The Bible provides qualifications and guidelines for those called to ministry. Today, we will discuss what Scripture says about becoming a minister and how God equips those He calls to serve His people.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Becoming A Christian
What Does The Bible Say About Becoming A Minister
1 Timothy 3:1
This is a trustworthy saying: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.”
This verse emphasizes that desiring to become a minister is a noble and honorable aspiration. It encourages individuals to recognize the significance of the role and the responsibility that comes with it.
2 Corinthians 3:6
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
This verse highlights the importance of being ministers of the Spirit rather than merely relying on the letter of the law. It stresses the need to minister with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, as it brings life and transformation.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These verses, known as the Great Commission, call all believers to become ministers by sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and teaching them to follow Christ’s commandments. It assures them of God’s presence and assistance in fulfilling this mission.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
These verses emphasize that God has given different roles within the church, including pastors and teachers, to equip and prepare believers for ministry. They underline the importance of these ministers in building up and strengthening the body of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10-11
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
These verses emphasize that every believer has received gifts from God and should use them to serve others. It encourages ministers to speak and serve with the awareness that they are representing God and to rely on His strength to fulfill their ministry for the glory of God.
1 Timothy 4:12
“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.”
This verse encourages young ministers to not be discouraged by their age but to set an example for other believers through their words, actions, love, faith, and purity. It reminds them that their impact is not limited by their age but by their character and commitment to Christ.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of diligently studying and correctly interpreting the Word of God as a minister. It encourages ministers to strive for God’s approval and to handle the truth of Scripture accurately, avoiding any distortions or errors.
Romans 10:14-15
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
These verses highlight the necessity of preaching the Gospel and the role of ministers in proclaiming the good news. It underscores the responsibility of ministers to be sent, so that others may hear, believe, and call upon the name of the Lord.
Judges 2:7
“The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.”
This verse reminds ministers of the significant impact they can have on the people they serve. It underscores the importance of faithfully leading and teaching, as the people remained devoted to the Lord during the lifetime of Joshua and the elders who witnessed God’s mighty works.
Colossians 4:17
“Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.'”
This verse encourages ministers to be faithful in fulfilling the specific ministry they have received from the Lord. It reminds them to persevere and complete the work God has entrusted to them, embracing their role with dedication and devotion.
James 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
This verse serves as a reminder to ministers of the weight of responsibility that comes with teaching. It urges them to approach their role with humility and awareness of the accountability they have before God, as teachers will be held to a higher standard of judgment.
Mark 10:43-45
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
These verses highlight the servant-hearted nature of ministry. It challenges ministers to prioritize serving others rather than seeking recognition or positions of authority. It points to Jesus as the ultimate example of selfless service, even unto death.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of effectively preaching and handling the Word of God. It exhorts ministers to be always ready to share the truth, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging with patience and careful instruction.
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
This verse highlights the responsibility of ministers to shepherd and care for the church. It urges them to be diligent in leading and protecting the flock, recognizing that they have been entrusted with this role by the Holy Spirit, and emphasizing the high value God places on His people.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages ministers to persevere in their ministry work and not grow weary or discouraged. It reminds them that their labor in serving others and doing good will ultimately bear fruit in due time, encouraging them to remain steadfast.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of ministers exhibiting love in all they do. It encourages them to let love guide their actions and interactions, recognizing that love is the foundation of effective ministry and a reflection of God’s character.
John 13:14-15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
These verses emphasize the humility and servanthood that ministers are called to demonstrate. It highlights Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet as an example for ministers to follow, showing the importance of selfless service and care for others.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
These verses encourage believers to recognize and appreciate the ministers who work diligently among them, caring for them and providing spiritual guidance. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and living in peace with those who carry out the responsibilities of ministry.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
This verse exhorts believers to have trust in their leaders and submit to their authority. It underscores the responsibility of ministers to oversee and care for their flock and encourages believers to support and cooperate with their leaders to ensure a fruitful and joyful ministry.
1 Peter 5:2-4
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
These verses instruct ministers to shepherd God’s people with willingness, integrity, and humility. It emphasizes the importance of serving as examples rather than abusing authority, recognizing that the ultimate reward is the eternal crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Titus 1:7-9
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
These verses outline the qualities and responsibilities of ministers as overseers of God’s household. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, hospitality, self-control, and a firm grasp of sound doctrine. Ministers are called to encourage believers through accurate teaching and to defend the truth against opposition.
1 Timothy 1:12
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.”
This verse expresses gratitude to Jesus Christ for equipping and appointing individuals to serve in ministry. It acknowledges that ministerial service is granted by God and can be carried out with His strength and trustworthiness.
Jeremiah 3:15
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
This verse portrays the heart of God, promising to provide shepherds who will lead His people with wisdom, understanding, and a heart aligned with His. It reassures ministers that God Himself will equip and guide them as they lead His people.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness in ministerial service. It encourages ministers to prioritize the well-being and interests of others above their own, rejecting selfish ambition and vain conceit.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of God’s Word in guiding and illuminating the path of ministers. It reminds them to rely on the Scriptures as a source of wisdom and direction as they carry out their ministry.
Numbers 11:17
“I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”
This verse highlights the importance of sharing the ministry load. It reminds ministers that they don’t have to shoulder the burden alone but can rely on the support and partnership of others, as enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit.