Titus 1:6a, 9 (ESV)
if anyone is above reproach, . . . He must hold firm to the trustworthy
word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine
and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
In an earlier blog I addressed the need for elders to be above reproach. Not
only is the elder to be above reproach, but also able to teach and discern
sound teaching. False and twisted doctrine must be confronted, but we need to
be careful. Several years ago, a man came to me with pages of handwritten notes
identifying what he called “heresy” that his pastor was teaching. None of it
was heresy. Every complaint was simply a slip of the tongue. The pastor said
Colossians when he meant Ephesians, or he said Noah when he meant Jonah. That’s
not heresy! If that is heresy then every pastor who ever existed is guilty. Just
this Sunday our pastor misspoke and called Ruth’s sons her sons-in-law. It
happens. Church leaders need to be able to discern the difference between a
slip of the tongue and actual false teaching.
Among other things that means that the elder knows the difference between
sound teaching and irritating behavior. Does a brother or sister have an
irritating habit or an annoying personality? As believers we are to put up with
one another (check out Ephesians 4:2 and Colossians 3:13). Church leaders, and
all believers need to be able to discern the difference between false teaching
and irritating behavior. “He’s lying!” is often one of the first statements I
hear in church conflicts. Rarely is it lying. It is often simply a matter of
remembering things differently, misunderstanding, or poor memory. If I were
accused of lying whenever I forgot something I would be in big trouble. Be
careful of the accusations you throw at brothers and sisters in Christ. Good
discernment and gracious hearts are needed in the church.
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