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When Paul wrote to young Timothy, he didn’t just give him theological truths to preach—he gave him a way to live.
“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
This is the starting point for any true minister of the gospel: to live a life that preaches louder than any sermon.
In the Church of the Nazarene, the life of a minister isn’t judged by charisma or success—but by character and conduct.
The Manual puts it plainly:
“The Church of the Nazarene depends largely upon the spiritual qualifications, character, and manner of life of its ministers.”
— Manual ¶502.1
This means a minister must:
- Be at peace with God through Jesus Christ
- Be sanctified wholly by the infilling of the Holy Spirit
(See Manual ¶502.2)
This isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being filled with grace and committed to holiness.
Ministers are called to walk in integrity even when no one is watching. They are to be gentle but bold, humble yet courageous, prayerful and practical.
“Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way… in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:6–7 (NIV)
In this way, the minister becomes a living witness—a sermon in the flesh.
According to the Church of the Nazarene:
“The minister is to be an example to the church: punctual, discreet, diligent, earnest, and in purity, understanding, patience, kindness, love, and truth by the power of God.”
— Manual ¶502.3
When a minister lives this way, they don’t just teach the Word—they embody it. Their life becomes a kind of pulpit, drawing others not to themselves, but to Christ.
And so, the life of a minister isn’t a private journey. It’s a public calling—one that must be walked with prayer, humility, and holiness, every single day.
