- Discussion:
-The Apostle Paul expressed in a straightforward manner through his first epistle to Timothy the qualifications required of a man before he can be ordained a bishop in the church. These traits are all outlined in chapters three and five of that letter, which are presented as follows:
* Not needing criticism
* Wise
* Worthy of respect
* Able to show hospitality
* Well grounded in the faith/not a new convert
* Competent
* Responsible
* Faithful
* Loving, selfless, and humble
* Not having fellowship with sin/setting a good moral example (e.g. not selfish, conceited, greedy, combative, aggressive, contentious, or an alcoholic)
A rhetorical question that the author raises in this context plays a key role in illustrating the importance of fitting the provided description:
"If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?" (1 Timothy 3:5)
Obviously, taking on a leadership position requires a lot of responsibility. This is even more so true of becoming a minister, since it entails preaching the entire counsel of God. The Holy Spirit has given to us through Paul a thorough set of guidelines for us to adhere to so as to determine whether a man is fit for the office of pastor.
If a man has qualities that do not match up with the list provided here, then, by biblical standards, he is not fit to be a minister.
* Not needing criticism
* Wise
* Worthy of respect
* Able to show hospitality
* Well grounded in the faith/not a new convert
* Competent
* Responsible
* Faithful
* Loving, selfless, and humble
* Not having fellowship with sin/setting a good moral example (e.g. not selfish, conceited, greedy, combative, aggressive, contentious, or an alcoholic)
A rhetorical question that the author raises in this context plays a key role in illustrating the importance of fitting the provided description:
"If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?" (1 Timothy 3:5)
Obviously, taking on a leadership position requires a lot of responsibility. This is even more so true of becoming a minister, since it entails preaching the entire counsel of God. The Holy Spirit has given to us through Paul a thorough set of guidelines for us to adhere to so as to determine whether a man is fit for the office of pastor.
If a man has qualities that do not match up with the list provided here, then, by biblical standards, he is not fit to be a minister.
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