Workers for Your Joy: The Call of Christ on Christian Leaders

by David Mathis

David Mathis Examines the Qualifications and Calling of Church Leaders for a New Generation of Congregants and Leaders We live in an age increasingly cynical about leadership―some of it for good reason, much of it simply the mood of our times. Still, the risen Christ continues the counter-cultural work he’s done for two he appoints leaders in his church―not as a burden, but as a  gift  to his people. “He  gave  . . . the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12). What is the nature, calling, and work of local church leadership? Pastor and seminary professor David Mathis considers the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 not only as prerequisites but as daily necessities to carry out joyfully. This accessible guide aims to serve current and aspiring pastors and elders, as well as church members who want to know the expectations for their leaders and how to pray for them. From the words of Christ to Peter and Paul and Hebrews, the New Testament casts a vision for church leaders that is good news to churches and leaders joyful workers for the joy of their people.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Church, Ecclesiology, Christianity

341 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2022

About the author

David Mathis (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando) is executive editor at desiringGod.org and an elder at Bethlehem Baptist Church in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. His seminary experience includes Reformed Theological Seminary and Bethlehem College & Seminary, where he now serves as adjunct professor.

Reviews

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don’t necessarily think I’ll re-read this one, I gave it 5 stars because I can’t imagine the author improving upon this excellent work on Christian leadership, particularly as it relates to being called as a pastor/overseer/elder. The author walks through the various qualifications the Bible lays out for the call to be a pastor/overseer/elder in a way that is logical and easy to understand. Definitely recommend if it’s a topic you’re interested in!

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with the elders at our church. Perfect look at what the Bible says about elders and pastors. Highly recommended.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. May now be my number one recommendation for those aiming at entering vocational ministry and/or those aspiring to the office of elder.

[Ben Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Obligatory reminder: 3 stars = "I liked it.")

Rock solid from Mathis, and as is his strength: crystal clear communication. It is an underrated skill as a writer, but Mathis distills his exhortations so that you get the truth with no fat content.
This book is an excellent overview of the Biblical qualifications and examples of Christian leadership within the church, with primarily eldership in view. Will be a resource to continually reference as Mathis dips his toes into all the categories and provides Scriptural grounding.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Mathis’s “Workers for Your Joy” is a straightforward, comprehensive book on Christian ministry that is saturated in scripture. My only wish is that there would have been some more attention to the pastor-elder’s call to “equip the saints for the ministry.”

For more reviews see thebeehive.live.

[Aaron Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book outlines what the calling of a pastor is according to scripture. I would recommend this for all believers even those who do not have a desire for pastoral ministry.

This book is very helpful to understand precisely what a pastor is called to do, the sources in scripture that details the calling, and the traits to look for in a great god honoring, people loving pastor!

[Peter LeDuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh. Comprehensive. Practical. Excellent!

[Ross Hearne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for the pastor/elder/leader in training. The joy that comes from shepherding Christs flock should be abundant. The flock needs to be reminded of this, and so does the overseer.

[Cale Fauver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. Deeply enjoyed the appendixes, especially the two on anointing with oil and plurality of elders (the blessings of).

[Daniel Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I think every pastor and everyone aspiring to the ministry should read this book. This book goes beyond the mere "Job description" of an elder to calling and drive of a biblical elder.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our culture grows more cynical toward authority as time goes on, and often it is due to abuse of power. Sadly, within the church we have also seen poor and even abusive leadership. But what vision does God give us for authority that is actually good for us?
Enter Workers For Your Joy. In it, David Mathis walks us through what the biblical qualifications are for the office of pastor/elder. The title and the main idea of the book come from 2 Corinthians 1:24, “Not that we Lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.” As Mathis says, “The prospect of submitting to a leader drastically changes when you know he isn’t pursuing his own private advantage but genuinely seeking yours, what is best for you, what will give you the deepest and most enduring joy—when he finds his joy in yours rather than apart from or instead of yours.”
I would love for everyone in a position of leadership in the church to read this. I believe it will serve as a reminder of the why and how of leading as God intends.
While this book is primarily about church leadership, because the qualifications for leadership are mostly made up of the “basics” of Christianity, I think every believer could benefit from reading it. I also think it will make us that much more grateful for good leaders when we have the privilege of serving under them.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crossway for the advanced review copy. Workers for Your Joy releases on September 13.

[Thomas Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent theological presentation of the qualifications for elders as listed in 1 Timothy and Titus. Intermingled are practical applications of these qualification points.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a leadership deficit in churches across the nation. A dirth of unqualified leaders fills pulpits and boardrooms that weaken the church and draw criticism from the watching world. David Mathis addresses the important matter of leadership in his book, Workers For Your Joy: The Call of Christ on Christian Leaders.

