Lesson 64 – Qualifications for the Ministry

Definition of a Qualification: A circumstance or condition required by law or custom for getting, having, or exercising a right, holding an office, or the like.[1]

God Calls the Qualified:

A calling from God is a wonderful thing. First, we are called to be saints before we are even in the church.[2] After we have matured, we are called to be laborers with God in the work of the church.[3] These callings are for all who will be saved. However, the calling into the ministry is not extended to everyone. God chooses those who are qualified to lead His people. Unfortunately, many have unsanctified or misguided ambitions and pursue the ministry even though they are not qualified to serve in that capacity.

The first qualification for ministry is that a man be born again of the water and the spirit. Before we have repented, been baptized in the name of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Ghost we are sinners. God does not call sinners into the ministry. If an individual has pursued ministry before completing the born-again experience, careful examination of the calling is in order. It is more honorable to discontinue ministry if we are not called than to forge down a path God never called us to be on.

A holy and perfect life is the next qualification. If there are areas of a man’s life that are not righteous, that man is unqualified for the ministry. Paul mentions numerous characteristics that either qualify or disqualify a man for ministry. A love for money disqualifies someone from ministry. Having a short temper or being a bully disqualifies a person. The ministry is only for men who are disciplined and self-controlled in EVERY area of their lives. Lastly, ruling his own house well is a requirement. Finances being in order is a qualification. Bills up to date are a qualification. Wife and children (living at home) in alignment with the doctrines is a requirement.

1 Timothy 2:12-14 KJV  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  (13)  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  (14)  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

In the Old Testament and New, God choose men for the roles of priesthood and ministry. It is important to understand that the office of Elder, Bishop, or Pastor is only for men. This is not to say that women cannot be involved in the work of the church. It simply means they are not to lead or exercise authority over men. In the ministerial qualifications, Paul clearly says that the man must be the husband of one wife. Therefore, women are not qualified to serve in the capacity of overseers. (Pastors, etc.)

Being sound in doctrine and able to teach and defend doctrine is a qualification. Being sound in these doctrines means that we first have obeyed these doctrines. Ministry is not for a novice. Everyone qualified for the ministry must be able to soundly teach doctrines such as; The Oneness of God, Salvation, Holiness, and Separation. If anyone is not prepared to defend doctrines such as these, they are unqualified for the ministry.

Apostolic Appointment:

Those in the New Testament church who were qualified to lead also needed to be ordained by those in Apostolic authority in their lives. The early church leaders were under Apostolic spiritual authority before they were active in the ministry. Therefore, their ministry was sanctioned and they were appointed by real Apostolic leaders. Ministries that are ordained by illegitimate preachers are not endorsed by God or His church. Genuine Apostolic ministry requires Apostolic confirming.

Conclusion:

Qualifications for ministry are required by EVERYONE. A qualified minister can enjoy the blessings and the fruit of God’s calling. If you have pursued ministry but see now that you are not qualified, do not be discouraged. There are many ways to serve God through the ministry of helps.