It Starts Small

¹⁷ The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

¹⁹ Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid. ²¹ I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism.

1 Timothy 5:17-21

The elders who are good leaders

This statement passionately articulates the vital role that elders play within the church. Elders are the guiding lights who direct the church’s affairs, but this does not mean they wield power like dictators. They are not mere bystanders, nor do they take on every task alone. Instead, they passionately provide guidance, vision, and direction that inspires others. Sometimes, this means empowering others by delegating responsibilities. It also involves rallying the congregation to work together towards a shared mission that breathes life into the community. Elders must listen intently to the needs of the people (Acts 6) and respond accordingly. They must also be vigilant against being swayed by the congregation’s whims. Cultural forces can infiltrate our churches, and at times, the majority may be mistaken. Elders should never make choices based on popularity or the desire to please others. Rather, they pursue God’s will with fervor and apply it humbly for the benefit of the entire church.

considered worthy of double honor

Paul proclaims that elders who serve with dedication deserve not just honor, but a double portion of it! It’s vital for the church to recognize and truly appreciate these leaders for their tireless efforts. Many pastors pour their hearts into their congregations, yet often find themselves treated with disrespect. These devoted men immerse themselves in God’s work. They tirelessly visit the sick and offer compassionate counseling. They organize vibrant activities and craft powerful messages. They are dedicated to teaching and preaching, and so much more. Yet, shockingly, the very members they serve with unwavering faith often respond with complaints. They also make accusations and take these remarkable leaders for granted.

I am convinced that this is precisely why Paul passionately asserts: The mindset of devaluing or under-appreciating our elders is utterly toxic! When we do not value our leaders, we prevent ourselves from truly listening. We also miss out on embracing the invaluable lessons they impart. Consequently, the teachings and messages that could uplift our spirits go unrecognized and unvalued!

At the same time, churches must tread carefully, ensuring they do not veer too far in the opposite direction. Awards, plaques, and ceaseless recognition can easily shift the focus from God to mere mortals. Leaders, hold your hearts in check; always evaluate your own motives with sincerity. God wants church members to value their efforts. However, they should not demand appreciation for themselves. They should not chase after it relentlessly. They must not falter or sink into despair when their hard work goes unrecognized. Remember, Jesus faced rejection from man. After healing ten lepers, only one took the time to express gratitude. Yet, in the face of such ingratitude, He did not succumb to defeat or bitterness.

We must fervently remember this verse speaks directly to the church members’ hearts. It does not address the elders. If Paul were addressing the elders, he would passionately urge them to remain steadfast in their service. They should continue this service regardless of the responses they receive. Their goal should be striving to please God above all else. They should avoid succumbing to the approval of man.

 especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

It is crucial to understand that teaching and preaching is profoundly demanding work! Do you really believe that pastors or teachers simply stand up and deliver a sermon without intense preparation? It requires countless hours of dedicated effort. One seminary professor astutely pointed out that a common standard exists. It dictates that pastors spend one hour preparing for each minute of preaching. This means that a forty-minute sermon could potentially demand an astonishing forty hours of preparation! This ideal is often unattainable for many speakers. Nevertheless, most of the dedicated speakers I know invest at least ten hours crafting one impactful message. This preparation is not just a task; it demands fierce concentration and unwavering focus. It requires them to forgo precious time. They could spend this time on leisure or family activities. They do this all for the sake of delivering a powerful message!

We see the value that God places on preaching and teaching. Paul highlights it as a reason for giving double honor. If God values it this much, should you?

A worker is worthy of his wages

Paul fervently shares a powerful principle from the Old Testament. It reminds us that even oxen are worthy of a return for their labor. Farmers were divinely commanded to allow their oxen to partake from the very grain they were plowing. This is a testament to fairness and respect for hard work.

⁴ “Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out grain.

Deuteronomy 25:4

Paul boldly applies this profound lesson to the realm of Christian workers. He asserts that a believer who laboriously dedicates themselves to the church is truly deserving of their wages. It is not just good for churches to support pastors and missionaries wholeheartedly. It is righteousness itself to support any devoted individuals who selflessly invest their time in the noble cause of building God’s kingdom. This vital principle applies not only to those officially associated with a local congregation, like a pastor. It also extends to all who serve in the broader universal church, even outside the walls of a traditional church building.

Although a worker is undeniably “worthy,” this fact does not always translate into financial compensation. It’s crucial to recognize that Paul himself often chose to decline such support. His reasons were profound: to prevent burdening the church and to demonstrate his genuine motives. Yet, we must acknowledge the challenges that come with this choice. The elders and leaders face an overwhelming workload. They juggle numerous responsibilities, including their own livelihoods. This situation can lead to exhaustion. Furthermore, ambitious projects they yearn to pursue may remain unrealized due to time constraints. A paid leader possesses the invaluable gift of time. They can fully dedicate themselves to the service of the church.

How can you passionately encourage and uplift your church leaders or missionaries? Their journey can often feel thankless and isolating, yet your support can make all the difference! Regularly lifting them up in prayer and showering them with heartfelt words of appreciation is essential. Imagine the joy a personal thank you note could bring, transforming their day! Additionally, offer acts of service to help them. Babysitting can give them precious time for a date with their spouse. It’s crucial for your local church leaders to feel cherished for their unwavering dedication. They pour countless hours into their calling. Show them just how much their service and time mean to you!

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses –

Here is a robust shield that Paul puts in place for our cherished elders. These leaders stand firm against the unjust accusations of disgruntled church members, often fueled by personal grievances. We must never allow someone with a vendetta to take center stage. They cannot tarnish the reputation or sacred ministry of a God-fearing elder. Elders deserve respect if they embody the standards laid out in 1 Timothy 3. It’s essential to acknowledge this. Such men possess a steadfast track record of integrity. We must fiercely protect and honor this record. We should never allow it to be dismissed lightly.

However, this does not imply that they are beyond reproach. People evolve, and sometimes their authentic nature remains hidden for years, only to be revealed in time. Elders, despite their wisdom, are not infallible and can stumble spiritually. That’s why Paul passionately articulates the necessity of addressing such sins. When multiple witnesses can independently validate an accusation against an elder, it demands our serious attention. Paul emphasizes the importance of having at least two or three witnesses. This emphasizes the weight and credibility of their words. If two witnesses come forth with impeccable reputations, their charges warrant immediate consideration and reverence.

Keep in mind that to entertain an accusation does mean that it is automatically received and acted on. Instead it would mean an investigation is launched to determine the facts and then take appropriate action.

Publicly rebuke those who sin,

If the accusation reveals the elder’s guilt after thorough investigation, we must confront this matter boldly. We should address it publicly. Though it may be painful, we cannot allow sin to be buried in the shadows. We must bring these transgressions into the light! Let us hope for the elder’s confession. But even if the elder does not confess, this situation serves as a crucial warning to others. Sin is not trivial; it is grave and will ultimately be exposed for what it is.

observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism

Churches must never treat their elders in a careless or haphazard manner. Faithful servants deserve honor and respect. It is vital to ensure that sin is addressed with the seriousness it deserves. Elders who are favored and well-liked should not receive preferential treatment over their less popular counterparts. Everyone deserves equitable treatment. They should be recognized for their dedication and contributions.

---

Cross-References

• Acts 14:23
• Deuteronomy 19:18-19
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
• Hebrews 13:7
• Matthew 20:26
• 1 Peter 2:2 –
• Psalm 81:10
• Matthew 5:6

Discussion Questions

• What is an elder?
• What does an elder do according to this verse?
• Why are elders who do well worthy of “double honor?”
• How might this honor be shown?
• What do you learn in this verse about the importance of preaching and teaching?
• What is the point of the phrase “do not muzzle the ox”?
• Should Christian workers be paid?
• What are the pros and cons of paying pastors/preachers, etc.?
• How can this verse shed light on this issue?
• Why is it important not to entertain an accusation against an elder unless there are multiple witnesses?
• What does verse 20 tell us about what to do when an elder sins? What is the purpose of this?
• How does this protect the church?
• Does your church apply the above principles? How?
• What should you do if your church doesn’t confront sin in its leaders?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.