Eckhardt's Homiletisches Reallexikon, 1907–1917

AI translation · machine

Note c. To be sure, the father should not bear the misdeed of the son, yet under certain circumstances the disorderly conduct of the pastor's family can be the cause of such offense that the pastor can no longer work in blessing. Note d. False practice is either the consequence of false doctrine, or, if the doctrine is otherwise correct, it is a godless life. Note e. If a pastor or teacher begins to conduct himself offensively, the congregation should in good time exercise brotherly correction, before it is too late; 3. because of willful unfaithfulness in office, if, for example, a pastor without necessity lets services lapse, fails to attend congregational meetings, does not visit the sick pastorally, etc.; 4. because of complete incompetence for the preaching office, whether bodily or spiritual. Such men should not be removed from office — which always entails punishment — but the office should be taken from them. Note a. A pastor should be competent to teach others. 1 Tim. 3:2. If he is not, he should take up another calling. Note b. In all these cases the congregation has not merely the right, but the duty, to depose the pastor. Note c. It is also advisable in such cases to obtain the counsel of experienced neighboring pastors or officers of the synod. Note d. With the assertion that a pastor or teacher can no longer work in blessing, one must nevertheless be careful. Laying down of office. 28. Pastor and teacher should not lay down their office for carnal reasons, a. in order to take up a secular calling, b. in order to find more rewarding employment, c. out of aversion to work, fear of the cross, d. because they have sufficient means and no longer need to be dependent on the congregation, e. because of the wicked in the congregation. Note a. Our calling should be our life's calling. Whoever enters the service of the church has renounced a civil occupation. Note b. This also lies in the nature of the office: since others always take the place of the dying, the pastor can never say: "What I was called to do, I have now accomplished." Note c. God has entrusted us with the office; God alone has the right to take it from us again. Note d. "Until my end" is what is said in the ordination oath. Note e. The desire to lay down office often comes upon many, but a pastor or teacher can lose faith and salvation if he frivolously casts off the office and does not repent. Note f. Whoever frivolously gives up his office has no awareness of the glory of his office. Objection 1. My talent is too small. — It does not depend on the gifts, but on faithfulness. Objection 2. The duties of office strain me too much. — Have you forgotten that it is grace when one is allowed to spend one's strength in the service of God? Objection 3. I have an irritable temperament. — But what do you want to do with it after laying down office? Nurse and coddle it? Objection 4. I have no success. — That is God's affair.

AI translation · machine

29. Pastors and teachers should lay down their office: a. when they themselves do not believe what they are to teach. But temptation and unbelief are not to be confused; b. when they are unable to perform the office. Weakness of memory, etc.; c. when they are persistently or incurably ill. Note 1. In cases of illness one should not put too much weight on the doctor's advice. Many pastors who, on the doctor's advice, should have laid down their office are still working in blessing today. Note 2. A change of climate or taking on a less burdensome position often helps a great deal to overcome an illness; d. when, because of grave offenses that are infamous even before the world, they can no longer continue their office in blessing; e. when the congregation can no longer provide for the necessary livelihood; f. when the congregation dissolves and the calling ceases; g. when the congregation falls away from the pure doctrine. Then pastor and teacher should bear witness to the pure doctrine, but if this bears no fruit, they should rather give up office and bread. Note a. Is it a sin if a pastor takes over the editorship of a political newspaper and gives up his office? — Not under all circumstances. Cases could arise where a great service is thereby rendered to the whole church. Note b. Under what circumstances a pastor may lay down his office in order to become a schoolteacher, see Past. 428. Note c. Why should a teacher not give up his office and take up another calling without pressing need? 1. because his office is such a blessing-bringing one, 2. because working with children is so precious and noble, 3. because his work is so gloriously rewarded. Note d. Schoolteachers may give up their office if they enter the preaching ministry or take up a professorship, or take up a calling in which they can serve God still better with their gifts. Note e. Whoever has laid down his office should cease to officiate. Note f. Pastors and teachers who have spent their strength in service and go into retirement should be provided for by the congregation. After all, Union soldiers too receive their pension.

AI translation · machine

30. May a pastor flee from his post in time of persecution? — This can happen under certain circumstances, if it concerns only the person of the pastor and the congregation is meanwhile provided for. Matt. 12:15: he withdrew from there. John 5:59: But Jesus hid himself. Acts 9:25. Paul. 2 Cor. 11.

AI translation · machine

33. Matt. 10:23: But when they persecute you in one city, flee to another. It is, on the other hand, a shameful betrayal when a pastor abandons his congregation in a time of need. Homiletics. 1 Cor. 3:5–9. How necessary it is for the congregation to have certainty and knowledge of the calling of its preachers. a. To guard against fleshly partisanship, by which the right hearing of the Word is hindered. b. To give the Lord the honor due him also with regard to his fellow workers. Jer. 1:4–10. How important it is that a preacher always be mindful of his divine calling. a. So that through it he may overcome all temptation in his office. — b. So that through it he may be spurred on to ever new zeal and new faithfulness. — Ma. 25, 104.