September 28, 2025 Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Dear Friends in Christ
One of the interesting questions to ask a person is how did they enter their
profession? I have been asked this over the years. Usually, it is from someone outside the
church. People within the world of the LCMS don’t ask it as much because they have a
better understanding of ministry. People looking in do not.
Most of you know my story is not terribly unique. I grew up in the church. I had a
grandfather that I never knew who was a Pastor. My uncle then lived with us in the
summers when he was attending seminary in St. Louis. We both loved sports, were
competitive, I was introduced to good 1970’s music. It had an influence on me. Then when
he got ordained and I saw these different personalities who were Pastor’s, it really opened
a different world than I knew. There were others who encouraged and lot who were
surprised – Lueck in the ministry? The Lord certainly has led me to where I need to be, and
I have never doubted the Spirit led decision.
Today Paul outlines for Timothy what the church should look for when filling this
noble task. He also talks about deacons, what we call elders, as men who are leaders in the
church. Let’s see what it is to be . . .
“CARING FOR GOD’S CHURCH”
As we catechize the church more thoroughly, members are prayerfully getting a
better understanding of this office of the ministry. Respect for the office is so important.
One of the dangers of 1 Timothy 3 is when a church looks at this list and then starts to
make business decisions. A Pastor gets evaluated on these regulations and members think
he should be in or out depending on where things stand in the church. When things get
tough, churches might start looking more at who he is. The sermons are too long, he
doesn’t visit enough, we wish he was more involved here, he is not as outgoing as we would
like. Question: do you see any of that in this list? Well, not really, except for “caring for
God’s Church.”
God cares for His Church by providing Pastors for this office who will serve their
congregations well. Here is one of the keys. God provides a man who is first a husband and
father in his own household. You know how important family is to me and I have always
made it a priority wherever I have served. A Pastor should serve as a role model for what a
family should be. A Pastor must manage his own household. I love that. Have always taken
it to heart. One example is I love to work with finances both at home and here at church.
This is one way to care for the Lord’s Church.
The Pastor as overseer preaches and teaches Law and Gospel. Directs the affairs of
the church. Shepherds the flock. Guards it from error. Administers the Sacraments. The
Good News of justification through Jesus is preached by your Pastor. It touches you
personally, right here and right now. The Lord of the Church takes care of his people
through Jesus the Christ and his undershepherds who take care of God’s flock.
Elders are also held to a high standard. Congregation members need to know that
they can trust their leaders. You elect men to these high positions because of what you
have seen in them. They are a blessing to the Church and help to the Pastor.
I have always been positive about the ministry, about the task and the daily job. You
don’t stay at something for 34 years if you feel differently. It is a noble calling. I always
encourage our adopted seminary students with these same words. They are just getting
started and they need a positive, but real outlook. We are blessed to say that every man we
have supported in over twenty years is still in the ministry.
I say the same things to men in our congregation. Young or old. The seminaries are
filled with all age types. Is God working on your heart? Would you like to learn more about
the ministry? You have a resource in front of you who would love to take you on a hospital
call or to a Pastor’s Conference.
Though sinful with fear and guilt we stand in God’s presence today because Jesus
Christ, crucified and risen, has forgiven us and worked faith in our hearts. What a message
this Pastor and all Pastor’s get to bring to the Lord’s flock. It is all part of Caring for God’s
Church.
Amen.