Why Jesus Chose Fishermen Over Pastors | The 5 Traits
Ever wonder why Jesus didn’t recruit from the religious elite?
Why He didn’t go after scholars, theologians, or men who spent all day in the synagogue?
Instead, Jesus walked past the temple and went straight to the marketplace—to the men with calloused hands, financial leverage, and the courage to risk everything at a moment’s notice.
There’s a reason for that.
When you understand the five traits Jesus looked for in His disciples, it will transform how you see your own assignment as a Kingdom-driven man.
The Men Jesus Chose
Jesus wasn’t looking for religious professionals.
He was looking for resourced, risk-taking builders—men who could carry a multi-generational mission that would turn the world upside down.
The twelve men He called weren’t accidents. They were strategic choices, and the same traits that qualified them are the traits you and I must develop to fulfill our Kingdom assignment today.
Trait 1: They Were Builders
All twelve disciples were builders. Peter, James, and John weren’t simply fishermen—they owned fishing businesses. Matthew wasn’t just a tax collector—he managed a profitable enterprise. These men had skin in the game. They knew how to create, lead, and sustain something.
Being a builder means you understand process, patience, and production. Builders take ownership, create opportunities, and make things happen instead of waiting for conditions to be perfect.
Jesus knew the Kingdom couldn’t be built by consumers; it had to be built by producers.
If you’re waiting for your “big break,” you may miss your calling. God is looking for men who are already building—their careers, families, communities, and spiritual lives.
You are building something right now, whether you realize it or not.
The question is: what are you building?
Trait 2: They Had Margin—Time and Money
The disciples had discretionary time and resources. They weren’t living paycheck to paycheck or barely surviving. They had systems, businesses, and financial structures that gave them the freedom to leave everything and follow Jesus for three years—and then return to their trade when needed.
Margin is leverage.
Without margin, you can’t think strategically, invest in your calling, or be available when God says, “Go.”
Financial stewardship isn’t about prosperity hype; it’s about positioning yourself for Kingdom availability. When you manage your time and finances well, you’re not enslaved to survival mode—you’re equipped for obedience.
As John prayed, we should prosper “even as our soul prospers.” True prosperity means having enough provision for the vision God gives you—and margin to bless others.
Trait 3: They Understood Community
The disciples weren’t lone wolves. Fishing in their world required teams, partnerships, and networks. They worked together daily, coordinating and trusting one another in demanding conditions.
That experience made them perfect candidates to build the early Church—a movement founded on community, collaboration, and covenant relationships.
Jesus was building a movement, not a fan club.
Today, too many men live isolated and disconnected. You weren’t designed to go alone. Brotherhood, accountability, and shared mission are essential.
If you can’t name at least three men who have your back, pray with you, and hold you accountable—you’re operating outside of God’s design.
You were created for brotherhood, not independence.
Trait 4: They Had a High Risk Tolerance
Fishermen on the Sea of Galilee lived with danger. Storms could rise suddenly, threatening to sink their boats. Every day, they faced uncertainty—and pushed forward anyway.
Faith requires the same mindset.
Following Jesus means stepping out when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
Jesus needed men who wouldn’t freeze under pressure or quit at the first sign of resistance. He needed risk-takers—men with the courage to act boldly when others stayed comfortable.
Playing it safe is the riskiest move you can make.
Most men stay stuck because they’re afraid to fail or be misunderstood. But the Kingdom is advanced by men who take holy risks—those willing to step into the unknown, trusting that obedience is safer than comfort.
Where is God calling you to take a risk today?
Trait 5: They Made Swift, Decisive Moves
When Jesus said, “Follow me,” the disciples didn’t schedule a meeting, form a committee, or take six months to pray about it.
They dropped everything and followed Him immediately.
That’s decisiveness—the ability to make high-stakes decisions in real time.
Indecisive men don’t lead. They hesitate, delay, and miss the moment.
Decisiveness is the mark of true leadership.
As husbands, fathers, and leaders, we’re called to be decisive—men who listen for God’s voice, receive direction, and move with conviction.
The disciples developed this ability through experience. Every day as fishermen, they made split-second decisions about weather, timing, and danger.
Too many men today are paralyzed by overthinking, waiting for 100% certainty before they move. But indecision is a decision—and usually the wrong one.
What decision has God already spoken to you about that you’re still delaying?
Final Challenge: The Same Call Still Stands
Jesus didn’t choose random men.
He chose builders with margin, community-minded leaders, risk-takers, and decisive doers.
Those weren’t accidental traits—they were essential qualifications for the mission.
If you want to walk in your Kingdom assignment, start developing these five traits:
- Be a builder. Start creating where you are.
- Create margin. Steward your time and money wisely.
- Build community. Lock arms with brothers who sharpen you.
- Increase your risk tolerance. Step into the uncomfortable.
- Be decisive. Move on what God has already spoken.
The Kingdom doesn’t need passive observers—it needs resourced, risk-taking builders who will carry the mission forward.
Are you that man?
Josh Khachadourian is the author of “Kingdom Driven: The Definitive Guide for How Driven Christian Men Can Dominate In Life” and host of the “Raising The Standard” podcast. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where God has called you to be, visit accessyouradvantage.com for the Unfair Advantage Challenge—an 11-day training to help you unlock the unfair advantage God has for every Kingdom-driven man.