Matthis’s work is basic in some respects as he alerts his readers to the biblical qualifications for the office of elder. This basic study is a necessary one as many churches have either forgotten or are neglecting the qualifications that appear in Scripture.

The author carefully unpacks each biblical qualification and provides practical examples of how each qualification, giving elders and elders in training an inside look at God’s expectations. The writing is clear, gospel-saturated, and biblically informed. There is no hint of legalism here. Matthis clings tightly to biblical authority but he does so with a gracious tone.

Workers For Your Joy is a much-needed work in our age of pragmatism and man-centeredness. It would be a helpful book for elder training and would also be suitable for Bible College students and Seminarians.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workers for Your Joy uses scripture to accentuate the importance of and the biblical qualifications for church leaders.

The following statement from the preface is potent and sincere:

“The prospect of submitting to a leader drastically changes when you know he isn’t pursuing his own private advantage but genuinely seeking yours.”

Not only does the book address church leaders, but also the importance of church members who are praying for them.

Initially I was intimidated by the sheer number of pages this book contains, but I was surprised at how readable and personable it is. The author has a conversational tone. The back of the book provides a scripture index, appendix, and a section of thought-provoking study questions for each chapter. A wonderful resource for church elders and those praying for them.

First Line (Preface): We live in an age that has become painfully cynical about leadership—some of it for good reason.
Genre: Christian Leadership
Author: David Mathis
Page Count: 352

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mathis does a great job of working through the elder qualifications and what they look like in action. He provides great explanations and examples throughout.
I especially liked the chapter about the tragedy of distracted dads. This one was really helpful and really hit home for the stage of life we are in and most of our friends are in.

Overall very helpful and well done!

[Noah Buresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it helpful to walk through the elder qualifications with Mathis, and ask the questions of both myself and the leaders I desire to serve with. I felt at times that the book tried to do too much with some of the "soapboxes" Mathis wedges into chapters.

[Steven Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book focusing on the qualifications of a pastor that I have ever read. I would highly recommend!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very convicting read. God certainly used it to shine a brighter light on areas in which I need to seek the Spirit’s help to improve in.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the biblical role, function, and character of an elder. Would highly recommend all pastoral leadership teams and elders to spend time together in this book. Really helpful!

[Josh G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit long, but it covers almost every base and does so with biblical precision, accessible language, and inspiring exhortation.

[Jonathan McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Mathis: 👨‍🍳🔥

[Chola Mukanga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Workers for your Joy (WFYJ) is about what Christ calls leaders in his church to be and do, particularly the teaching office in the church (i.e. pastor or elder). It presents a biblical vision of leadership by going through the fifteen qualifications of elders listed 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The central question Mathis is basically asking is – how should we pastor or lead the church in light of these qualifications?

The target audience of the book seems to be those who are in the early stages of pastoral ministry. The book was part of the seminary syllabus at Bethlehem. However, the author does explicitly state that the book is also meant to be of use to church members in considering what Christ expects of leadership in the local church.

Mathis has written this book because he believes leadership has fallen on hard times. The church in the west and the society around us has become increasingly discontent with being led due to the high-profile cases that have sprung about leadership. These failures of leadership have amplified our natural (fallen) anti-authority streak and love for self by distorting our understanding of what leadership is and fuelling aversion to authority structures.

The problem is that this sceptical approach to leadership stands against what we see in the Bible, where God has created us people to be led by Him and exercises his leadership of us through human leaders. We see this especially in the local church, where Christ has given us leaders, as a “gracious inequality” for our good. God has given us leaders for our joy and the leaders are meant to do this work with joy. This equilibrium of joy exists where leaders find joy in the Lord as they labour for others, and are being treated by those they lead in such a way that their joy is growing as they labour in the Lord for joy of the church.

So how do we realise this biblical vision of leadership? Matthis believes the key is to have leaders who serve in line with the qualifications. Elder qualifications are not just “moral hoops to jump through to then be qualified to do the work of pastoring”. Rather, Christ requires these traits, “because they are the precise virtues pastor-elders need for the day in, day-out work of their calling”. The qualifications are the “graces we need to be good pastors”. Without them, “leaders will not prove, in the long haul, to be genuine workers for the joy of their church”.

Matthis examine the qualifications in three categories to give us a fresh appreciation of the qualifications. The first category looks at those qualification that presses our humbleness before God. The second category focuses on the qualifications that helps us to live privately and in our homes for the Lord. The final section looks at public facing qualifications. Mathis reminds us that pastor and elders are meant to be honourable men before a watching world. This does not mean to be respected by everyone. But it means we live in the way that honours Christ as his ambassadors.

