Jon Pope
Let me first address the elephant in the room.
I am a young pastor serving an older, established church, encouraging other established churches to consider calling younger pastors. “Of course he would,” some might say. I readily acknowledge that I have some skin in the game.
Still, consider this: throughout biblical and church history, God often raised up godly, mature young men to lead his people. Jesus began his public ministry around age 33. Think also of kings David and Josiah, as well as young pastors and missionaries such as Timothy and Titus in the New Testament.
For many understandable reasons, established churches may hesitate to entrust the pastoral care of their flock to a young, inexperienced pastor. Concerns are valid. Will he stay long enough to make a difference? Will he be patient or attempt to change everything too quickly? What happens if he makes mistakes?
In my first column (printed on the left side of this page), I challenged young pastors to consider serving one of the many established Tennessee Baptist Convention churches currently without a shepherd. Now, I want to challenge churches that may be uncertain about calling a younger minister. Here are three considerations:
- Godly young pastors are a blessing to the church
The Pastoral Epistles remind us that older congregations have sometimes underestimated what God might do through a younger man.
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After exhorting Timothy to “command and teach” with authority, the apostle Paul writes, “Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:11–12).
Paul knew that some in Ephesus might be tempted to look down on Timothy’s leadership after sitting under the teaching of an apostle. Yet Paul does not instruct Timothy to assert dominance.
“Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:15-16).
A young but godly, careful and studious pastor can be a blessing both to himself and to the entire congregation. Could some churches be overlooking such a blessing unnecessarily?
- Young pastors need older saints
Here is an often-forgotten truth: Younger believers need older believers, and pastors are no exception.
Some established churches consider calling a younger pastor primarily to attract younger families. But what if, instead, they did so out of a mature desire to give rather than receive — seeking to disciple a young pastor, encourage him, provide a gracious place to learn and make mistakes, and pass on wisdom that peers his own age cannot offer?
Older, established churches have a unique opportunity to invest deeply in the next generation of pastoral leaders.
- Godly young pastors can be wise
While age often brings wisdom, it does not guarantee it. Scripture shows how youthfulness can be marked by arrogance and lack of experience (1 Kings 12:6–11).
Yet Scripture also reminds us that age alone does not prevent foolishness, as seen in the contrast between David and Saul.
What makes the difference? Psalm 119:100 says, “I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.”
The decisive factor is not years but immersion in God’s Word. It is possible to be old in age and immature in Scripture, and it is also possible — by God’s grace — to be young and deeply rooted in biblical wisdom.
This is good news for established churches. A Word-saturated young pastor with godly character can be a tremendous gift. Churches would do well to consider a candidate’s character and depth in Scripture, not merely his lack of experience, for true wisdom is found there.
I am deeply grateful that Springhill Baptist Church in Paris took a chance on me three years ago. More than that, its members have been patient with my weaknesses, generous to my family, and faithful in sharing wisdom I need.
This congregation has shown what God can do when an established church lovingly calls and supports a young pastor. B&R — Editor’s note: Jon Pope is pastor of Springhill Baptist Church, Paris, Tenn., and is a 2018 graduate of Union University.
