What does the Bible say about pastors and alcohol?
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The Bible instructs that pastors should not be given to wine, emphasizing sobriety and self-control as essential qualities for church leaders.
In Titus 1:7, it is clearly stated that an overseer or elder must not be given to wine. This directive underscores the importance of maintaining sobriety and discernment, qualities crucial for pastoral leadership. The Scriptures often associate drunkenness with a lack of control and poor judgment, which can severely impair a pastor's ability to lead and teach effectively. The call for pastors to be sober-minded is not only a reflection of moral integrity but also necessary for the spiritual health of the church community. Furthermore, this teaching correlates with the Old Testament directives for priests, who are also reminded in Leviticus 10:8-11 to avoid wine when performing their sacred duties to ensure they could discern between holy and unholy, clean and unclean.
Scripture References:
Titus 1:7, Leviticus 10:8-11
Commentary