apostlepaulI cannot write about the priorities of pastoral ministry as one who has decades of ministry experience. So instead of hearing from me, I want you to hear from the apostle Paul regarding the call to ministry that God has placed on your life. There are at least 47 things that Paul would have you to see from 1 and 2 Timothy. The Minister is called…

  1. To be Humble and Teachable (1 Timothy 1:2)
  2. To be Gospel-Centeredness (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
  3. To be Loving with a Pure Heart, Good Conscience, and Sincere Faith (1 Timothy 1:5)
  4. To Think Biblically and Redemptively (1 Timothy 1:7-11)
  5. To be God-Dependent and Christ-Exalting (1 Timothy 1:12-17)
  6. To be Faithful to the Call (1 Timothy 1:18-20)
  7. To be Prayerful (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
  8. To be Compassionate, Evangelistic and Gospel-Governed (1 Timothy 2:3-7)
  9. To be Bible-Instructed (1 Timothy 2:8-15)
  10. To be Above Reproach, Faithful to your wife, Sober-minded, Self-Controlled, Respectable, Hospitable, Sensitive and Gospel-Driven, Gentle, Peaceful, Modest, Mature, Faithful to your family, Honest and Confident in Christ (1 Timothy 3:1-13)
  11. To Love the Church and the Truth of the living God (1 Timothy 3:14-16)
  12. To be focused on the Main Thing (ie. – the Gospel and its implications) (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
  13. To be Faithful to the Church (1 Timothy 4:6)
  14. To be Self-Disciplined in your life and your training (1 Timothy 4:7-10)
  15. To be an Example (1 Timothy 4:11-12)
  16. To be Devoted to the Call (1 Timothy 4:13)
  17. To be Diligent and Immersed in the Ministry as a Lifestyle and Calling, not a profession (1 Timothy 4:14-15)
  18. To be Mindful of yourself and your Teaching (1 Timothy 4:16)
  19. To be Familial and Respectful in the Ministry (1 Timothy 5:1-16)
  20. To Labor Diligently in Preaching and Teaching (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
  21. To be Wise, Impartial, and Discerning (1 Timothy 5:19-22)
  22. To have Concern for your Health and the Health of your Family (1 Timothy 5:23-25)
  23. To be Proactive and Protect the Flock of God (1 Timothy 6:1-10)
  24. To flee destructive teaching and actions (1 Timothy 6:11a)
  25. To pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11b)
  26. To Fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of the eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:12-13)
  27. To keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:14-16)
  28. To Guard your Life and Others from the Danger of Wealth and Riches for Our Joy in God (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
  29. To Guard the Deposit of the Gospel (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
  30. To be Spirit-Empowered, Love-filled, and Courageous (2 Timothy 1:1-7)
  31. To be Unashamed (2 Timothy 1:8-18)
  32. To be Strengthened by the Grace of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:1)
  33. To Train Others and Entrust them with Gospel Ministry (2 Timothy 2:2)
  34. To Share in Suffering as a Diligent and Good Soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-7)
  35. To Remember Jesus Christ and the Reason for which He Died (2 Timothy 2:8-13)
  36. To be a Gospel Peacemaker and Approved Worker (2 Timothy 2:14-21)
  37. To Flee Youthful Passions (2 Timothy 2:22)
  38. To be Patient (2 Timothy 2:23-26)
  39. To be Bold and Prophetic (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
  40. To be a Student of God’s Servants (2 Timothy 3:10-13)
  41. To be Steadfast in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
  42. To be Immersed in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  43. To Preach the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-4)
  44. To Fulfill Your Ministry (2 Timothy 4:5)
  45. To be Focused on Eternity (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
  46. To be Assured that Christ stands by you and strengthens you (2 Timothy 4:9-17)
  47. To be Consumed with a Passion for the Glory of God (2 Timothy 4:18-22)

This is the life to which Christ has called His ministers. It is a life lived in full dependence upon the grace of Jesus! IF you attempt to fulfill this call in your own strength, you will inevitably and utterly fail. Yet, if by God’s grace, you pursue this calling in the strength of the Holy Spirit, your life and ministry will bear much fruit.

CBH