We are all familiar with the role good parents serve in guiding and steering their children, setting before them worthy goals and aspirations as well as likely or potential options for their future. I wish I had a nickel for every time the words “doctor or lawyer” have passed from parent’s lips to their children’s ears either as a categorical possibility or sometimes even floated as a trial balloon, for I could then blog while peering out my bay window overhanging the cliffs overlooking the ocean rather than just staring through my dim kitchen window at my backside of my bushes.

But consider how often you think the goal of “becoming a good presbyter” ever receives any consideration, much less being set before others as a noble ambition. While “becoming a good presbyter” is not on most men’s radar screens, there are many good reasons it should be.

I vividly remember the moment and I’m grateful for the experience when the terminology “the goal of becoming a good presbyter” was first set before me, for the expression itself perfectly encapsulated and helped crystallize a strong conviction I passionately held within, and I knew immediately without a doubt how useful and valuable it would be to me to hold these words within my grasp and to be able to expressively communicate with them not only my deeply held conviction but the true significance and noblesse nature of the ambition itself of “becoming a good presbyter” as it derives from the meaning, the value and the honor of what it means to serve and hold the position of a presbyter.

While my parents were the first to implant a seed of ambition for service in God’s church within me, I also owe a debt of gratitude to Hugh Potts, Jr., a friend and fellow elder of mine, not to mention one of the more theologically astute ruling elders I know, for he was the one who, during a casual conversation on the long drive back from Jackson to Kosciusko, MS following a presbytery meeting, responded to a question I asked him regarding “why he unlike so many others gives himself with such dedication to the particular work and activities he does not only in his personal and business life but in the church as well” mentioned how he himself had been influenced by a notable historical religious figure he once studied (whose identity now escapes me) who possessed among his goals the ambition “to become a good presbyter.”

Hearing those words was like a beautiful melody ringing in my ears, though I’m sure as far as Hugh was aware we only continued with our conversation.

For those still reading, for I realize spiritual and ecclesiastical matters do not hold the interest of many the way they should, let me present you the reasons I think “being a good presbyter” is worth your consideration.

– The Importance of the Church

When you consider the significance of the church’s unique role of proclaiming God’s gospel of salvation and the church’s inestimable value in shaping, nurturing and influencing every facet of life from the heart of man to culture and civilization itself, no other entity or organization compares in overall importance. This being the case, there’s no better place for a man if he has the gifts and opportunity to be involved and to make an impact, though it’s recognized there are many other positions of importance and honor. As the church goes, so goes people and society after it.

– The Priorities of the Man

Yes, it’s true, participating as a presbyter whether at the level of one’s local church or at regional or national levels requires valuable time and personal sacrifice, but short of providing for one’s own personal and family support and spiritual health, what other endeavors offer the kind and level of opportunities along with returns and rewards that being a presbyter does? Let’s face it, we all know there are many activities that bring us great good and enjoyment, but none as significant or moving as those in the spiritual realm involving the souls and welfare of men. And just as in civil government, not only do the difficulties and sacrifices involved but also the importance and opportunities increase as one advances to higher levels of service, so it is within the church. What a great opportunity and responsibility to be a representative, a participant, a catalyst, a leader, one who not only rules and exercises power along with one’s fellow elders, but who possesses the position and influence on this greater level to affect things for the kingdom of God and Christ’s church!

– The Rewards of the Service

– The Strengthening of One’s Faith – It is by exercising one’s faith that it becomes strengthened, and the more exercise the stronger it can become. Sure, serving as a presbyter sometimes means receiving criticism and the like, but at the same time one should not discount the vast riches one receives through greater opportunity and exposure to seeing the gospel and one’s faith worked out in life and in the world. As a saying I picked up in the Navy says “You can’t buy training like that!”

– The Camaraderie of One’s Companions – Numerous untold stories could be communicated about the deep and meaningful friendships presbyters develop with one another and those in the church by communing and serving alongside those of like mind and commitment who passionately and firmly hold the same convictions and go shoulder to shoulder with one another in service and battle.

– The Honor of One’s Name – Paul refers to this saying “Those who direct the affairs of the church are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” It’s a shame that at times it’s the thoughtless complaining of presbyters themselves that takes attention away and detracts from the true honor their service deserves; and while the world may not esteem these labors highly, both God and the mature among the saints appreciate and esteem highly both the individuals and their service.

– The Promise of One’s Hope – As with other Christian service, the rewards are not limited to this life, but often are to be found and anticipated in the judgment and life which is to come for God will certainly reward his servants.

Whether you are a presbyter yourself, a layman within the church reading to enhance your spiritual growth, a student preparing for future ministry, a parent needing resources to put in your children’s hands, or a young person or teen ager still shaping and forming your goals and ambitions in life, might you consider putting “becoming a good presbyter” on your radar screen or moving it higher up on your priority list? The church will only be as strong as those who under the Spirit’s power lead and serve within her ranks

Tim Muse is a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. He is currently served as Senior Pastor of the Brandon Presbyterian Church in Brandon, Mississippi. This article first appear on his blog, www.christianswordbearer.blogspot.com and is used with his permission.