The Qualification of a Pastor: Above Reproach

The Qualification of a Pastor: Above Reproach

What makes a good pastor? This is a question that has been asked by many over the centuries. While there are many qualities that a pastor should have, there is one that stands above all the others: being above reproach. This is the qualification that the apostle Paul emphasizes the most in his letters to Timothy and Titus.

Above Reproach: What Does it Mean?

The phrase "above reproach" is used several times in the New Testament. It means to be blameless, without any serious fault that could be a stumbling block to others. A pastor who is above reproach is someone who lives a life that is beyond reproach.

Here are some synonyms that capture some of the nuances of the phrase:

• Blameless


• Faultless


• Unimpeachable


• Irreproachable


• Impeccable


• Innocent


• Undefiled


• Unblemished


• Without spot or wrinkle

These words describe a person who is without moral blemish. Such a person is not perfect, but he is free from serious faults that could discredit his ministry or harm the church.

The Biblical Basis for Above Reproach

The idea of being above reproach is not something that Paul invented. It is a concept that is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus.

In the Old Testament, the priests and Levites were required to be without blemish in order to serve in the temple. For example, in Leviticus 21:16-23, the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

"Speak to Aaron, saying, None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God. For no one who has a blemish shall draw near, a man blind or lame, or one who has a mutilated face or a limb too long, or a man who has an injured foot or an injured hand, or a hunchback or a dwarf or a man with a defect in his sight or an itching disease or scabs or crushed testicles. No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the Lord's food offerings; since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God."

The priests and Levites were to be a holy people, set apart for the Lord's service. They were to be without blemish, both physically and morally. The same principle applies to pastors in the New Testament. They are to be a holy people, set apart for the Lord's service. They are to be without serious moral blemish.

Jesus also emphasized the importance of being above reproach. In Matthew 5:48, he said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This does not mean that pastors have to be sinless, but it does mean that they are to be morally blameless. They are to be people who strive for holiness and righteousness.

The Qualifications of a Pastor in 1 Timothy 3

In 1 Timothy 3, Paul gives a list of qualifications for overseers (pastors) in the church. The first and most important qualification is that the overseer must be above reproach. Here is the complete list of qualifications:

1. Above Reproach

The overseer must be above reproach. This means that he is to be free from serious moral blemish. He is to be a person of integrity and good reputation.

2. Husband of One Wife

The overseer is to be the husband of one wife. This means that he is to be faithful to his wife and to have a monogamous marriage.

3. Sober-minded

The overseer is to be sober-minded. This means that he is to be clear-headed and not given to excesses or addictions.

4. Self-controlled

The overseer is to be self-controlled. This means that he is to have control over his passions and desires.

5. Respectable

The overseer is to be respectable. This means that he is to be a person of good character and conduct.

6. Hospitable

The overseer is to be hospitable. This means that he is to be welcoming and generous to others.

7. Able to Teach

The overseer is to be able to teach. This means that he is to be skilled in explaining and applying the Scriptures.

8. Not a Drunkard

The overseer is not to be a drunkard. This means that he is to be sober and not given to excessive drinking.

9. Not Violent but Gentle

The overseer is not to be violent but gentle. This means that he is to be kind and peaceful, not prone to anger or aggression.

10. Not Quarrelsome

The overseer is not to be quarrelsome. This means that he is to be a peacemaker, not prone to arguing or fighting.

11. Not a Lover of Money

The overseer is not to be a lover of money. This means that he is to be content with what he has and not greedy or covetous.

12. Manage His Household Well

The overseer is to manage his household well. This means that he is to be a good husband and father, leading his family in the ways of the Lord.

13. Not a Recent Convert

The overseer is not to be a recent convert. This means that he is to be mature in the faith and not a novice.

The Importance of Being Above Reproach

Why is it so important for a pastor to be above reproach? There are several reasons:

1. The Pastor is a Leader of God's People

A pastor is a leader of God's people. He is called to shepherd the flock of God, to guide them in the ways of the Lord. His example is important, as people look to him as a model of what it means to follow Jesus. If a pastor is not above reproach, his leadership will be undermined, and his ministry will be ineffective.

2. The Pastor Represents Christ and the Church

A pastor represents Christ and the church. He is an ambassador of Christ, called to represent him to the world. If a pastor is not above reproach, he will bring shame to Christ and the church.

3. The Pastor's Life and Character Affect His Ministry

The pastor's life and character affect his ministry. If a pastor is not above reproach, his ministry will be hindered. He will not be able to preach with authority, and his message will not be received with credibility.

4. The Pastor's Moral Failures Can Cause Great Harm

If a pastor falls into serious moral sin, it can cause great harm to the church. It can destroy the trust that people have in the church and in its leaders. It can also harm the reputation of the gospel itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being above reproach is the most important qualification for a pastor. It means that the pastor is to be free from serious moral blemish, a person of integrity and good reputation. This is not something that can be achieved by human effort alone, but only by the grace of God. Therefore, pastors must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is above reproach.

As we look to the future, we must continue to emphasize the importance of being above reproach in our pastors and leaders. We must pray for them, support them, and hold them accountable. By doing so, we can ensure that the church remains a faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.