Qualifications for Ministry

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Timothy 3:2-3)

You probably aren’t a pastor. You might not have any connection to a pastor other than that you see your pastor on Sunday mornings. Yet, it’s good for all Christians to see what God expects from pastors.

The list of qualifications for ministry that Paul gives in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is more thorough than anywhere else in the Bible. An overseer—or pastor—is to be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. He is to not get drunk, not be violent, not be quarrelsome, and not love money.

Notice some details about these qualifications: First, they are all ongoing things. Being qualified to serve as a pastor isn’t just about passing a test or graduating from a seminary. It’s ongoing. It’s about being self-controlled and hospitable and gentle every day for as long as that pastor serves in the ministry.

Second, most of these qualifications apply to all Christians. A pastor doesn’t need to have superpowers. He’s a regular Christian, just like you, who’s been called to serve God in a public way in your church. 

Third, there is, however, one qualification for ministry that not every Christian has: An ability to teach. That’s really what ministry is all about: Teaching the Word of God. Whether it’s preaching a sermon or teaching a Bible class or counseling a couple, a pastor needs to be able to teach God’s Word.

Fourth, other than that ability to teach, these qualifications are character traits, not abilities. Instead of judging a pastor based on how well he preaches or how well he can light up a room with his personality, the Bible’s focuses on a pastor’s character: Is he self-controlled? Is he gentle? See the difference? When you think of your pastor, don’t think of what he can do. Think of who he is: A faithful follower of Christ.

Of course, there is no pastor anywhere who perfectly models all these qualifications. This is why all pastors need a Pastor. All pastors need Jesus! When your pastor preaches about Jesus’ forgiveness, he isn’t just preaching to you. He’s preaching to himself. It’s only God’s grace that enables any man to faithfully serve in ministry. What could you say to encourage your pastor today? 

Dear Jesus, you have high expectations for those who serve in ministry. Fill all pastors with your Holy Spirit, empower them to serve your people, and constantly remind them of your grace. Amen.

Pastor Nathan