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NASB | 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 4:4 I am aware of nothing against myself and I feel blameless, but I am not by this acquitted [before God]. It is the Lord who judges me. |
Bible Question:
Do you have something like performance evaluation for preachers/pastors at church in the U.S? Base on the teaching of Paul in 1 Cor 4:1-5, is it unbiblical to exercise any evaluation on church ministers? Base on the context, I don't think Paul was talking about the evaluation as of today. But how far should we understanding his teaching? Thanks for your help and input. Shalom Azure |
Bible Answer: Hi, Sister Azure... I cannot speak to how our Lutheran brethren handle this question. However, I do have some experience with Historic Baptists (ARBCA) and Presbyterians (OPC). The elders are ordained in both groups. Every church has at least three elders, often more. Some of the elders are teaching elders while others are what are called ruling elders. The definitions and roles vary somewhat even among individual congregations. Nonetheless, the elders are always meeting together for mutual edification and accountability. In addition, there is often a lot of interaction with other Reformed congregations. If the churches are newly planted (i.e., less than five years old), then the elders also meet regularly with their founding congregations. In this latter situation, there are measurable goals that are set for the new congregation. Often elders from one congregation will be assigned to a new congregation when their elder boards (or "sessions" as they are called by Presbyterians), lack qualified men. Sometimes whole families will be asked to attend a congregation that needs solid congregants. When needed, a teaching elder will take the pulpit of a congregation in times of need. I have even seen this done between Baptists, Presbyterians, and Dutch or Reformed Church of America pastors. With a plurality of elders, efforts are continually made to insure that the men are walking in a manner worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27). The elders are not only measured by what they teach and affirm, but also by how they live. Orthodoxy gives rise to orthopraxy. This combination is commanded by our Lord, and forms the basis of all teaching. In Him, Doc PS I recently noticed the following short article. You might find it interesting; although it does not have direct bearing on your question. http://www.ligonier.org/blog/5-things-look-church/ |