How to Become a Shepherd
by Pastor Dag Heward-MIlls
In this chapter, I want to lay out five important conditions for anyone in the church to become a shepherd.
In this chapter, I want to lay out five important conditions for anyone in the church to become a shepherd.
Five Important Conditions for Becoming a Shepherd
1. A shepherd must have a desire.
The first condition is simple – you must have a desire.
Timothy was pastoring a large church and probably had the task of bringing up future pastors and leaders. He must have sent an SOS message to Apostle Paul for guidance in this matter. It was very significant that Paul wrote back and laid out very clearly the conditions for anyone to become a pastor in Timothy’s church.
This is a true saying, If a man DESIRE the office of a bishop, he DESIRETH a good work. 1 Timothy 3:1
The first thing he said was that if anyone has a desire for God’s work, he desires a good thing. In other words, it is a good thing for members in the church to desire and aspire to become pastors.
Let’s be honest. Why shouldn’t members of the church aspire to the highest possible office in the church structure? In the local church, the highest possible office is that of the pastor.
I Never Had a Desire to Clean Toilets
I remember years ago, as I walked up and down the corridors of different hospitals, I never once remember having the desire to be a hospital cleaner, laboratory man, or even a technician. I only had a desire for the highest possible position in the hospital that is the position of a doctor. When someone walks into a bank, he would naturally aspire to become a bank manager.
Why is it that people in the church are not taught to aspire for the highest position in the church? It is biblical to desire the highest office in the church.
Do not desire just to be an usher. Do not desire just to sing in the choir. Desire to be a pastor! I used to play the drums and the organ in church. But I wanted to go as high as I could. The highest position in the church is not the organist. I am not talking about replacing the senior pastor. I am not talking about displacing the people above you. I am talking about rising into responsible and fruitful positions within the church.
Dear ministers of God, if you teach your people that they can also be shepherds, they will believe it and rise up to the occasion. Here again, I am not talking about anybody leaving their job, I’m talking about becoming a shepherd. The church does not have an infinite amount of money, and therefore cannot employ an infinite number of people. (Actually, that is why many churches are broke; because they employ far too many people).
Even the Tax Collector Was Surprised!
Recently, when the tax office investigated our church, they were surprised to find such a small number of people employed by the church. They asked for the list of pastors in the church. We gave them a long list. However, they did not believe that most of our pastors were gainfully employed elsewhere.
Our chief accountant told them, “This one works in the bank. And this one is an army officer. This one is a nurse…” But they still didn’t believe us. They promised to investigate all of these pastors’ work places to verify whether we were telling the truth.
Some pastors unfortunately criticize and spread bad stories about sister churches. This keeps them in darkness. Instead of learning the secrets that have made others great, they want to bring their brothers down.
I do not criticize other churches. I think all churches have a role to play. I learn from all successful churches around me, including those in my own city. I read all of the books written by pastors from my own city and I learn from them instead of fighting them. If somebody has a secret that I do not have, why shouldn’t I learn from him?
Pastors, look for men and women who have a genuine desire to do God’s work. You see, people having a desire or interest in the ministry is supernatural. It may not be a sensational experience but in a sense it is a burden put there by God. I believe that the desire for ministry is a symptom of a divine call within.
2. A shepherd must have a divine call.
You must have a divine call. The ministry is not a human institution. The Bible makes it clear that you need to have a divine call to serve in a certain capacity.
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is CALLED OF GOD, as was Aaron. Hebrews 5:4
Whenever I interview people who want to be in the ministry, I ask them if they believe they have a call of God on their lives. Without the conviction of a call you cannot be a pastor. Many people do not even know what it means to have a divine call. They don’t know whether they are called or not!
I believe that one of the principal manifestations of a divine call is a supernatural desire and interest in the work of the ministry. Paul had a supernatural interest for the salvation of all men, including the Jews.
Brethren, MY HEART’S DESIRE and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Romans 10:1
Paul had this desire in him and it was this desire that was translated into practical ministry time and time again. Christian friend, don’t take the call of God lightly. You could pay with your life for disobeying the divine call.
I have always had the desire to help God’s people and to prevent God’s sheep from falling away from the fold. One of my favourite songs begins like this, “Father, help your children”. That desire in me is a manifestation of a divine call to the pastoral office.
