October 23 2026

Friday, October 23

“The Heart of a Pastor”

1 Timothy 3:1–3

Welcome to Pastor's Chat! Today, we're beginning chapter 3 of Paul's first letter to Timothy. And I must tell you, these next several verses are especially meaningful to me personally. You see, when I was a young pastor preparing for a lifetime of ministry, I spent considerable time studying and even memorizing these pastoral epistles. And now, after more than fifty years of pastoral ministry, I appreciate these instructions more than ever. Paul begins chapter 3 by addressing the qualifications of those who serve as pastors and overseers in the church.

Listen to 1 Timothy 3:1: "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work." Now, the word bishop here refers to an overseer, one who has responsibility for the spiritual leadership and care of a congregation. In the New Testament, the terms pastor, elder, and overseer describe closely related aspects of the same ministry. And notice that Paul says it's a good work! He doesn't say it's an easy work. And I can certainly testify to that! Pastoral ministry is one of the greatest privileges a person can experience, but it also carries tremendous responsibility.

A pastor has the privilege of preaching God's Word, leading people to Christ, comforting those who are grieving, encouraging those who are struggling, and helping believers grow in their faith. But there are also difficult decisions, disappointments, sleepless nights, and burdens that others may never fully understand. And that's why a genuine calling from God is so important. You know, when I became senior pastor of Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church in Winchester, Virginia, in June of 1975, I was still a very young man. In fact, I was younger than all the deacons in the church! And although I had already been involved in helping establish that congregation, I quickly discovered how much I still needed to learn. But I was thankful for the assurance that God had called me into the ministry. And that assurance has encouraged me throughout the years.

Now, notice what Paul says in verse 2. He begins listing the qualifications of a bishop, or pastor. And the first requirement is that he must be blameless. Now, that doesn't mean a pastor must be sinlessly perfect. If that were the requirement, no one could qualify! Rather, it means that his life should be above legitimate reproach. He should possess a reputation for integrity and godly character.

Paul goes on to describe him as the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, and able to teach. Now, that's quite a list! And I want you to notice something interesting. Most of these qualifications have to do with a man's character rather than his abilities. Paul doesn't begin by saying that a pastor must be a great public speaker, a talented administrator, or a person with a charismatic personality. Instead, he emphasizes godliness, faithfulness, self-control, and integrity. And I believe that's something our churches need to remember. A pastor's character is more important than his charisma!

Now, one qualification that is particularly important is that he must be able to teach. A pastor has the responsibility of faithfully communicating God's Word. And that means he must first be a student of the Scriptures himself. I discovered many years ago that a pastor cannot continually feed others spiritually if he neglects his own personal relationship with the Lord. We must spend time in God's Word and in prayer.

Now, in verse 3, Paul continues by emphasizing self-control, gentleness, peaceableness, and freedom from the love of money. And these are especially important qualities in spiritual leadership. A pastor should never be controlled by anger, greed, or a desire for personal recognition. Instead, he should demonstrate the character of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And here's something I want us all to remember. Although Paul is specifically addressing pastors in these verses, many of these qualities should characterize every Christian. We should all seek to be people of integrity, self-control, kindness, and faithfulness. So let me leave you with this thought. God is far more interested in who we are than in how impressive we may appear to others. And the greatest testimony any of us can leave behind is a life that faithfully honors Jesus Christ.

Let's pray together. Our gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of serving You. Lord, today we especially thank You for the pastors and spiritual leaders You've placed in our lives. We recognize that the responsibilities of ministry are great, and we pray that You would strengthen and encourage those who faithfully shepherd Your people. Give them wisdom as they study and preach Your Word. Give them compassion as they minister to those who are hurting. Protect their families, strengthen their marriages, and help them maintain lives of integrity and godliness. Father, help all of us to remember that our character matters more than our accomplishments. May we be faithful in the little things as well as the great things. And above all, may our lives bring honor and glory to our wonderful Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. For it's in His precious name we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!