After commanding that pastors receive double honor, be fairly compensated for their work, and go through a detailed vetting process, God’s Word commands the church to be careful to protect the ministries and the ministers of the church. He does this not to command a blind loyalty that overlooks sin among the elders (verse 20 urges faithful discipline in the case of unrepentant sin), but rather an informed loyalty with eyes wide open to the persistent attacks levied against those in leadership…He is underscoring the threat and the need for the church to exercise due care when receiving accusations while demonstrating the principle of double-honor to her elders.

Most people are aware of the process of church discipline outlined in Matthew 18 (vv. 15-18). In order to promote the purity of the church and the testimony of the gospel, Christians must ensure that the other members of their church are living in a way that reflects submission to Christ’s rule. If someone continues in serious and outward sin then they are to be put out of the church or removed from the membership by means of discipline.

But a question often arises, concerning elders. Is there a separate process for the discipline of elders outlined in 1 Timothy 5?

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. (1 Timothy 5:19–20)

Is this another process, distinct from Matthew 18 or the same process?

In 1 Timothy, we see instructions for the office of elder. In chapter 3 (vv. 1-7) we read of the qualifications for the office. In chapter 5 we learn of some other particulars that the church must consider when interacting with elders. In verses 17-18 we read the church should considering paying those who labor in preaching and teaching and in verse 22, we see that elder appointment should not be hasty but rather a careful and thorough process.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17–18)

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22)

Nestled between these verses is the verse I quoted earlier:

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. (1 Timothy 5:19–20)

It is followed by a sober warning: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21).

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