Leaders are held in relatively low regard across the Western world today. Not entirely without merit, given the way many behave. But while many in the corporate and political elite might deserve a bit of a reality check, we must still show respect to those who lead. That is especially the case when it comes to leadership in the Church.
Truth is, leaders in the Church make mistakes too. They are only human after all. And therefore sinners, after all. But leaders play an important part in the running of the Church, its teaching and edification, and in its correction. And they play an important part in encouraging us all to be at peace with one another.
After encouraging us to look forward to Christ’s return with the knowledge that we are no longer under God’s wrath, Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians turns to a series of final instructions. The first instruction relates to the way that the Thessalonians were to treat their leaders.
In the ancient world, leaders were often appointed because they made some significant financial contribution, or because it was hoped they would! They may not actually have devoted themselves through years of toil, but essentially bought their position. Those who did so practically expected to be appointed to leadership. Of course, having money or power does not necessarily make you a good leader.
On the other hand, the Church’s requirements for leadership emphasise character and ability to serve (either in teaching, as in elders, or practically, as in deacons). See 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1. Wealth or connections play no part in determining someone’s suitability.
So Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonians were consistent with this counter-cultural view of leadership. Paul’s letter assumes that there are appointed leaders operating in the congregation according to Scriptural pattern. The congregation was to “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” (v.12).
This is clearly referring to leaders appointed in accordance with Scripture, not with the societal practice of the day. These leaders were labouring amongst the congregation, serving and caring for them. This would have involved the same types of labour that our leaders provide today; a mix of teaching and pastoral care for those who need it.
The labour involved here is not turning up to the occasional meeting, but the spiritual equivalent of hard toil. Praying for the flock. Rooting out errors and providing correct instruction. Doing so out of service to Jesus (“in the Lord”). The kind of labour that is tiring, whether done full time for pay or part time on top of other employment.
Because these leaders are labouring away and not assuming to themselves positions of leadership because of social status, the congregation was to respect them. They were not to disregard or ignore their leadership, or refuse to recognise correction and rebuke because it upset their feelings.
Instead, they were to “esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (v.13). The leaders of the Thessalonians laboured as they did because they loved Jesus, they loved his sheep, and they loved his Church. Because of that love, the congregation should think highly of them, and love them in return.
This is not false praise and pretend submission like some slave to his master or a serf to his lord, but appreciative thanks. For those labouring full-time in ministry, that would have extended to ensuring they were financially supported.
Because it was motivated by love, this appreciation would overlook the occasional wrongs to which even the best leaders are prone (1 Cor 13:5).
Finally, Paul encouraged them to “Be at peace among yourselves” (v.13). Submission to, and appreciation for, the leaders of the congregation would cultivate peace in the congregation, not strife. This also shows appreciation for their leaders, too! Nothing like a little strife and conflict to create more pastoral headaches.
We may have a dim view of our political and commercial leadership today. Perhaps it’s warranted. And certainly, there are plenty of so-called church leaders who are nothing of the sort. But for those who labour patiently and diligently among us in the church, this passage encourages us to show thanks and appreciation for their labours.
Our leaders are called to serve Christ by serving us and helping lead us in ways of righteousness. They are called to labour in prayer and care, in teaching and when needed admonition. They seek the peace and purity of the church, and our spiritual growth.
This does not mean unquestioning worship and subservience, but it does mean showing respect, even when they make a decision we may disagree with. After all, our leaders were (or should have been!) appointed because of their spiritual character, and so we should give the benefit of the doubt that decisions were taken with much prayer and spiritual wellbeing in mind.
Our leaders may be sinners like us, but they help lead us in the service of God and in proclaiming the Gospel until Christ returns. So let’s love the leaders God has given us.