I found Matthis’ teaching on humility quite helpful, particularly his observation that humility in leadership starts by ensuring that we have truly been called by God into ministry and confirmed by the church, and not simply appointed ourselves into the office. Many men today seem to force their way into ministry, and therefore it comes as no surprise when pride leads to implosion of their ministries. Matthis is also right when, he notes that humility also means that that men should assume office at a spiritually mature age. A key part of this spiritual maturity is being level-headed. Pastors are meant to be sober thinkers in a world that is on fire. Soberminded means not being diverted from central things of the Gospel, things of first importance. Not driven or chasing things on the margins or the agendas of the time. The sober-minded leaders drink from the living water of the Gospel, not the polluted fountains of the world.

The best chapter in the book is probably Chapter 14 . It discusses the importance of pastors or elders not being quarrelsome. Matthis rightly observes that pastors need to be peacemakers like our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the gospel. This practice of peace-making begins with recognizing ways in which we may be failing to promote peace and undertake appropriate course correction. For example, many chuch conflicts arise out of ignorance, which in turn stem from the failure to teach clearly and soberly the truth of God. In unavoidable moments of conflict, it is important that pastors see these as opportunity for Grace. The real battle is always spiritual, and therefore elders and pastors should focus on ensuring they win people away from the ways of Satan, rather simply trying to get rid of them, which is always a strong temptation. Growing in peace-making requires pastors and elders to be hardest on themselves. Here is how Matthis puts it:

The heart of Christian leadership is not taking up privileges but laying them down; not gravitating toward the easy work, but gladly crucifying personal comfort and ease to do the hard work to serve others; not domineering over those in their charge but being examples of Christlike self-sacrifice for them (1 Pet. 5:3). A pastor learns to contend well, without being contentious, "by seriously applying the word of God to himself before he applies it to others". When trying to discern between silly controversies to avoid and conflicts to engage with courage, pastors might ask: is this conflict about me - my ego, my preferences, my threatened illusion of control- or about my Lord, his gospel, and his church? In other words, is this for my glory or Christ's? Am I remembering that my greatest enemy is not others, or even Satan, but my own indwelling sin?

There are areas of the book that could do with improvement. A key one for me is that the emphasis of the book seems to be more on drawing joy from God. That is as it should be of course, except Hebrews 13:17, which is quoted early on as part of the rationale for the book, is about the joy that leaders enjoy from being better treated by those they serve. If you are planning to read this book because you expect directions on how the church can grow in treating pastors or elders better, this will not be the book for you. This book, as the strapline says, is ‘the call of Christ on Christian leaders’ not on the church.

Now, I don’t know why Matthis did not explore the other part of the joy equilibrium, especially having borrowed the title from Hebrews 13:17. My guess, based on the impressions from the book, is that Matthis probably believes that as pastors live self-sacrificially, the people will recognise that and therefore will be more willing to submit to them. Sadly, the evidence for this is not cogent. Many leaders sacrifice much with little in return. It is often common for a leader to suffer for the people, and they do not appreciate it at all. This is the case with our Lord Jesus Christ! It was also the case with Paul. We only need to read his letters to the Corinthians and 2 Timothy.

It seems to me that this is an important point that was not sufficiently emphasised. People entering pastoral ministry need to remember that sometimes the more sacrificial you are the less those you are serving will appreciate your efforts. Those who enter church ministry should not expect their joy to come from being better treated by those they serve, but from our resting on Christ and the Holy Spirit. It seems to me that one of the reason Hebrews 13:17 is in the Bible is precisely to help future leaders be aware that in a fallen word, many do not submit their leaders and submit to them. If such submission was easy, the Holy Spirit would not have inspired and preserved it for our exhortation.

In terms of style, the book could have been a lot shorter. There is a lot of good stuff added to chapters which seem to be more book filling and leads to loss of cohesion. For example in Chapter 1, there is a discussion on disciplining elders and ordination, which are helpful but adds little to the main point of the chapter which is how Christ appoints people. Perhaps the most disappointing was Chapter 4. After explaining what it means to being sober-minded it did not go on to flesh out living or biblical role models. Nor does it explain how we can grow in being sober-minded. Instead space is taken up with the head scratching discussion of the general struggle between old and young people.

None of that means that the book is not worth reading. Quite the contrary, I think in some ways it is a very helpful addition to any pastoral library. Ironically, it is not simply because it will be helpful next time you teach on 1 Timothy or Titus 1, but also because of its ‘book filling’ material, of which the material in appendix materials is particularly interesting. And of course, there is the little gem of Chapter 14 on peace-making, which alone is worth the whole book.

[Simen N. Myklebust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I particularly enjoyed how the book naturally uses scripture instead of proof texting after he has said what he wants. My main takeaway is that the qualifications for elders are remarkable for being unremarkable. The book encourages me to train leaders and be a healthy Christian myself.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, I really appreciate Mathis' laser focus upon the 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 qualifications for ministry. Too many books about aspiring to and/or being an elder strangely neglect these texts (to their own hurt).

