October 24, 2005 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

The following are suggested standards for church workers (other than pastors and deacons, whose standards are listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1), including Sunday School teachers, choir members, those who sing specials, ushers, etc.

It is important to establish such standards for many reasons.

First, the workers represent the church and affect its testimony. The community knows who the church workers are and if they don’t live as they should, they will bring reproach upon Christ.

Second, having standards for church workers is an important part of raising the level of standards for the entire church. It is not possible for a church to have worker-type standards for every member, but it is possible to require a certain level of standard for those who serve in the church. A person doesn’t have to teach Sunday School or work in the music ministry, etc., but if he does it is not unreasonable for the church to require him to meet the following standards, which are mere basic standards of Christian living. New members learn how to live for Christ by observing the church leaders and workers, and if they do not live right the entire church is affected. If the Sunday School teachers, for example, are not required to maintain the following standards, the students will learn from their poor example, but if Sunday School teachers are required to maintain these standards the students will follow their example and will grow in Christ.

Third, having standards for church workers is a challenge to the believers. They understand that if they want to serve the Lord in any capacity in the church beyond merely attending, they must live a godly, faithful Christian life. I recall how I was challenged by this type of standard when I was a new believer. I wanted God to use my life and I wanted to prepare for His service. I learned that the Bible school I wanted to attend had high standards, and this was a motivation for me to cut my hair, quit smoking, and do other things in preparation for the Lord’s service. The standards challenged me to live up to them for the sake of serving Christ.

1. Good Christian testimony (2 Cor. 8:18). Church workers must have a good testimony so that the name of Christ and the reputation of the church are not injured.

2. Faithfulness (1 Cor. 4:2). Church workers must be faithful--faithful to the church services, faithful to their assigned church duties, etc. The Bible warns that we should not put our confidence in unfaithful people (Prov. 25:19).

3. Honest reputation (2 Cor. 8:21). Church workers must be honest in their dealings with all men and must have a reputation of honesty. He must never steal anything; he must not tell lies to people; he must pay his debts.

4. Diligence (2 Cor. 8:22). Church workers must show diligence in their Christian lives and in their work for the Lord. A person who is lazy and half-hearted should not be involved in Christian ministry.

5. Separation from the evil things of the world (2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Jam. 4:4) Church workers must avoid such things as unwholesome Hollywood movies and television programs, worldly music, and worldly styles of dress.

6. Sound doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3). Church workers must agree with the doctrines of the Bible as taught by the church.

7. Submissive to the church elders (Heb. 13:17). Pastors are not lord’s over the church (1 Pet. 5:1-3), but God has given them authority to teach the Word of God, to exhort in the way of righteousness, to lead in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, and to discipline those who err. Thus, as long as the pastors are following the Bible, the church members should submit and be a blessing and seek for unity in the congregation. The pastors should be given the benefit of the doubt.