that the terms: elder (πρεσβύτερος), pastor (ποιμήν) and overseer (ἐπίσκοπος) are different facet of the same office.  The elder having the dignity of office possesses spiritual maturity and thus fit to provide counsel to his community (church); the pastor being the extension of the imagery of shepherd who feeds and protects his flock, and an overseer who supervises the ministries under his charge. He may delegate but he is still ultimately responsible for the efficient operation of the ministries under his charge.  Paul in his address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 reminded them of their responsibilities as overseers and shepherds within the same context. The apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-4 likewise uses overseeing and shepherding in his counsel to the elders.  If these three terms refer to the same office, then I find it hard-pressed to have three offices.  Of course some would say there are possibly four (deaconess).   

The Presbyterians, however, distinguished between ruling elders and teaching elders – the former group is responsible for the administration and running of the ministries whereas the teaching elders focus on the pedagogical aspect of the church ministries.   It is not uncommon for them to have elders who are elected by the church but not have the ability to teach but they ‘rule’.  The justification for this differentiation is 1 Tim 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.”  Thus the two categories of elders found in the Presbyterian Church.  I have a problem with this polity because the main distinction between a deacon and an elder/overseer is the latter’s “apt to teach.”

In my view, if one has spiritual qualification but not apt to teach, he ought only to be a deacon.  That does not mean he is lesser for spiritual qualifications for both offices are similar; it is just that if a man does not have the ability to teach, he cannot be an overseer; he should instead be willing and eager to be a deacon, for that is where he will excel.  

As mentioned earlier, pastor, elder and overseer are different facet of the same office; not three officers.  In other words, there are elders who are good at ruling, but there are those who besides ruling well, also excel in word and doctrine.  Paul commands these particular elders to be doubly honored.  The word honor also refers to financial remuneration.  Thus they should be doubly-paid!  It also reiterates the primary ministry of elder/pastor/overseer is that of word and doctrine.  

I believe in plurality of elders but not elder-rule.  Affirmation of plurality of elders does not negate congregational polity. In fact, plurality of elders means the church is better cared for because the work load is spread out; there ought to be greater synergism, not competition within the leadership.  

Will it be accepted in my local circle of independent Baptist circles? I doubt so because they are so entrenched in traditions that it would take a seismic overhaul to change their mindset – to look at their long-held beliefs under the search light of Scriptures.  

Having grown up in Baptist churches that have two offices – pastor and deacon, it required some thinking on my part into the issue of deaconess.  Holding on to tradition seems to be the easier way out – no need to think about it; just do it.  After all, we’ve always done it this way.  Hanging on to tradition seems more plausible. However, the main question is – how does it square with Scriptures?  

Over time, I thought much about deaconess, as well as elders serving alongside pastors and deacons in the church. The latter is another subject matter for another day perhaps.  It took awhile to work out this question about deaconess to my satisfaction and more importantly, more consistently with Scriptures and practice.  So here’s my take:

I see the ministry of the deaconess essentially as an issue of function rather than an office.  Once you are able to distinguish between the two, you will not be easily confused regarding ministry of women in the local church.  

The function of deacon is that of ministry of humble service (διακονία) to others in the local church.  The term διάκονος did not come to be an office until later in Paul’s ministry (eg, Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3).  I believe Dr Hauser is right when he said that Acts 6 is a prototype of deaconate, not the official setting up of the office of such.  The early church is pretty much simple in its set up.  Only as the church grew that it becomes necessary for it to have more structure in place for effective ministry.  

Though there are 2 main views regarding the deaconate, I am still not persuaded that 1 Tim 3 is referring to deaconess as well as deacon. It would seemed strange that Paul would talk about the criteria for deaconate for the man, and then insert a verse for the woman, before resuming his discussion (see, 1 Tim 3:10-12).  I take it then that Paul was addressing the fact that the deacon’s wife will either enhance or hinder his ministry by her speech and lack of self-control.  I have encountered individuals who would have been excellent candidates for the office of deacon but for the testimony of their wives.  It reflects badly on the man’s ability to lead and teach his wife, and possibly his children.  IMHO, this view will be more consistent with Paul’s listing of qualifications for both Pastor and deacons in 1 Tim 3: The testimony of the wives of these men have an effect on the credibility of their husbands. 

Though Paul uses the term διάκονον τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Κεγχρεαῖς  in Rom 16:1 in reference to Phoebe, it seems like Paul was commending her as a great helper than describing her office.  In the early church, women servants cared for sick believers, the poor, strangers, and those in prison. They instructed the women and children too (cf. Titus 2:3-5).  This term is further clarified by Paul that Phoebe had been a great helper (προστάτις) to him.  I suppose that when these women had faithfully served and later on were widowed and destitute, they were to be cared for by the church (1 Tim. 5:3-16). 

