Why is personal sanctification emphasized in ministry?

In ministry, the personal conduct of the minister serves as a living testimony to the gospel message. Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 that a minister must be a vessel unto honor, not only in the pulpit but also in daily life. This consistency between belief and practice is vital, as it prevents the undermining of the gospel's authority through a contradictory lifestyle. The call to personal sanctification is thus both a personal and communal imperative; ministers must model holiness, as it directly impacts their credibility and the spiritual growth of their congregations.