The Good Minister

1 Timothy 4:6 KJV

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Every preacher wants to be good at his job. The trouble is coming up with a definition of good that is biblical rather than worldly centered. 

All of us have different ideas concerning what makes a good minister:

• Is he a great soul winner?
• Is he a great public speaker?
• Is he a great people person?
• Is he compassionate in times of sorrow?
• Is he thoughtful?
• Is he hospitable?

Someone might think a good minister is one who is outstanding at caring during the times of the loss of a loved one. Another might think a good minister is one who is able to make a wedding service sparkle.

Paul says that the definition of a good minister is one who is able to "put the brethren in remembrance" of those things especially brought up in verses 1-5 concerning the latter times. The minister's first and foremost occupation then would be to keep the believers aware of the tendency to slip into false doctrines. This tendency will become increasingly powerful as we approach the return of Christ and thus Christians will need increased vigilance to prevent it.