Another reason for these character qualifications is that the temptations of indwelling sin, particularly selfish ambition and pride, can be a particularly strong and consistent challenge for leaders. The call to godliness protects pastors and moves them toward humility. Pastors don’t have handlers. They don’t have PR staffs. But, reputation matters. To be a pastor is to be a self-acknowledged sinner representing a holy God. A pastor makes it his aim to pursue godliness because his life is a vessel of the message he is called to preach. And if you realize the value and glory of the message—and
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