This is a true saying, if a man desires the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil (1Timothy 3:1-7)
The man of God that leads the Church today in our circle is the Pastor. Paul says this unique man desires this work. The work of shepherding men and women, equipping them to grow and serve, is s tremendous task. It is very fortunate for us that God would have the qualifications explained in the Bible. These qualifications are in 3 categories:
Leader in spiritual discipline
leader in managing God’s ministry
leader in evangelism to those outside
This person should be self controlled and blameless. Blameless does not imply sinless perfection. To be blameless is to follow the scripture perfectly as one understands them. Living what one preaches and preaching the whole counsel of God is one task of the Pastor. If a person desires this tremendous office, they have to live according to the lofty standards required.
Furthermore, every Christian should live a blameless life. This is the name given to us who believe – Christians. We are to be like Christ. Some Pastors are failing in the Church today in America, as our brother Christian had previously enumerated in some of his previous exhortations. The scripture says that they (teachers) will have a stricter judgment. The job of a pastor is not an easy one, so remember to always pray for our Church leaders.
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