Church Leadership

The church often seems to have a reluctance for holding pastors accountable. Yet, in 1 Timothy 5:19-21 we have a very clear command to rebuke pastors who persist in sin:

19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. (1 Tim. 5:19–21 ESV)

How should the church handle accusations against elders (pastors)? Paul wrote the following to Timothy: 

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (1 Tim. 5:19 ESV)

Seems clear enough, right? Obviously this verse is meant to protect pastors from baseless accusations and it follows the Old Testament precept of requiring multiple witnesses to bring a charge (Deut 17:6, 19:15). This seems cut and dry, but it leaves us with some serious questions.

What are we supposed to do when someone accuses a pastor of a serious offense, or even a crime, and there was only one witness? If we apply 1 Timothy 5:19 literally, not only could a church take no action, but they also wouldn’t even be able to hear the accusation. Paul seems to be saying that the charge cannot even be leveled against an elder unless there are multiple witnesses.