Qualifications for preachers

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Those entrusted with the task of preaching must ensure that their lives are in line with their message. They must be of good character and conduct, be consistent in all they teach and do and be accountable to others.

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Preachers must be of good character

1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

See also 1 Th 2:9–10; 1 Ti 4:16; 2 Ti 2:20–26; Tt 2:7–8; Jas 3:1 That the judgment is based on character, and not just on teaching, seems clear from the references to guarding the tongue which follow.

Preachers must practise what they preach

Matthew 23:2–4 NIV

2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Preachers must be accountable to others and to God

Mark 6:30 NIV

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.

See also Ac 14:26–27; Ac 21:17–19; Ga 2:1–2

Preachers must not look for honour for themselves

Mark 12:38–40 NIV

38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

See also Ac 14:11–15; 1 Co 3:5–6; 1 Th 2:3–6

Preachers must not look for personal gain

2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV

17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

See also Ac 20:33–35; 2 Co 11:7–9; 1 Th 2:6–9

Preachers must be people of integrity

2 Corinthians 4:2 NIV

2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.