The Sixteen-Year Old Shepherd
I’ve been a shepherd or pastor since I was sixteen years old in secondary school. I didn’t call myself “pastor” then, but it was easy to see that I was called to be a pastor. I would draw up lists of the Scripture Union members who were in the fellowship and pray for them. I would mention each and every name and pray for them daily. I had long lists of names of over a hundred people. Mind you, no one was paying me to do this!
When it was time to go on holidays, I would draw maps to everyone’s house and would visit them during the vacation. Was that not a sixteen-year old pastor visiting his sheep? It certainly was! You see, the supernatural desire to do God’s work is often a manifestation of a divine call. I believe that is why Paul asked Timothy to look for the desire and didn’t even mention the call. The desire is a manifestation of a divine call.
Dear pastors, look out for people with the desire for the work. Most people don’t know what a call is. They certainly do understand when they have a desire.
I want to emphasize here that it is important to respond to the call of God on your life. If you were standing downstairs and your boss called for you from upstairs, wouldn’t you run to him? What do you think would happen if you ignored his calls when he knew that you could hear him? You might lose your job. It is a different thing if you do not know that you have been called. If you do know that God is calling you and refuse, you might be endangering your very life.
3. A shepherd must have a willing commitment
…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.
…Then said I, Here am I; SEND ME. Isaiah 6:8
Notice that Isaiah didn’t say, “Here am I, SEND HIM!” He said, “Here am I, send me!” That is the true sign of commitment for any Christian.
Pilot or Pastor?
For instance, I have always had the desire to be a pilot and to fly a plane. Because of that, when I travel I have often gone into the cockpit of the plane. I have even stayed in the cockpit during takeoff and landing. But beyond this, I have made no effort to become a pilot. I am more of an admirer of pilots. I am not serious about becoming a pilot, otherwise, I would have taken some other steps by now.
It is the same thing for some people who claim to be called into the ministry. They make no efforts to be available or involved in day-to-day church life. There is no extra commitment or willing sacrifice.
I take no notice of such people when they tell me that Jesus has appeared to them, calling them to the ministry. They are no nearer the ministry, than I am to the moon!
Samuel was available in the temple when he heard the call of God and responded.
…Then Samuel answered, Speak; for THY SERVANT HEARETH.1 Samuel 3:10
4. A shepherd must have a godly character.
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 initially impressed by flamboyant and well-spoken people. I thought that was the call of God. As the years have passed, I have absolutely no confidence in the outward and impressive show. I have found that there are people who are quiet, not impressive, but faithful in character. These people are to be preferred one hundred times more than outwardly impressive pastors.
Fire Brings out the Serpent Character
That is why your Bible school certificate, your nice dressing or the ability to sing may not earn you a position in the pastorate. You simply have to be around long enough for us to know you and what you are made out of. Even with stringent character filters, we still have some sticks turning out to be snakes.
Whenever there is a test of some sort, 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.
As the senior pastor, beware of people whom you feel under pressure to promote. Beware of people whom you feel under pressure to show appreciation. Beware of people whom you feel under pressure to increase their salaries. Such people will not be satisfied anyway with your show of appreciation.
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.
Pastors, do not just accept impressive ministers from other churches to work with you. It could be the mistake of your life. Am I speaking a biblical truth or am I speaking my mind? When the apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas, what did they say? Whom did they choose?
What did they do? They didn’t choose the best worship leader or the most charismatic speaker. No! They chose a tested and tried person.
Wherefore of these men which have COMPANIED WITH US all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Acts 1:21, 22
I take no notice of sweet words showered on me by some job-seekers. All I say in my mind is, “I commend you to God and to time.” If with the passage of time, your character remains proper, then and only then will I believe those sweet words. The breakup of many churches and the painful conflicts in many ministries are because people are not abiding by biblical rules for pastoral selection.
Someone cannot be a pastor unless you know his character.
You can never know someone’s character unless you have known him for some years. There are many gifted people who have a lot of skeletons in their wardrobe. Samson operated in the gift of working of miracles. At the same time he had a major problem with fornication and adultery.
