Workers for Your Joy

David Mathis Examines the Qualifications and Calling of Church Leaders for a New Generation of Congregants and Leaders

We live in an age increasingly cynical about leadership—some of it for good reason, much of it simply the mood of our times. Still, the risen Christ continues the counter-cultural work he’s done for two millennia: he appoints leaders in his church—not as a burden, but as a gift to his people. “He gave . . . the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12).

What is the nature, calling, and work of local church leadership? Pastor and seminary professor David Mathis considers the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 not only as prerequisites but as daily necessities to carry out joyfully. This accessible guide aims to serve current and aspiring pastors and elders, as well as church members who want to know the expectations for their leaders and how to pray for them. From the words of Christ to Peter and Paul and Hebrews, the New Testament casts a vision for church leaders that is good news to churches and leaders alike: joyful workers for the joy of their people.

Great Training for Current and Aspiring Pastors and Elders: Expands on the nature and work of local church leadership through the framework of its qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5­–9, and other passages Useful for the Whole Church: Aims to help full-time pastors, lay elders, deacons, and seminary students, as well as church members eager to explore the true nature of leadership in the church and to pray intentionally for their own pastors Explains 15 Virtues Church Leaders Should Pursue: Mathis shares Spirit-given competencies that Christian leaders can draw upon week in and week out to do the work to which Christ has called them

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Preface
4. Introduction: The Pastors We All Want
5. Part 1: Humbled | Men Before their God
6. Chapter 1: How Christ Appoints His Pastors
7. Chapter 2: Not a Novice—or Arrogant
8. Chapter 3: Pastors Are Teachers
9. Chapter 4: Pastors Keep Their Head in a Conflicted World
10. Part 2: Whole | Men Where They Are Known Best
11. Chapter 5: Self-Control and the Power of Christ
12. Chapter 6: The World Needs More One-Woman Men
13. Chapter 7: Does Drinking Disqualify a Pastor?
14. Chapter 8: Does Your Pastor Love God or Money?
15. Chapter 9: The Tragedy of Distracted Dads
16. Part 3: Honorable | Men Before A Watching World
17. Chapter 10: The First Requirement for Christian Leaders
18. Chapter 11: How Pastors Win (and Lose) Respect
19. Chapter 12: Love for Strangers and the Great Comission
20. Chapter 13: The Strongest Men Are Gentle
21. Chapter 14: How Do Pastors Pick Their Fights?
22. Chapter 15: Why Christians Care What Outsiders Think
23. Commission: Christian Leadership versus Modern Celebrity
24. Appendix 1: Who Are the Deacons?
25. Appendix 2: A Word for Leaders | On Plurality and Team Dynamics
26. Appendix 3: What is Anointing with Oil?
27. Appendix 4: What is the Laying On of Hands
28. Appendix 5: How Old Should Elders Be?
29. Closing Credits