The church has always been under attack.  One of the most effective ways to weaken God’s work is to demolish its leadership, as Nehemiah’s enemies attempted to do (Nehemiah 6:1-9).  In the same way, Paul said that elders in the church need protection.  It is very easy for accusations to be made against them, especially when the leader stands in the way of somebody’s personal or spiritual agenda.  The most obvious example was when Jesus was falsely accused and put to death.  Likewise Stephen, who told the truth but angered the judges who then murdered him (Acts 7:51-60).

Of course, no human leader is perfect and serious sin must be addressed: but no accusation should be considered by the church unless the sin has been witnessed by two or three believers (2 Corinthians 13:1).  This was not a new concept; it was part of the Jewish law (Deuteronomy 19:15).  That was why the court trying Jesus had so much difficulty because the witnesses did not agree (Mark 14:53-59).  

At the same time, the truth also needs to be protected.  Not only to uphold what is true but to truly expose what is false.  These are the two sides of truth.  Paul tells Titus (who was given oversight of the church in Crete) that elders, “… must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and  refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9).  False doctrine leads to corrupt behaviour.  Jesus taught that when a serious problem is identified, it must be addressed.  First of all, in private and then, if there is no repentance, the church needs to know that open sin cannot be tolerated - whoever the sinner might be (Matthew 18:15-17).

Holding these twin truths together (protecting the spiritual leaders and protecting the truth) is not easy.  But it is vital if churches are to grow healthily and be guarded against Satan’s attacks.  Few people can appreciate the intense pressures on pastoral leaders: most people are more concerned about their own affairs.  So, Paul’s instructions to Timothy (to protect him as well as the leaders he appointed) are essential for the church in every age.  Perhaps the best way to avoid such problems is to pray for your leaders, and work with them rather than against them. Hebrews 13:17 says, "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."