Character: A Neglected Virtue
What do we look at when we call men to the ministry? The ability to teach? The articulation of the sound theology? Does he read Calvin before bed and the Confession as he has his morning cereal?
When we look at the requirements for ministers the list may surprise us. Because we tend to focus on the objective and observable traits (teaching, preaching, and sound theology) while neglecting the less observable ones (gentleness, kindness, and servant-heartedness). Part of the reason for this is that it is easier to ask and test theological acumen. No one has a test for kindness that I am aware of.
Yet, it is important to note the way Jesus, Peter, and Paul speak about ministry and ministers.
Jesus is gentle and lowly (Matt. 11:29-30), the one who came to serve, not be served (Mark 10:45). The one who reminds his disciples, to be like him, not like the pagans (Mark 10:43-44). Do not Lord it over others, rather be servants. Jesus has an easy burden and a light yoke.
Paul says ministers should be “gentle” (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7). Commenting on this Michael Kruger says:
The minister of Christ's church is not to be a person who accomplishes goals by manipulation or intimidation or with a demanding spirit. In other words, a spiritually abusive person is disqualified from ministry. (52)
Not violent (1 Tim 3:3), not arrogant (Titus 1:7) and not quarrelsome (2 Tim 2:24). But rather ministers should be kind.
Kruger continues that “kindness is one of the most overlooked virtues of the Christian minister. It involves a spirit of generosity and tenderheartedness toward another human being even if it is not deserved or returned.” (56)
Peter reminds us that a minister is not be domineering and not in ministry for shameful gain (1 Peter 5:2-3). The godly pastor is to be leading by example, out front. His holiness should be his biggest concern. In leading by his holiness he will lead like Jesus and Paul. Remember, Paul says follow my example!
Kruger’s repeated refrain is that “character matters more than giftedness.” (56)
Are we ministers who are like Jesus? Gentle and lowly? Are we ministers like Paul, kind and caring? Are we ministers like Peter? Leading by an example of holiness? It is a high calling and one that I fail in daily. But, we need to be reminded that the primary scriptural criteria for a minister is not charisma. It is not even how well a man preaches or teaches. The primary criteria we are to judge is: how much is he like Jesus?
That’s a tall order. It’s one that, as a minister, I will have to answer for. It is a standard that churches and denominations will be held accountable to upholding should they seek ministers by worldly, and not scriptural, standards. And it is one area in which the Christian church ought to examine herself as she reaps a whirlwind of bad, domineering leaders. The answer is before us. Will we listen?
Citations from Bully Pulpit: Confront the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church by Michael J Kruger, Zondervan, 2022.