The Untested Pastor
I remember a pastor who came along to work in our church for a while. I have never seen someone so talented and anointed in ministry. One day I found out that he was having the young ladies in the church to cut his fingernails and toenails in his apartment. So I asked him, “Do you think that it is helpful as a young and unmarried man to have ladies doting over you and cutting your nails?”
To my surprise he answered, “Yes I do! It saves me time.”
I went on and warned him to be careful. Not long after that, one of the young ladies in church approached me, and told me how this pastor had had sex with her on several different occasions. I had known this preacher just by watching him minister, but had not known him for a long length of time. If I had known of all his problems, I would have never welcomed him into my church.
One night after holding a crusade I called this pastor to sit in my car with me because I wanted to talk with him. As we talked, I questioned him about his relationship with the ladies but he was defiant. Suddenly I smelt the unmistakable scent of alcohol. I said, “You have been drinking!”
He smiled, “No pastor!”
You see this gifted pastor had multiple problems: he was a fornicator, drunkard, smoker and a liar. Irrespective of all this, he was beautifully anointed to preach and lead worship. Pastors, save yourselves from the pain of bringing in untested leaders. Do not spoil the work you have built by bringing in rebels from outside to fill key positions.
The whole of 1 Timothy 3 is a catalogue of character qualifications for every serious minded minister. Read it for yourselves. You will never read anything about a bishop or pastor having to be anointed or gifted. There is no instruction that a pastor must be talented or charming (in fact, be careful of “charming” pastors). The nearest thing to a gift in the catalogue of character qualifications is where it says a bishop must be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). That only means he that must be able to share the Word of God effectively.
5. The wife of a shepherd must be qualified for ministry.
The Bible continues to talk about the characters of the wives of the pastors. Not only is a pastor’s character important, but also the character of his wife. Even the character of the pastor’s wife has a bearing on his ministry. A Bible school certificate is not the only qualification for the ministry. Certainly not! That is why
our Bible school involves a long enough period where we can get to know the disposition of students.
It may not be such a fast and easy way of raising up pastors but it sure is a safer, stronger and more stable way of doing things. After all, that is God’s way and none of us can be wiser than God.
Watch out for these qualifications in shepherds.
- Not greedy for filthy lucre (Greek – aischrokerde) not desirous of base gain; not using wrong methods to raise money to increase his own income, (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7).
- Patient (Greek-epieikes) meek and gentle, (1Timothy 3:3, Philippians 4:5).
- Not a brawler (Greek – amachos) not contentious, but quiet and peaceable. (Titus 3:2).
- Not covetous (Greek – aphilarguros) not a lover of money; not desiring the office for the sake of personal gain, (Hebrews 13:5; Luke 12:15).
- Ruler of his own house, not by hardness and tyranny but with honesty, (1 Timothy 3:4).
- Not a novice (Greek – neophuton) new convert to the faith, (1 Timothy 3:6).
- Of a good report from outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7). More Qualifications for Shepherdsand Their Wives
- Grave (1 Timothy 3:8) (Greek – semnos). Translated grave (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 2:2) and honest (Philippians 4:8).
- Not double tongued (1 Timothy 3:8) (Greek––dilogos) liars; saying different things to different persons on the same subject. Only used once in the Bible.
- Not given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8) even unfermented (in the cluster; Is 65:8).
- Not greedy of filthy lucre (1 Timothy 3:8).
- Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9). They must maintain a good conscience and be able demonstrate the mysterious power of faith, (Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:17, 18).
- Let them be proved (1 Timothy 3:10). The same as not a new convert in 1 Timothy 3:6. Let them be tested and proved worthy of the office, and able to keep themselves from being lifted up in pride and falling in the same manner Satan did.
- Blameless (Greek – anegkletos) (1 Timothy 3:10. Translated blameless, (1 Timothy 3:10; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Titus 1:6-7) and unreprovable, (Colossians 1:22). They must be free from evil and reproach.
- Their wives must meet certain qualifications (1 Timothy 3:11).
- Each, the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12) No polygamist.
- Each, the ruler of his own house (1 Timothy 3:12), as required of bishops (1 Timothy 3:4, 5).
- Grave (1 Timothy 3:11).
- Not slanderers (1 Timothy 3:11) (Greek – diabolos), devils.
- Sober (1 Timothy 3:11), (Greek – nephalios) not drinkers of wine.
- Faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11). These qualifications apply to wives of bishops, deacons, deaconesses, and Christian women in general.
Five Important Conditions for Becoming a Shepherd
1. A shepherd must have a desire.
The first condition is simple – you must have a desire.
Timothy was pastoring a large church and probably had the task of bringing up future pastors and leaders. He must have sent an SOS message to Apostle Paul for guidance in this matter. It was very significant that Paul wrote back and laid out very clearly the conditions for anyone to become a pastor in Timothy’s church.
This is a true saying, If a man DESIRE the office of a bishop, he DESIRETH a good work. 1 Timothy 3:1
The first thing he said was that if anyone has a desire for God’s work, he desires a good thing. In other words, it is a good thing for members in the church to desire and aspire to become pastors.
Let’s be honest. Why shouldn’t members of the church aspire to the highest possible office in the church structure? In the local church, the highest possible office is that of the pastor.
I Never Had a Desire to Clean Toilets
I remember years ago, as I walked up and down the corridors of different hospitals, I never once remember having the desire to be a hospital cleaner, laboratory man, or even a technician. I only had a desire for the highest possible position in the hospital that is the position of a doctor. When someone walks into a bank, he would naturally aspire to become a bank manager.
Why is it that people in the church are not taught to aspire for the highest position in the church? It is biblical to desire the highest office in the church.
Do not desire just to be an usher. Do not desire just to sing in the choir. Desire to be a pastor! I used to play the drums and the organ in church. But I wanted to go as high as I could. The highest position in the church is not the organist. I am not talking about replacing the senior pastor. I am not talking about displacing the people above you. I am talking about rising into responsible and fruitful positions within the church.
Dear ministers of God, if you teach your people that they can also be shepherds, they will believe it and rise up to the occasion. Here again, I am not talking about anybody leaving their job, I’m talking about becoming a shepherd. The church does not have an infinite amount of money, and therefore cannot employ an infinite number of people. (Actually, that is why many churches are broke; because they employ far too many people).
Even the Tax Collector Was Surprised!
Recently, when the tax office investigated our church, they were surprised to find such a small number of people employed by the church. They asked for the list of pastors in the church. We gave them a long list. However, they did not believe that most of our pastors were gainfully employed elsewhere.
Our chief accountant told them, “This one works in the bank. And this one is an army officer. This one is a nurse…” But they still didn’t believe us. They promised to investigate all of these pastors’ work places to verify whether we were telling the truth.
Some pastors unfortunately criticize and spread bad stories about sister churches. This keeps them in darkness. Instead of learning the secrets that have made others great, they want to bring their brothers down.
I do not criticize other churches. I think all churches have a role to play. I learn from all successful churches around me, including those in my own city. I read all of the books written by pastors from my own city and I learn from them instead of fighting them. If somebody has a secret that I do not have, why shouldn’t I learn from him?
Pastors, look for men and women who have a genuine desire to do God’s work. You see, people having a desire or interest in the ministry is supernatural. It may not be a sensational experience but in a sense it is a burden put there by God. I believe that the desire for ministry is a symptom of a divine call within.
2. A shepherd must have a divine call.
You must have a divine call. The ministry is not a human institution. The Bible makes it clear that you need to have a divine call to serve in a certain capacity.
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is CALLED OF GOD, as was Aaron. Hebrews 5:4
Whenever I interview people who want to be in the ministry, I ask them if they believe they have a call of God on their lives. Without the conviction of a call you cannot be a pastor. Many people do not even know what it means to have a divine call. They don’t know whether they are called or not!
I believe that one of the principal manifestations of a divine call is a supernatural desire and interest in the work of the ministry. Paul had a supernatural interest for the salvation of all men, including the Jews.
Brethren, MY HEART’S DESIRE and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Romans 10:1
Paul had this desire in him and it was this desire that was translated into practical ministry time and time again. Christian friend, don’t take the call of God lightly. You could pay with your life for disobeying the divine call.
I have always had the desire to help God’s people and to prevent God’s sheep from falling away from the fold. One of my favourite songs begins like this, “Father, help your children”. That desire in me is a manifestation of a divine call to the pastoral office.
