1 Timothy 3:1–7 (ESV)
Qualifications for Overseers
3 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer,
he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not
violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage
his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover,
he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
It is always interesting when people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Some immediately want to go into the ministry.
I don’t want to stop their excitement, but not all are called to be pastors. God wants us to serve him in our current vocations. Be a good parent, a good worker, a good child, etc… Work as if God is your boss and do all things to God’s
glory. Paul gives us a list of qualifications for pastors, and it is a list that churches should use when calling a pastor. The Lutheran Study Bible states: Only qualified men may serve as pastors of God’s flock. We should honor and uphold
the qualifications that God has set forth for those who would serve in the Office of the Public Ministry, always remembering that the pastoral office is a divine institution—a gift from God for His Church. The Lord Jesus has given this office and its
qualifications because He loves us and always desires what is best for us. He Himself is our chief Shepherd (1Pt 5:4). He has laid down His life for us (Jn 10:11) and gives us eternal life (Jn 10:28).
I pray: “Almighty God,
in Your kindness You cause the light of the Gospel to shine among us. By the working of Your Holy Spirit, help us to share the good news of Your salvation that all who hear it may rejoice in the gift of Your unending love.” Amen. (LSB Altar
Book, p 987)[1]