March 12, 2023
Byron Harvey

Regarding Ministers

1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. —1 Corinthians 4:1-5

1. When you think of a minister’s

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   , think
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   and
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   .
   

2. When you think of a minister’s

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   , think
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   .
   

3. When you think of a minister’s
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   , think
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   .
   

1. Share a moment when a pastor did or said something funny in the course of ministering (don’t name names if others in the group might know this person!).
   

2. When most people think of a “minister”, what do you think they think?

3. What are some facets of faithfulness in a minister? What does it look like?

4. It’s easy to think of ministers who were highly thought-of who ended up falling into sin, but can you think of a person whose ministry perhaps was lightly-regarded at one time (by you or others) who in the end seemed to prove to be faithful?
   

5. Why do you think it’s so easy to fall into the trap of judging ministers and ministries? Why is it so dangerous?
   

6. What are some practical ways we might avoid falling into judgmentalism with regard to those who minister?

7. How does it strike you to realize that you are, in the eyes of the Father, a minister? What might that mean for your thinking, and living?
   

Close in prayer.