Pastor John, you have a new title at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

The church you led for over 30 years.

And along with it, there's a new document to explain the new position that you have within

the church.

And it's titled Pastor Emeritus, a covenant between Bethlehem Baptist Church, Council of Elders

and John Piper.

Explain for us who wrote this document and why and what purpose does it serve.

It might be helpful, Tony, to share a few thoughts about the role of a pastor, Emeritus.

This is the title that the elders at Bethlehem have decided to give me as a member of Bethlehem

after 33 years as lead pastor for preaching and vision.

So what about the term Emeritus?

What does it mean?

This is a Latin word referring to one who has, quote, earned his discharge by faithful

service.

It's kind of the opposite of a dishonorable discharge in the military.

First Timothy 517 says, let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor,

especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Well, I was honored 100 ways while I was a pastor of Bethlehem.

When the title Emeritus was proposed for me, I felt honored, again, doubly honored, more

than doubly honored.

It's a way of honoring this old guy whose ministry you look back on and say, I thank God for that.

So one might ask, well, is it even biblical to retire from the eldership?

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