My pastoral ministry class is discussing the list of qualifications for pastors in these passages. Many important observations can and need to be made from these passages, but we have focused a bit so far on the big picture. Here is a particularly well-put comment from one of the students:

“The qualifications of an overseer don’t seem to be all that exciting. Most would think that a pastor would have to be someone who is an incredible leader or a charismatic spokesperson, but the qualifications that Paul gives are rather simple, quiet traits that will probably go unnoticed in daily life. A pastor is to live a life that resonates with quiet holiness.”

Amen! Of course this is a general picture- rebuking error (Titus 1:9) is not exactly quiet and the purity described sometimes is particularly noticeable in society. But in general, in our loud, flashy world where we encouraged to “make ourselves known,” this description stands in marked contrast. Sadly it stands in marked contrast to much of what is urged upon pastors in conferences and books where we are encouraged to be more “dynamic” which often means flashy and self-promoting. The picture which emerges here is much less presumptuous, very down to earth and, in a very good way, common. Let us lay aside the desires to be “amazing” and simply walk among our people in holiness ministering the word of God in word and deed. The media will not notice, but God will bless.