Qualifications of Elders, Pt 1 - Desire, Calling, and Positive Characteristics

1 Tim 3:1-7 has the most complete list of qualifications for the office of pastor. They summarize the desire, graces, and gifts the Holy Spirit equips a man called to the office of shepherd in a local church. There are 16 qualifications spread out over six categories: 1) Desire 2) Positive Characteristics 3) Negative Characteristics 4) Family 5) Experience 6) Reputation. This sermon covers the first two categories of eight qualifications, while the next sermon will cover the remaining categories and qualifications.

The importance and description of a pastor's desire and calling is covered in this sermon, followed by the next seven qualifications which describe the pastor's needed blamelessness characterized by self-control and purity in life, as well has his hospitality and teaching.