Question: Does I Timothy 3:1 apply to any minister or just to bishops only?
Answer: This verse refers specifically to “bishops” and the following verses give a detailed outline of the qualifications of the man who is to fill that place. The New American Standard Version says, “If any man aspires to the office of overseer.” Williams Version says, “…the office of pastor.” King James says, “If any man desire the office of a bishop.” This makes it clear that the “bishop” is the overseer or pastor in a congregation. The catalog of qualifications given in this case are strict and are calculated to protect and establish the bishop’s (pastor’s) right to speak on any and all matters even in dealing with members of his congregation on real close points as a pastor must do at times. But there may be those, and I am sure there are, whom God has His hand on and is using in a good way to proclaim His gospel and edify the church and win souls for Him whom we might not consider eligible to fill the responsible place of a “bishop” pastor or overseer of a congregation. It surely would be clear to all that the pastor has a unique calling and fills a unique place in and to the church where he pastors and that his qualifications would be more strict than for a “lay preacher” or someone else working for God in other capacities.