4 stars because often Mathis displays that same Piper-left-pleasing-instinct. I love both of Piper and Mathis, but I have to roll my eyes from time to time at the boomer-assumptions Mathis has inherited from Piper.

But, I would still over all would recommend it.

[Alan Rathbun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book! Overall, it’s humble and encouraging. The chapters on being present, gentleness and hospitality are necessary words for elders. The extra chapters, “Commission” and “A Word for Leaders” are worth the book all by themselves. This is a great book for elders to read together.
I would give it five stars but Mathis repeatedly brings up the idea that Scripture presents pastors, overseers, shepherds and elders as the same office/position. Of course, that is one reasonable interpretation, so I don’t fault him for holding it. My fault with it is that he brings it up at least three separate times and talks like any person who truly believes in God’s Word could not have a different perspective.
It is a completely reasonable interpretation to have the perspective that while all elders pastor/shepherd the flock, there could be other non-elders in the church who provide shepherding of the sheep. When I began as a youth pastor fresh out of college, I was definitely ministering as a shepherd to the students in the church. In spite of this, at 23 years old and with a lot to learn, I had no business being an elder in the church. All elders pastor the flock, but not all people who provide pastoring need to be elders.
I would have still given the book five stars if Mathis had simply stated his case one time and didn’t feel the need repeat his position multiple times. Each time I read it, it felt condescending.

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that’s for and about Pastors, Elders & Teachers

While reading this book I found myself thinking, “this reads a lot like a Piper book.” After a bit of research, it all makes sense. Mathis has worked for John Piper for quite some time. Mathis has a style that is a bit less formal but equally grounded in scripture. It’s a bit easier to read and moves along more inclusively and less like a sermon.

While anyone in Christian leadership could benefit from this book and so could non leaders get a clear understanding of what the role of Pastor is, as defined by scripture, this book is targeted towards those serving in the role or contemplating the role of Pastor.

Mathis combs thru the entirety of scripture to frame the office of Pastor, Elder, Teacher. A chapter is also devoted to Deacons and how they differ. Also very interesting and presented at the back of the book in a number of appendices are issues that often become thorny. These will make for good meeting topics among leaders; iron sharpening iron.

All things considered, highly recommended for the pastoral staff of your church📚

[Imie Mark III · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable look at the "unremarkable" biblical qualifications to serve in church leadership. As these are to be manifestly true of all believers, though distinctly evidenced in the lives of church leaders, this book is a must read for all followers of Christ.

"The elder qualifications, as we’ve seen, are remarkable for being unremarkable. What’s demanded of church officers is not academic decoration, world-class intellect, and talents above the common man. Rather, the elders are to be examples of normal, healthy, mature Christianity (1 Pet. 5:3). The elder qualifications are the flashpoints of the Christian maturity to which every believer should aspire and which every Christian, with God’s help, can attain."

Appreciated the scripturally grounded look at the character of church leadership and the opportunity to consider relevant parallels to leadership in faith-based para-church organizations.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read, appropriately convicting, and informative book on the qualifications for church leadership. The focus is primarily on the qualifications for elders, but due to the overlapping nature of the qualifications for elders and deacons, his discussion is helpful in thinking about both. Of particular note is his discussion on the office of elder being primarily a teaching office and thus what should weed out selection among the men who aspire (if all other things are equal). He hammers hard and well the plurality of leadership in the church and how the qualifications are somewhat subjective based on the church in which one might serve as pastor. This will be the new go to book to study with the men who aspire toward the office of elder or deacon at our church from here on out as it is clear, accessible, immediately practical, and lends toward group study with a study/discussion guide for each chapter.

[Matthew Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly helped by this book! David Mathis carefully walks through the 15 elder qualifications through the lens of three categories: the man before His God (humbled), the man among those who know him best (whole), and the man among the public (honorable). I felt this approach was appropriate and understandable, and made the flow through each qualification memorable. Mathis asks significant questions and dives into related topics / secondary and tertiary thoughts to each qualification, leaving me with a greater understanding and drive to put on these qualifications in the power and grace of God.

I recommend this book to any Christian as a helpful study on mature Christian qualities (that we should all strive after) and to bolster your understanding of what our elders are called to be and do. This is obviously an especially helpful read for elders and aspiring elders.

[David Westerveld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good steady biblical teaching. Sometime I found it a little bit too analytical in the approach to the text, meaning that he approached it as if Paul was trying to write a theological treatise when the primary sources for this book come from letters called the "pastoral letters". Paul was trying to give pastoral advice to Timothy in a particular church situation. We can certainly learn from that and make good solid application for our lives today, but we shouldn't lose site of the context and style that the original was written into.

Overall though good reminders and teaching. It is good to be reminded of the basics of what God expects of those leading the church and what a high standard he calls those leading his church to follow.