All of the other qualifications are character qualities. This is the only ability-based requirement. He is to be able to teach sound doctrine, not just be able to communicate in an excellent manner. His teaching can be to one or two, to 20, to 100 or to 1,000. Most of the churches in Crete were house churches. The elders were to defend the faith once delivered to the saints against the numerous false teachers that arose.
15. A pastor must be spiritually mature (1 Tim 3:6).
Positions of authority without spiritual maturity lead to the trap of pride. When pride grows in a man, sin abounds.
16. A pastor must be respectable (1 Tim 3:7).
That does not mean everyone must like him or even appreciate him. It means there is no credible witness to an ongoing sinful behavior.
17. A pastor must be an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).
Elders are examples of biblical expressions of sexuality, time management, marriage, parenting, worship, relationships and any other way. A pastor should be someone your sons could pattern their life after and the kind of man your daughter should marry.
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After reading this list, take a moment and prayerfully consider these questions:
1. Where do you see the evidence of God’s grace at work in you producing these qualities?
2. Where do you most need improvement?
3. What is your plan to grow in these areas?
4. For those who are already serving, are there any areas in which you are currently in danger of disqualifying yourself for ministry? If so, what steps need to be taken to remedy the situation?
Praying for us all today as we consider these weighty matters.
