Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
C. THE QUALIFICATIONS DELINEATED...
1. The qualifications for elder-bishop-pastor are found in two places
a. In Paul’s instructions to Timothy - 1 Ti 3:1-7
b. In Paul’s charge to Titus - Ti 1:5-9
2. Note that these passages describe what an elder-bishop-pastor “must be”, including:
a. The husband of one wife (i.e., a married man)
b. With believing children (i.e., children who are faithful)
3. Such qualifications rule out:
a. Single “pastors”
b. Childless “pastors”
c. Female “pastors”
-- In light of what pastors “must be”, many who claim to be pastors really aren’t
pastors in the Biblical sense
[At this point, one may wonder: “Well, if you are not a pastor, then what are you and what role do you
serve in the church?” It may therefore help to consider...]
II. “PASTOR” COMPARED WITH OTHER TERMS
A. EVANGELIST...
1. This word is found three times in the NT
a. The same place where the word “pastor” is found once - Ep 4:11
b. Philip, one of the original seven appointed to help needy widows, was later described as
“the evangelist” - Ac 21:8; cf. 8:4-5,40
c. Timothy was charged to do “the work of an evangelist” - 2 Ti 4:5
2. “The term euaggelistes describes a proclaimer of good news (gospel, euangelion).”
- Ferrell Jenkins, The Early Church
a. “It is popular in modern times to think of an evangelist as one who travels from place to
place.” - ibid.
b. “The idea of travel is not inherent in the word evangelist” - ibid.
c. Philip evidently spent twenty years in Caesarea (Ac 8:40; 21:8); Timothy was charged
to remain in Ephesus (1 Ti 1:3)
3. The work of an evangelist in relation to a congregation - ibid.
a. Preach the word - 2 Ti 4:1-5
b. Put the brethren in mind of truth - 1 Ti 4:6
c. Reprove sinners, including elders if necessary - 1 Ti 5:19-21
d. Set in order, lead in appointing elders, teach qualifications - Ti 1:5
e. Teaching and training of teachers - 2 Ti 2:2
f. Teach against false doctrine and silence false teachers - 1 Ti 1:3-4; Ti 1:11,13
g. Set an example for the brethren - 1 Ti 4:12; Ti 2:7
h. Give attention to reading, exhortation, teaching - 1 Ti 4:13; 2 Ti 2:15
4. The work between that of pastors and evangelists contrasted:
a. An elder (pastor) is to take heed to self and to the flock - Ac 20:28
b. An evangelist is to take heed to self and to his teaching - 1 Ti 4:16
-- An evangelist is not a pastor (unless qualified and appointed to serve in a dual role,
along with other pastors in the congregation), but a minister of the Word of God
B. PREACHER...
Topical Sermons 31