Topical Bible: Church: Duty of, to Ministers

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The relationship between the church and its ministers is a vital aspect of ecclesiastical life, deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the responsibilities of the church towards those who are called to serve as ministers, emphasizing respect, support, and cooperation.

Respect and Honor

The Bible instructs believers to hold their ministers in high regard. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 , Paul writes, "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another." This passage underscores the importance of recognizing the labor and leadership of ministers, urging the congregation to esteem them with love and respect.

Financial Support

The duty of the church to provide for its ministers is clearly articulated in Scripture. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18 , Paul states, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'" This directive highlights the necessity of ensuring that ministers are adequately compensated for their spiritual labor, drawing a parallel to the fair treatment of workers.

Prayer and Encouragement

The church is also called to support its ministers through prayer and encouragement. In Hebrews 13:18 , the author exhorts, "Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way." This appeal for prayer reflects the spiritual support that ministers require from their congregations, acknowledging the challenges they face in their ministry.

Obedience and Cooperation

The church is encouraged to cooperate with its leaders, fostering an environment of unity and obedience. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This passage emphasizes the importance of a harmonious relationship between the congregation and its ministers, facilitating effective spiritual oversight.

Protection and Defense

Ministers often face criticism and opposition, and the church has a duty to protect and defend them. In 1 Timothy 5:19 , Paul advises, "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses." This guideline serves to safeguard ministers from unfounded allegations, ensuring that any claims are substantiated by credible evidence.

In summary, the duty of the church to its ministers encompasses respect, financial support, prayer, cooperation, and protection. These responsibilities are integral to the health and effectiveness of the church, as they enable ministers to fulfill their calling with joy and dedication.

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1 Corinthians 16:10,11
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do.
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Philippians 2:29
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
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Philippians 4:10-18
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.
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1 Thessalonians 5:12,13
And we beseech you, brothers, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
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1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
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Hebrews 13:7,17
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
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Library

Methodists, or the Methodist Protestant Church.
... proper. "9. It is the duty of all ministers and members of the church,
to maintain godliness, and to oppose all moral evil. "10. ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/methodists or the methodist protestant.htm

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... To All the Ministers of the Church Catholic. Of those who ought not to be admitted
to clear themselves, and of the duty of having no fellowship with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... Thirdly, It is dispensed to us by the ministers and pastors of the Church, either
in the ... Accordingly, let each of us consider it to be his duty to seek ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ ... policy is necessary to
maintain the peace of the Church, each has his proper duty assigned, lest ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... act was made, that is, the Constables to the Sessions, and the Church-wardens to ...
me to let you know, that it is part of your duty as their Ministers so to do ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

However, Before those Laws were Sent into Africa by which Men are ...
... by this he showed sufficiently plainly what was afterwards to be the duty of the
ministers of Christ, when in the midst of the dangers of the Church they found ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 7 25 however.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... you into hell? Then do not blame ministers, when they see it their duty
to rebuke the church openly, before the world. If you are ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

Church Union in Scotland.
... the boundaries of the spheres of labour of its ministers and other ... of direct
responsibility to the ever-living Head of the Church, and of duty towards all ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/church union in scotland.htm

On the Power of the Church in Administering Justice, or on ...
... One of the principal ministers of the church, however, will be ... yet he can, by no
means, refer it to his colleagues; but it will be his duty to deliver this ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lvii on the power.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... that the present amazing disproportion between settled ministers at home ... To-day,
it is the duty of Jonah to ... into an obligation with a particular church to take ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm