One of the qualifications of entering the ministry.

**Titus 1:8** – *"But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate."*

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### Lovers of Good Men: A Foundational Qualification for Ministry

One of the qualifications for entering the ministry is to be a *lover of good men.* What a striking standard—especially in an era where many only love inwardly rather than outwardly, where honor is withheld due to pride and self-importance. Too many men fail to recognize the greatness of those who have gone before them. They refuse to acknowledge those superior to them, failing to give honor where honor is due. But how can one *become* a good man without rubbing shoulders with good men? How can one *become* great without walking alongside great men? How can one *become* powerful without learning from powerful men?

Surely, we see this pattern throughout Scripture. The apostles followed Jesus. Elisha clung to Elijah. Timothy looked up to Paul. Each of these relationships demonstrates humility—the ability to recognize both the men who need us and the men we need. It is a divine order, a structure ordained by God.

Ministry is not a solitary endeavor; it is built upon the principle of mentorship, discipleship, and leadership. It requires men who reach for other men—young men looking to older men, and older men reaching for younger men. Jesus’ disciples followed Him closely, sitting at His feet and absorbing His words. Little did they realize that their humility, their hunger to learn, their willingness to be led, and their *deep love* for this good man would transform them into even greater men. Jesus Himself declared: *“Greater works shall ye do.”* And indeed, the apostles influenced more lives and touched more souls than Jesus did in His earthly ministry—not detracting from His power but fulfilling His divine purpose, for He remains the Chief Cornerstone, the Beginning and the Ending, the Almighty God.

There is no doubt: *good men need good men*. The ministry was designed to lead, guide, and equip others into their own callings. We must work together in unity and humility, striving always to be lovers of good men. I can honestly say that from a distance, I have loved good men and learned from great men. Some of these men I have never spoken with, nor met face to face. Yet, through their tape ministry, through the messages they preached, through the writings they left behind, I have gleaned from them and cherished them deeply.

Late at night, tucked in bed, into the early hours of the morning, I would read my Bible and listen to old preaching tapes—gleaning from the wisdom of powerful men, falling in love with the truth they carried. It was a *romance* with the ministry—a love for men of conviction and power. Little did I know that these men were influencing me, shaping my mind and heart, changing me day by day, night by night. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, through prayer, and through strong preaching, these good men helped me step up and *become* a better man than I was yesterday.

So let us strive to build relationships—with those who are equal to us, superior to us, and even those who are still growing. Let us *love* those who are hungry, eager to learn, full of faith, and walking toward the cross. *Oh, what a qualification it is!* A man has no right to enter ministry unless he has first become a student, a disciple, a *lover of good men.*