Pastoral Qualifications Study

Blameless

Giving no cause for accusation. Irreproachable. Without fault, guiltless.

First mention in Genesis 44:10 when one of Joseph’s brothers would be found with the money in the sack, he would be guilty, but the others blameless. They would be innocent.

The bishop’s character and reputation must be stainless.

When a person doesn’t have an impeccable standing in the community, he will be unable to discharge his duties because he dwells with a grieved Holy Spirit, and he will bring dishonor and scorn upon the church.

When David lost his reputation for being a man after God’s own heart because of his sin with Bathsheba, the prophet rebuked him: “Thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme.” (1 Samuel 13:14)(2 Samuel 12:14)

The minister must not lie under any scandal; he must give as little occasion for blame as can be.

You will be blamed for things if you hold an office, any office, in the church. What is important is that the accusation must not be true. An elder must be blameless in the sense that he will not be found guilty of anything that he might be accused of.

A bishop must be a man of pure motives who desires to glorify our blessed Lord. He must be “blameless” as to motives.