“A
bishop then must be…able to teach” (1 Timothy
3:2 NKJV)
As
observed in these studies, most of the qualifications for the pastor listed
here deal with character. This one,
however, stresses competence. The pastor
is supremely a man of the Word, and has an ability to teach it. If we are not capable communicators, we may
lead in other areas of ministry, but the office of pastor would not be one of
them.
Alford says: “not merely given to teaching, but able and skilled in it. All might
teach to whom the Spirit imparted the gift: but skill in teaching was the especial office of the minister on whom
would fall the ordinary duty of instruction of believers and refutation of
gainsayers.” Expositors says: “didaktikon (διδακτικον), as a moral quality would
involve not merely the ability, but also the willingness to teach, such as
ought to characterize a servant of the Lord (II Tim. 2:24 ). [1]
So, the pastor is not just
tolerable, but skillful in preaching. He
is noted for it. Although he is a
pastor—and that involves a host of responsibilities, many will refer to him as,
“the preacher” because he will be associated with this vital role and will
exhibit a mastery of his craft.
According to the meaning of the
word, he likewise has a passion for preaching.
It does not come across as a duty to be grudgingly fulfilled, but a
privilege and delight to stand and proclaim the treasure of truth!
Of course, a passion for preaching
requires a passion for preparation—all the prayer, study of the text and the
application of homiletics (the art and skill of preaching) that he can
muster. This must be done week after
week—and sometimes multiple times each week.
If that fire is not in a man’s bones, then it will be evident in the
pulpit—and he should resign as soon as possible. Such is not qualified to be a pastor.
Old Matthew Henry said of a pastor
that he is, “ready to take all opportunities of giving instructions, who is
himself well instructed in the things of
the kingdom of heaven, and is communicative of what he knows to others.”[2]
A
PRAYER
Father of
Light,
Jesus is
Your only Begotten Son—and You made Him a preacher! What grace is this that You would permit us
to wear that title! Keep a fire burning
in our bones to preach the Word!
In The
Name of Your Son and Our Savior, Jesus,
Amen.
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