I don’t there is anything wrong is ascribing the title of deaconess to women who serve other women in the local church. I believe the Pastor’s ministry is exceedingly enhanced by these faithful women as his ministry is extended further into the lives of children and women. The word προστάτις is where the English word for prosthetics derived its meaning – an extension of the limbs, artificial thought it might be.   

The distinction between function and office is important in deciding types of ministry that women can participate in the local church. 

Last Saturday, Arsenal played against Birmingham City at Emirates Stadium in the EPL.  Barely 3 minutes into the game, Birmingham’s Martin Taylor launched a heavy footed tackle that broke Arsenal’s Eduardo ankle and according to the papers, it also ended his season and appears to be a long while before he could resume training again. 

It appears that the manager came to the defense of his player who was immediately given the red card, claiming that he was not a vicious player and it was unfortunate that the striker was too fast for him (!!).  It is only logical that a manager need to display his loyalty to his player and vice versa.  To say it wasn’t intentional would be untrue since most players these days go for the jugular veins, so to speak, in attempt to disable the players from his effective best.  Sometimes it comes in the form of intimidation but also in the form of disablement.  

I would think the relevant FA should impose a severe fine or punishment to deter bad tackles from occurring too often.  Anything less is akin to a mere slap on the wrist that nobody remembers or feels pain enough to bother.  

So comes the crucial part of the season where Arsenal and Manchester United will race to the finished line. The papers suggested that it might come to goal difference that will separate the champion from the runners up.  For Arsenal they will need to stay focus and not be distracted by other factors around them.  Manchester United has the maturity and muscle to do that, and needed to win all to retain their title.  Arsenal is a young and talented team. I personally will feel sorry for them for their lack of experience and thus anxiety.  But I look forward to Arsene Wenger’s ability to calm their nerves to maintain their slender lead.  

“You have chest infection, said the doctor. “How did that happened?” asked me.  No idea. Could be the body’s immune system was down or low that day so the body succumbed to it.  Oh well, now I have to take two types of antibiotics to clear the infection: klacid and Cedax.  Along with cough medication that helps expectorate the phlegm, another medication for dissolving he phlegm so that it doesn’t bother when I sleep lest the postnasal drip rudely awakens me.   Not forgetting the good ol’

zertec-D for stopping stuffy or runny nose.  I’m pumped, literally, with medication! 

Will see what happens in the next couple of days. Prayerfully my wife and kid don’t get the same stuff or else it will be a vicious cycle all over again. Stay tuned. 

This year has been quite a busy year.  Though it’s only February, it seems like I’m very busy. Perhaps the need to shuttle my wife and kids to work and school takes up my time; or the simple fact that I need time as usual to adjust to new schedule.  I don’t know, but I figured that it has to do with my personality than anything else – I’m slow to adapt. J 

According the papers, this year’s inflation is highest since two to three decades ago (?).  Crude oil prices determine the rest of the commodities it seems.  Food and other supplies go up in prices.  Last year the GST increased by 2% making it 7%.  So for many folks it’s time for belt tightening.  Last Sunday’s budget meeting in church saw my pastoral remaining the same as the previous year.  Not that it is already sufficient; it is actually below par.  Of course the fact is that our church has two pastors so that kind of cuts everything into halves.  My dear brother will be leaving for the field, and I’m not insisting on my increase just so that this remaining period he can still concentrate on fund raising to leave in estimated timeframe.  Of course I know he has funds coming in from supporting churches but still, I’m not going to give the impression of taking advantage or anything of that sort.  Consequently I have to bear the shortfall.  The Lord will have to make good what is lacking and He will.  My disappointment is that nobody in the congregation actually stood up to say anything. At least asking questions regarding the pastor’s pay.  That really saddens me. In fact, discouraging is the better word for it.  Folks are antsy about drop in giving, and want to scale back on things.  The comments made at times are plain unspiritual. 

It is at this time that Dr Ollila’s words came into bear: “love the ministry but love the Lord more.”  Ministry does bring disappointment sometimes, especially after pouring one’s heart into it. I supposed unfulfilled expectations bring us all down really quickly.  I love the ministry though it has given me lots of heartache years on.  Sometimes the thought of leaving for another ministry does cross my mind.  

I don’t like to see my wife having to work so hard to help put food on the table. Sometimes my little girls get upset that mom isn’t around as much.  It would be ideal if the church could one day pay me sufficiently for my wife to stay and help tend to the family as well as ministry.  I guess if I leave this present ministry, it is due to another ministry opportunity opening up with similar challenges albeit better remuneration.  My heart still desires to finish my post grad studies though impossible at the present stages of our lives.  Wait upon the Lord. 

I’m rattling on with no specific purpose.  It’s a form of outlet for me. It’s lonely in the ministry, and frankly there are no ministerial friends to chat with, or fellowship.  Look unto the Lord, I have to constantly remind myself. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.  That He is.