THE PASTORAL TRAP

“He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride]. 

"And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.”

(1Timothy 3:6-7 AMP)

When Satan wants to destroy or derail a person who is spiritually ignorant, immature or infantile, he makes him a "pastor" meaning, an elder, bishop or overseer in the church who has spiritual oversight over other believers. 

This is a satanic spiritual setup to cause people to fall into the same judgment and condemnation incurred by the devil (for his arrogance, pride and presumption). 

Let the young Christian, the growing and gifted believer especially the new convert, no matter his socioeconomic status and influence or spiritual gifts and abilities, in all sense of humility and responsibility beware of and avoid this spiritually deadly trap, which is common in many churches.

The error of giving sensitive leadership responsibilities or roles in the church to unproven people especially new joiners and spiritually immature but highly gifted or highly placed Christians all in a bid to tying them down to that particular religious assembly or denomination.

Premature exposure is one of the most dangerous leadership traps.

The pastoral work, like any work of dedicating one's life to leading a body of believers in the faith and truth of Christ, having oversight of the church or preaching the Gospel, should not be the result of human ambition but of Divine compulsion. 

If it pursued with human ambition, it will be corrupted or compromised, as it will be derailed by cares of this world, deluded by the deceitfulness of riches or pressured into conformity to the status quo in order to have a sense of belonging, please men, be relevant to the trend, culture or age and be rewarded with the honor and favor of men.

If done by Divine compulsion, it will endure the pain of reproach and rejection, desiring only to fulfil the mandate of God on his life and to please God, not seeking praise, approval or reward from men.

The Scriptural texts below contain Biblical standards for the spiritual ministry, work or office of the pastor (also referred to as, elder, bishop and overseer).

"This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” 

So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 

He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 

He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 

For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 

Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 

They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 

Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons."

(1Timothy 3:1-10 NLT)

"An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 

A church leaderc is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 

He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

(Titus 1:6-9 NLT)

"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching."

(2Timothy 4:1-2 AMP)