“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13)

Paul told the young pastor Timothy to avoid focusing on silly distractions and people who might despise his leadership. Instead, “devote” (To give all or a large part of one’s time and resources to) the ministry of the Word. Today’s young pastor faces perhaps the most complex, multi-faceted set of needs and expectations of any generation. The modern church wants him to be and do all things well. Yet, Paul’s instruction holds more true than ever. We need churches that are led by pastors who are “devoted” to the ministry of the Word. And we need church members who recognize their responsibility to be equipped by pastors and teachers to find and do the ministry in the other areas.