The Biblical Role of the Pastor's wife - South African Theological ...

4.2.1. Directives to the Body of Christ
In the first epistle to the Thessalonians Paul provides the believers with
instructions to respect those over them in the faith. May (1999) offers, “the
community's response of honor to its leaders is the highest form of
acknowledgment of their ministry work”, he shows that Paul urged the
Thessalonians to honour their leaders in order to affirm the gift of leadership
placed on them by the Holy Spirit. Keathley (2008) says that “a church is not
truly complete and functioning as God intended without an appointed
leadership according to the guidelines of scripture (1 Tim. 3:1f.; Tit. 1:5f.; Heb.
7:7, 17; 1 Thes. 5:12, 13)”. Thus, we understand that as God directs and
anoints those for leadership, it is fitting and good for those who follow to
honour their leaders, acknowledging their call to ministry.
Paul then instructs the Thessalonians to “love” their leaders and to
honour them “because of their work” (1 Thes. 5:13). Pastoral leaders are not
to be placed on a pedestal or esteemed because of their dynamic personality.
The instruction was because of the work the pastor(s) does amongst the
people. Keathley (2008) offers some advice concerning the love of those in
church leadership:
Leaders are to be esteemed highly in love. … This would
include all the things that constitute the guidelines of Scripture
for loving one another. It would include the negative like refusing
to gossip, malign or criticize them to others. But it also included
the positive like helping in ministry, expressing thankfulness,
appreciation, and providing for them financially in an adequate,
God-honoring way (see Gal. 6:6-9; 1 Tim. 5:17-18). Churches
need to examine what they are doing that demonstrates their
esteem and love for their leaders. Too often all leaders hear or
experience are the negative complaints.
I believe, as Christians, we are to respond to God-appointed leadership
in a godly way. Firstly, the church needs to understand that they are human,
accept them as sinners “saved by grace” (Eph. 2:8) and therefore needing
fervent prayer (Jas. 5:16). Secondly, Christians are commanded to respect
those over them in the Lord, which very often translates practically into
showing appreciation (value) and love (1 Thes. 5:12-13) which is our third
mandate. Wiersbe (1989) offers similar recommendations regarding the
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