THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY

The qualifications for ministerial office are not mere suggestions but divine requirements, explicitly detailed in Holy Scripture. These prerequisites must be carefully examined and rigorously applied before any man is ordained to the ministerial office.

First and foremost, it must be emphasized that these qualifications are present-tense requirements, not historical considerations. If past conduct were the measure, even the Apostle Paul would be disqualified, for he once persecuted the church rather than showing hospitality (Acts 26:9-11). The focus is on current character and conduct during the proving period, as Paul instructs: "And let these also first be proved" (1 Timothy 3:10).

Character Requirements

A bishop must be "blameless" (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7), not sinlessly perfect, but free from open scandal and gross deficiencies. While no man is without sin, a minister must maintain a reputation unblemished by obvious public weaknesses.

The qualification of being "the husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6) establishes God's standard of monogamy for His ministers. This is not a requirement to be married, but rather a prohibition against polygamy and unlawful divorce, reflecting Christ's teaching on marriage (Matthew 19:4-6).

Personal Conduct

The minister must demonstrate:

• Vigilance: "vigilant" (1 Timothy 3:2) - constantly watchful and alert
• Sobriety: "sober" (1 Timothy 3:2) - grave and serious-minded
• Good behavior: "of good behaviour" (1 Timothy 3:2) - conducting himself appropriately
• Hospitality: "given to hospitality" (1 Timothy 3:2) - generously receiving others
• Temperance: "not given to wine" (1 Timothy 3:3) - moderate, not addicted
• Self-control: "no striker" (1 Timothy 3:3) - not prone to violence
• Financial integrity: "not greedy of filthy lucre" (1 Timothy 3:3) - not money-motivated
• Patience: "patient" (1 Timothy 3:3) - enduring trials with composure
• Peaceability: "not a brawler" (1 Timothy 3:3) - not contentious
• Contentment: "not covetous" (1 Timothy 3:3) - satisfied with God's provision

Domestic Requirements

A minister "must rule his own house well" (1 Timothy 3:4-5), demonstrating leadership capabilities in his domestic sphere before being entrusted with church oversight. This includes:

• Proper headship over his wife (Genesis 3:16)
• Biblical child-rearing (1 Timothy 3:12)
• Household management (1 Peter 3:7)

Spousal Requirements

The minister's wife must be:

• "Faithful in all things" (1 Timothy 3:11) - converted and committed
• "Grave" - possessing dignity and seriousness
• Not a slanderer - controlling her tongue
• "Sober" - temperate in all things

Additional Character Traits

From Titus 1:7-8:

• "Not self-willed" - not pursuing personal agenda
• "Not soon angry" - maintaining emotional control
• "A lover of good men" - seeking godly fellowship
• "Just" - upright in dealings
• "Holy" - separated unto God
• "Temperate" - exercising self-control

Secular Qualifications

Beyond personal character requirements, Scripture demands specific qualifications regarding a minister's secular reputation and teaching abilities.

A minister's relationship with the world must be above reproach, "having a good report of them which are without" (1 Timothy 3:7). This requirement serves as a crucial safeguard for the ministry's reputation and effectiveness. How can a man teach others if his own conduct in secular affairs has earned him notoriety? His testimony among both colleagues and family must be exemplary.

The Lord Jesus established a profound principle regarding stewardship: faithfulness in temporal matters precedes spiritual responsibility. "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?" (Luke 16:11). Consider:

• Ministers are "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
• Proper handling of worldly wealth demonstrates wisdom (Luke 16:8)
• Faithfulness in small matters qualifies for greater trust (Luke 16:10)
• Care of others' property reveals character (Luke 16:12)

As Solomon observed, negligence in temporal duties reveals a man's true nature. In his reflection, he notes, "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding...and lo, it was all grown over with thorns" (Proverbs 24:30-34). This serves as a crucial reminder that a man’s professional conduct before ordination is indicative of his readiness for ministry. A good reputation in his business life not only showcases his diligence and integrity but also underscores his ability to manage responsibilities effectively. Before taking on the pastoral role, it is essential for an aspiring minister to demonstrate a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and the capability to navigate challenges—attributes that are critical when leading a congregation. His professional life is a proving ground where he must cultivate trust and respect, as these qualities will directly impact his effectiveness as a spiritual leader. Moreover, a minister held in high regard professionally is more likely to inspire confidence among his hearers and reflect the character of Christ in his dealings. Therefore, a man considered for ordination must already possess these essential qualities in his professional life, as they set the foundation for his ministry and foster the credibility necessary for responsible leadership.

Ministerial Qualifications

The specific requirements for the bishop's work are equally stringent:

Aptness to Teach

A bishop must be "apt to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2), possessing both natural ability and developed skill in instruction. This encompasses:

• Basic speaking ability, though not necessarily exceptional eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1-4)
• Capacity for clear communication (2 Corinthians 10:10)
• Firm grasp of doctrine for both teaching and defense (Titus 1:9)
• Ability to train other teachers (2 Timothy 2:2)
• Skill in systematizing truth for effective instruction

Apollos exemplifies this qualification, being "mighty in the scriptures" and "eloquent" (Acts 18:24-28), though such exceptional eloquence is not required of all.

Ministerial Fortitude

The qualified minister must possess:

• Boldness against evil (Ezekiel 2:6)
• Steadfastness in truth (Ezekiel 3:8-9)
• Endurance in affliction (2 Corinthians 6:3-5)
• Zealous dedication (1 Corinthians 16:15)

 

Maturity in Faith

The apostle Paul, through divine inspiration, definitively established the qualifications for church leadership that remain binding today. Among these, his prohibition against novices serving in church leadership positions (1 Timothy 3:6) stands as a foundational principle, designed to protect both the individual and the congregation. This restriction serves two vital purposes: it guards against the spiritual danger of pride that might arise from premature elevation to leadership, and it ensures proper spiritual maturation through seasoned experience. While the Old Testament established a precedent of thirty years as the appropriate age for religious service, as evidenced in Numbers 4:3,23 and mirrored in Jesus's own ministry beginning at thirty (Luke 3:23), the New Testament introduces a more flexible approach to spiritual leadership. Paul's encouraging words to Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth" (1 Timothy 4:12), suggest that spiritual maturity, rather than chronological age alone, should be the determining factor in leadership qualification. This balanced perspective acknowledges both the wisdom of allowing time for spiritual development and the reality that God may call and equip younger believers for the role of a bishop, which will be noticed by another minister when the younger believer demonstrates genuine spiritual maturity and humility.

Special Note on Post-Ordination Sin

Should a minister fall into sin after ordination, he is dealt with as a church member under normal disciplinary procedures: "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly" (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Scripture provides no precedent for re-ordination after repentance and restoration.

These secular and ministerial qualifications, combined with the personal requirements as above, form the complete biblical standard for ministerial candidates. They must be thoroughly examined before ordination, as they protect both the dignity of the office and the welfare of Christ's church.

These qualifications must be rigorously maintained during the proving period and thoroughly examined (by another minister) before ordination. The church must neither add to nor subtract from these divine requirements, recognizing that they are established by God Himself for the protection and prosperity of His church.

Any man seeking ordination must be thoroughly examined against these standards. The gravity of ministerial office demands nothing less than full compliance with these God-given qualifications.