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Winger walks through 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications, acknowledging real-life churches (especially small ones) struggle to find people who meet all criteria. Lists: blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy, gentle, not quarrelsome, rules his own house well, not a novice.

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 36) 00:25:51 – 00:31:10

Q&A: How literally should we follow the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy and Titus?

Key points: (1) Bishop/elder/pastor are used interchangeably — Roman Catholic hierarchy of bishop-over-churches is 'made up hogwash.' (2) 'Husband of one wife' has a debate on whether it bars divorced men or is against polygamy. (3) Hospitality is required — 'pastors should be giving, they cater to others' needs.' (4) Must be able to teach. (5) Must rule his own house well — 'if you can't take care of your family... ministry towards the church seems to be a priority to first have ministry towards your home.' (6) Some people 'use ministry or their jobs or their careers... as a way of just ignoring the fact that at home they're totally failing — that is the wrong priority.' (7) Not a novice — 'if you've been saved for two years you should not be a pastor.' (8) Chat disconnected mid-answer, cutting off discussion of how strictly to apply these.

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