“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! . . . And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 2:9-12
This passage is not specifically addressing plural eldership (having more than one pastor), but the principle certainly applies. Living in a day when we have seen so many celebrity, lone-wolf pastor’s fail, it is good to be reminded that the Bible’s wisdom is wisdom, indeed, as it calls each church to have more than a single pastor (see Titus 1:5; James 5:14; Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Timothy 5:17; etc). The benefits are many. They include shared wisdom in making decision, better accountability for each man in leadership, regular prayer support for one another, a variety of gifts to share, more hands to do the work of ministry and more shoulders to carry it’s burdens (and celebrate it’s blessings) as part of leading the church. You, as a congregation, benefit from having more than one pastor, and we, as pastors, benefit as well.
I count it a great privilege to have been called to serve this church for almost 30 years now. I did so for many years as a solo pastor, and now for many more as part of a team. I can tell you without any doubt, that having brothers to share this task is better by far – even counting some of the difficulties we faced in times past. For that I am grateful to God.
One benefit for me personally (and also for you) is having the ability for me to step back, on occasion, from my role as lead teaching pastor and be able to sit under the teaching ministry of one of these other brothers. It’s always good to sit under the faithful preaching of God’s Word (No matter who brings it!)! It’s good for me! It’s also good for you to get to hear from one of the other men as well. So I look forward to hearing this morning’s message.
God is faithful to own His word when it is faithfully declared!
Pastor Scott