It’s crucial for the pastor to maintain doctrinal purity while also exercising discernment against misleading teachings. Both are fundamental to nurturing and protecting the flock.
The introduction to this series explored the role of the pastoral apologist. We explored Paul’s charge to Timothy, highlighting the responsibilities and the profound calling of pastors to serve both as nurturers and defenders of faith. As I said in that article, the second and third articles will consider four facets of the pastoral apologist’s role: doctrine, discernment, defence, and discipleship. This article will explore the first two facets.
By closely examining these two aspects, we aim to understand how Timothy—and, by extension, pastoral apologists today—ought to undertake their task. This discussion will help us appreciate how doctrinal accuracy and discernment are essential in nurturing the flock, while also protecting them from false teachings and guiding them in truth.
Prioritising Doctrine
Paul’s instruction to Timothy is crucial. He commands him to “charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3b). This verse will guide our discussion.
As J. Gresham Machen commented on it, “It never occurred to Paul that a gospel might be true for one man and not for another; the blight of pragmatism had never fallen upon his soul. Paul was convinced of the objective truth of the gospel message, and devotion to that truth was the great passion of his life. Christianity for Paul was not only a life, but also a doctrine, and logically the doctrine came first.”
So Paul instructs Timothy to remain in Ephesus, specifically to prevent others from teaching different doctrines. This calls attention to the importance Paul placed on doctrinal consistency and purity. The gospel isn’t subjective or flexible. For Paul, the gospel was a singular truth, applicable to all. The gospel isn’t some practical guideline that varies from person to person.
Christian doctrine, as Paul understood it, has an absolute nature. It’s more than thoughts or tips. For Paul, Christianity wasn’t merely a lifestyle or a set of practices; it was founded on definitive, core truths. His directive to Timothy wasn’t just about maintaining order; it’s about preserving the integrity of the gospel against distortions. Paul was dedicated to these truths. Pastors must be too. They’re essential for the life and health of the church.