PastorBlastor

Ramblings from Retirement – Deacon’s Wives and Kids! By Lee Hemen, Retired Pastor March 19, 2021 I remember when I had been a believer for several years when my church came to me asking if I would be considered to be a Deacon. I was surprised and flattered. Having served as a Yokefellow (Deacon in training), as a Deacon, Ministry Leader for College and Discipleship, and finally serving as a pastor for 35 years I have seen a lot of men called to the ministry and to be Deacons. I have served on many selection committees over the years for Minister of Music, Deacons, Associate Pastor and Pastor. And as I was sitting here having my devotion I was reminded of what Paul wrote Timothy concerning men who were being considered for being a Deacon in the church. Paul would write, “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be t...

Do You Qualify to Serve? - 1 Timothy 3:1-15 By Pastor Lee Hemen May 4, 2008 AM Has anyone ever said to you, “Do as I say, not as I do!” Perhaps that person did not use these exact words, but their life demonstrated the haughty attitude these words reflect. Leaders who demand standards of behavior that they themselves are unwilling to meet discredit their own leadership. This principle, however, also works in reverse. Many followers have demanded standards of their leaders to which the followers themselves are unwilling to adhere. One purpose of high standards in leadership is so that leaders can help their followers develop strong character as well. Paul’s letter to Timothy encourages leaders to set a strong, positive example of Christian leadership. It also encourages followers to meet those same standards. Paul was addressing some problems Timothy had allowed to continue when he as a pastor should have handled. Women had been teaching the men about being leaders within the church, wh...