READ: 1 Corinthians 9:16-27
…for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! FOR IF I DO THIS THING WILLINGLY, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. :-1 Corinthians 9:16-17
There must be a willing commitment to obey the call of God on your life. Some people know that they are called! They even have a desire to do the work, yet you do not see any commitment in them. To offer yourself, is a sign that you are willing.
Make great efforts to be available and involved in day-to-day church life. If there is no extra commitment or willing sacrifice you are missing something.
There is no substitute for godliness and a good character. Your faithfulness is the cornerstone of your character. When I started out in ministry, I was impressed by well-spoken people. As the years passed, I lost confidence in the outward presentation. I have found people who are quiet, not so impressive, but faithful in character. These people are to be preferred one hundred times more than outwardly impressive pastors. Your Bible school certificate, your nice dressing and ability to sing will not earn you a position in the pastorate. It is a great privilege for you to be selected for this honour.
Even with stringent character filters, we still have some sticks turning out to be snakes. Whenever there is a test, you will notice some of your firewood sticks turn into snakes. Remember the incident when Paul was gathering some sticks to light a fire. When he lit the fire, a snake jumped out from among the sticks (Acts 28:3).
There is only one qualification for people who want to join the pastoral team – they have to stay around long enough. They have to “company” around long enough for time and the elements to test them. No one can be a shepherd unless you know his character. You can never know someone’s character unless you have known him for some years.