THE DESIRE OF THE MINISTRY

The question of desire in relation to the ministry requires careful biblical examination, as many have erred by making desire the primary qualification for pastoral office. While the Apostle Paul declares, "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work" (1 Timothy 3:1), we must understand that mere desire does not qualify one for eldership.

Significantly, when Paul enumerates the qualifications for bishops in 1 Timothy 3:2-7, desire is conspicuously absent from the list. This omission is not accidental but instructive—desire alone cannot validate a call to ministry. Indeed, Scripture provides numerous examples of God calling men who initially lacked any desire for ministerial service.

Consider Moses, who repeatedly sought to evade God's call: "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue" (Exodus 4:10). Even after God's patient explanation, Moses still pleaded, "O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send" (Exodus 4:13).

Similarly, Jeremiah initially recoiled from his prophetic calling, protesting, "Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child" (Jeremiah 1:6). Even the great Apostle Paul acknowledged that his apostleship was not primarily a matter of personal desire: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

These examples align with God's sovereign declaration that He would "give gifts unto men; yea, for the rebellious also" (Psalm 68:18). The Lord is not limited by man's initial desires or inclinations in choosing His servants. He is Sovereign over all choices!

However, while initial desire is not a prerequisite, willingness becomes a mandatory attitude for those in ministry. As Peter instructs, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind" (1 Peter 5:2). This willingness is not a qualification for entering the ministry but a command for those who are in it.

The parallel can be seen in the matter of cheerful giving: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). The command to give cheerfully does not determine who should give, but rather how those who give should do so.

Paul did encourage the Corinthian church to "covet earnestly the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31), with teaching being among the highest gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28). However, this coveting or desire must be understood within the broader context of God's sovereign distribution of gifts and calling.

 Let it be firmly established:

1. Desire alone does not qualify one for ministry
2. Initial reluctance does not disqualify one from God's call
3. Willingness is commanded for those in ministry
4. God's sovereign call transcends human desires
5. Proper desire may develop after God's call

The church must guard against the error of making desire the primary qualification for ministry. While it is good to desire the office of a bishop, such desire must be accompanied by the biblical qualifications outlined in Scripture. God's call, confirmed through proper ordination by an existing elder, remains the determining factor in establishing men in ministerial office.