A Plea for Biblical Pastors: Reflections on Alistair Begg's Retirement

It's a bittersweet day, y'all. One of my favorite pastors, Alistair Begg, just announced his retirement after nearly 50 years in ministry. While I'm happy for him to get some well-deserved rest, it's tough to see such a faithful shepherd step down. But as Begg himself said, he wants to "pass the baton safely" to the next generation.

Alistair Begg | Parkside Church

 

This got me thinking about the biblical qualifications for pastors and elders. What does God's Word actually say about the requirements for church leadership? And how does that compare to what we often see in the modern church?

The Biblical Standard

When we look at passages like 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, a clear picture emerges of what an overseer should look like:

 

• Above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach
• Not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money
• Manages his own family well, sees that his children obey him
• Not a recent convert
• Has a good reputation with outsiders

 

In essence, an elder must be a mature man of integrity whose life and doctrine are exemplary. His character and conduct should be above question. He must be able to faithfully teach sound doctrine and refute false teaching.

Where We've Gone Astray

But if we're honest, how many pastors today truly meet this high bar? Too often, we elevate men to leadership based on charisma, eloquence, or the ability to draw a crowd, rather than on their spiritual maturity and adherence to Scripture.

We overlook glaring character flaws and moral failings, as long as the pastor is a dynamic speaker or the church is growing numerically. Accountability is lacking, and "celebrity" pastors are put on a pedestal where they are almost untouchable.

Some churches have even abandoned the biblical qualifications altogether, ordaining women or unrepentant homosexuals as pastors in direct contradiction to God's Word. It's heartbreaking to see how far we've strayed.

A Plea for Faithfulness

Brothers and sisters, it's time for us to get back to the Bible when it comes to church leadership. We need elders who are "above reproach," not just in their public persona but in their private lives. Men who will preach the Word faithfully, even when it's unpopular. Shepherds who truly love the flock and aren't in it for money, power, or prestige.

I'm not saying pastors have to be perfect - none of us are! But there should be a consistent pattern of godly character that is evident to all. And when a leader does fall into sin, he should be lovingly confronted and disciplined according to Scripture, not covered up or excused.

So as we bid farewell to faithful pastors like Alistair Begg and welcome new ones, let's commit to praying for our leaders and holding them to the biblical standard. May God raise up a generation of humble, holy shepherds who will lead His church with integrity. That's my heart's cry.

As I reflect on this, I'm reminded of how much I need Jesus. Left to myself, I fall woefully short of God's standard. But praise God, Christ lived the perfect life I couldn't live and died the death I deserved. Through faith in Him, my sins are forgiven and I'm clothed in His righteousness. That's the good news our pastors must proclaim!

Lord, give us pastors who preach Christ crucified, risen and returning. Men who model what it means to be washed in the blood and walking in newness of life. In a world of compromise, raise up leaders who hold fast to Your Word. May Your church shine like a city on a hill for Your glory alone. Amen.

Clinging to His grace,

Manuel 

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