The Sixteen-Year Old Shepherd
I’ve been a shepherd or pastor since I was sixteen years old in secondary school. I didn’t call myself “pastor” then, but it was easy to see that I was called to be a pastor. I would draw up lists of the Scripture Union members who were in the fellowship and pray for them. I would mention each and every name and pray for them daily. I had long lists of names of over a hundred people. Mind you, no one was paying me to do this!
When it was time to go on holidays, I would draw maps to everyone’s house and would visit them during the vacation. Was that not a sixteen-year old pastor visiting his sheep? It certainly was! You see, the supernatural desire to do God’s work is often a manifestation of a divine call. I believe that is why Paul asked Timothy to look for the desire and didn’t even mention the call. The desire is a manifestation of a divine call.
Dear pastors, look out for people with the desire for the work. Most people don’t know what a call is. They certainly do understand when they have a desire.
I want to emphasize here that it is important to respond to the call of God on your life. If you were standing downstairs and your boss called for you from upstairs, wouldn’t you run to him? What do you think would happen if you ignored his calls when he knew that you could hear him? You might lose your job. It is a different thing if you do not know that you have been called. If you do know that God is calling you and refuse, you might be endangering your very life.
3. A shepherd must have a willing commitment
…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.
…Then said I, Here am I; SEND ME. Isaiah 6:8
Notice that Isaiah didn’t say, “Here am I, SEND HIM!” He said, “Here am I, send me!” That is the true sign of commitment for any Christian.
Pilot or Pastor?
For instance, I have always had the desire to be a pilot and to fly a plane. Because of that, when I travel I have often gone into the cockpit of the plane. I have even stayed in the cockpit during takeoff and landing. But beyond this, I have made no effort to become a pilot. I am more of an admirer of pilots. I am not serious about becoming a pilot, otherwise, I would have taken some other steps by now.
It is the same thing for some people who claim to be called into the ministry. They make no efforts to be available or involved in day-to-day church life. There is no extra commitment or willing sacrifice.
I take no notice of such people when they tell me that Jesus has appeared to them, calling them to the ministry. They are no nearer the ministry, than I am to the moon!
Samuel was available in the temple when he heard the call of God and responded.
…Then Samuel answered, Speak; for THY SERVANT HEARETH.1 Samuel 3:10
4. A shepherd must have a godly character.
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 initially impressed by flamboyant and well-spoken people. I thought that was the call of God. As the years have passed, I have absolutely no confidence in the outward and impressive show. I have found that there are people who are quiet, not impressive, but faithful in character. These people are to be preferred one hundred times more than outwardly impressive pastors.
Fire Brings out the Serpent Character
That is why your Bible school certificate, your nice dressing or the ability to sing may not earn you a position in the pastorate. You simply have to be around long enough for us to know you and what you are made out of. Even with stringent character filters, we still have some sticks turning out to be snakes.
Whenever there is a test of some sort, 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.
As the senior pastor, beware of people whom you feel under pressure to promote. Beware of people whom you feel under pressure to show appreciation. Beware of people whom you feel under pressure to increase their salaries. Such people will not be satisfied anyway with your show of appreciation.
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.
Pastors, do not just accept impressive ministers from other churches to work with you. It could be the mistake of your life. Am I speaking a biblical truth or am I speaking my mind? When the apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas, what did they say? Whom did they choose?
What did they do? They didn’t choose the best worship leader or the most charismatic speaker. No! They chose a tested and tried person.
Wherefore of these men which have COMPANIED WITH US all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Acts 1:21, 22
I take no notice of sweet words showered on me by some job-seekers. All I say in my mind is, “I commend you to God and to time.” If with the passage of time, your character remains proper, then and only then will I believe those sweet words. The breakup of many churches and the painful conflicts in many ministries are because people are not abiding by biblical rules for pastoral selection.
Someone cannot be a pastor unless you know his character.
You can never know someone’s character unless you have known him for some years. There are many gifted people who have a lot of skeletons in their wardrobe. Samson operated in the gift of working of miracles. At the same time he had a major problem with fornication and adultery.
The Untested Pastor
I remember a pastor who came along to work in our church for a while. I have never seen someone so talented and anointed in ministry. One day I found out that he was having the young ladies in the church to cut his fingernails and toenails in his apartment. So I asked him, “Do you think that it is helpful as a young and unmarried man to have ladies doting over you and cutting your nails?”
