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Are Some People DISQUALIFIED From Ministry?

6. You are not qualified to lead if you are not setting the example.

“Proving to be an example to the flock” (I Peter 5:3).

You cannot lead people to do what you are not doing. To attempt it is to earn the label of “hypocrite,” one not practicing what he preaches.

Devotion to your church should not be restricted to your leadership activities, but also financial support, your attendance, positive attitude, etc. He who would lead others to do anything must demonstrate how it’s done.

Is it necessary to point out that the ministers should never tithe or pray or go to church or witness just to set an example? As with every other believer, we show our love for the Lord by keeping His commands (John 14:15,21,23,24 and 15:10,14).

This is so basic it should go without saying, but I confess to having known more than one minister who, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, laid burdens on the backs of their people which they themselves would not bear (Matthew 23:4).

7. You are unqualified if you are unwilling to pay the price to keep your heart pure, your example strong and your reputation spotless.

“I felt the rules did not apply to me. They were for other people. We were special.”

A number of fallen evangelical leaders, disgraced before the world for their hypocrisies, have uttered those words in one form or other. I say that to our shame.

“An episcopos (overseer) must be above reproach … . He must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (I Timothy 3:1-7).

“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain … ” (I Timothy 3:8ff).

The Lord is looking for a few good men and more than a few good women, may I say. However, He would rather a church remain leaderless than staff it with the ungodly, the immature, the headstrong, the glory-seeking and the pleasure-loving. The damage they do is not worth any good they bring.

On Facebook the other day, a friend commented (to someone else, not to me), “Well, old Charlie has just been terminated by another church. I don’t think he stayed at this one six months.” Knowing nothing at all about Charlie or his situation, what I thought was, “The Lord may be trying to get Charlie out of the pastoring business. He could be one of those unqualified to lead. To continue recommending him to other churches and peddling his resume around indiscriminately is almost criminal, and certainly unwise.”

To lead the Lord’s church is a great honor and high privilege. Let us treat it that way and seek to honor Him in all we do.