“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
Here we see the marks that are essential for godly and effective ministry, ministry that is trans-generational.
1. Study rightly – Timothy is reminded that during the many years of association with Paul he had been taught divine truth which God had revealed through the apostle. He had been schooled and established in apostolic doctrine and practice which was the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20).
It is essential that those giving themselves to training for ministry do so where the apostolic faith is believed and rejoiced in as well as communicated. This means that the centres of training (Theological College in our denomination) be grounded in the Scriptures, its teachers be capable expositors of Scripture and skilled theologians in its doctrines, and yet remain pastors of the students.
2. Stand faithful – he was not to forget what he was taught. By this Paul was indicating that there would be many false teachings he would have to combat (cf 2:18, 1:15). He was to remain faithful (1:13). In this he was to follow Paul’s example in that he remained faithful over time and in pressure situations to the faith revealed by Christ (2 Tim 4:7).
Every Pastor is to be trained and to function so as to be a blessing to the present generation of the church – keeping it faithful to the Word of God. He can only do this if he remains faithful to the Word.
3. Serve forward – he was to teach the apostolic doctrine to other “faithful men” – men with proven spiritual character and giftedness, who would in turn pass on those truths to another generation. This of course is true of all discipleship, but Paul has especially in mind here men who would be as Timothy was, who would become pastors and elders in the church.
Every Pastor, and indeed congregation, must see himself also as an investment of the Lord for the next generation of the church.
‘Lord we pray that You will bless the strategic teaching of Pastors as You raise up men to become Pastors and Teachers for the blessing of Your church from generation to generation. Amen’