To my surprise he answered, “Yes I do! It saves me time.”
I went on and warned him to be careful. Not long after that, one of the young ladies in church approached me, and told me how this pastor had had sex with her on several different occasions. I had known this preacher just by watching him minister, but had not known him for a long length of time. If I had known of all his problems, I would have never welcomed him into my church.
One night after holding a crusade I called this pastor to sit in my car with me because I wanted to talk with him. As we talked, I questioned him about his relationship with the ladies but he was defiant. Suddenly I smelt the unmistakable scent of alcohol. I said, “You have been drinking!”
He smiled, “No pastor!”
You see this gifted pastor had multiple problems: he was a fornicator, drunkard, smoker and a liar. Irrespective of all this, he was beautifully anointed to preach and lead worship. Pastors, save yourselves from the pain of bringing in untested leaders. Do not spoil the work you have built by bringing in rebels from outside to fill key positions.
The whole of 1 Timothy 3 is a catalogue of character qualifications for every serious minded minister. Read it for yourselves. You will never read anything about a bishop or pastor having to be anointed or gifted. There is no instruction that a pastor must be talented or charming (in fact, be careful of “charming” pastors). The nearest thing to a gift in the catalogue of character qualifications is where it says a bishop must be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). That only means he that must be able to share the Word of God effectively.
5. The wife of a shepherd must be qualified for ministry.
The Bible continues to talk about the characters of the wives of the pastors. Not only is a pastor’s character important, but also the character of his wife. Even the character of the pastor’s wife has a bearing on his ministry. A Bible school certificate is not the only qualification for the ministry. Certainly not! That is why
our Bible school involves a long enough period where we can get to know the disposition of students.
It may not be such a fast and easy way of raising up pastors but it sure is a safer, stronger and more stable way of doing things. After all, that is God’s way and none of us can be wiser than God.
Watch out for these qualifications in shepherds.
- Not greedy for filthy lucre (Greek – aischrokerde) not desirous of base gain; not using wrong methods to raise money to increase his own income, (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7).
- Patient (Greek-epieikes) meek and gentle, (1Timothy 3:3, Philippians 4:5).
- Not a brawler (Greek – amachos) not contentious, but quiet and peaceable. (Titus 3:2).
- Not covetous (Greek – aphilarguros) not a lover of money; not desiring the office for the sake of personal gain, (Hebrews 13:5; Luke 12:15).
- Ruler of his own house, not by hardness and tyranny but with honesty, (1 Timothy 3:4).
- Not a novice (Greek – neophuton) new convert to the faith, (1 Timothy 3:6).
- Of a good report from outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7). More Qualifications for Shepherdsand Their Wives
- Grave (1 Timothy 3:8) (Greek – semnos). Translated grave (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 2:2) and honest (Philippians 4:8).
- Not double tongued (1 Timothy 3:8) (Greek––dilogos) liars; saying different things to different persons on the same subject. Only used once in the Bible.
- Not given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8) even unfermented (in the cluster; Is 65:8).
- Not greedy of filthy lucre (1 Timothy 3:8).
- Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9). They must maintain a good conscience and be able demonstrate the mysterious power of faith, (Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:17, 18).
- Let them be proved (1 Timothy 3:10). The same as not a new convert in 1 Timothy 3:6. Let them be tested and proved worthy of the office, and able to keep themselves from being lifted up in pride and falling in the same manner Satan did.
- Blameless (Greek – anegkletos) (1 Timothy 3:10. Translated blameless, (1 Timothy 3:10; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Titus 1:6-7) and unreprovable, (Colossians 1:22). They must be free from evil and reproach.
- Their wives must meet certain qualifications (1 Timothy 3:11).
- Each, the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12) No polygamist.
- Each, the ruler of his own house (1 Timothy 3:12), as required of bishops (1 Timothy 3:4, 5).
- Grave (1 Timothy 3:11).
- Not slanderers (1 Timothy 3:11) (Greek – diabolos), devils.
- Sober (1 Timothy 3:11), (Greek – nephalios) not drinkers of wine.
- Faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11). These qualifications apply to wives of bishops, deacons, deaconesses, and Christian women in general.
