The following list of pastoral qualifications does not suggest that a man is perfect in every respect, because maturity varies based on Christian experience and the sanctifying work of the Spirit of God. However, no man will be considered as a valid candidate for pastoral ministry in this church where there are obvious omissions or violations in one or more of these areas.
The church must exercise great patience, keen discernment, and earnest prayer in the selection of her pastors. The following list also functions as a guide for the church to pray for its current and future leaders, that these brothers would increase and abound in these areas so that their progress and growth may be evident to all (1 Tim. 4:15), to the praise of God's grace that makes them what they are (1 Cor. 15:10).
Thank God that in His love, concern, and care for the church, He's provided clear qualifications that aspiring leaders must meet if they're to serve as under-shepherds of Christ's flock. If left to ourselves to come up with the qualifications for pastoral ministry, based on what "seems right" in our own eyes, our standards would be so pathetically poor and purely pragmatic.
May the Lord Jesus Christ shine upon our church by graciously blessing us with shepherds after His own heart who labor with all the energy that He powerfully works within them as they proclaim Him, "warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that [they] present everyone mature in Christ" (Col. 1:28-29).
The New Testament teaches that a pastor...
- Must be above reproach and not open to blame (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7).
- Must be the husband of one wife, that is, a "one-woman" man (1 Tim. 3:2).
- Must lead and manage his household well and with dignity (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Titus 1:6). This includes the way he leads his wife: he loves and cherishes her (Eph. 5:25-30), demonstrating understanding and showing honor to her as the weaker vessel as opposed to being harsh with her (1 Pet. 3:7; Col. 3:19). This also includes the way he leads his children: with dignity and respect he teaches them to be obedient (1 Tim. 3:4), doesn't provoke them to anger (Eph. 6:4), or discouragement (Col. 3:21), but nourishes them in the discipline and instruction of Christ (Eph. 6:4).
- Must not be arrogant, overbearing, self-willed, or self-pleasing (Titus 1:7).
- Must not be easily inclined to anger or be a quick-tempered hot-head (Titus 1:7).
- Must not be quarrelsome, contentious, or pugnacious; a man eager to argue and fight (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).
- Must not be greedy for personal gain but be free from the love of money and materialism (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).
- Must not be a drunkard or addicted to wine (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).
- Must be hospitable, friendly, approachable, and welcoming (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).
- Must not be violent or aggressive (1 Tim. 3:3).
- Must be gentle and not abusive (1 Tim. 3:3).
- Must be sober-minded and self-controlled (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).
- Must be disciplined, respectable, and well-mannered (1 Tim. 3:2).
- Must be righteous, just, and upright (Titus 1:8).
- Must be holy and devout, a man whose life is obviously set apart for the glory of God (Titus 1:8).
- Must be a lover of goodness (Titus 1:8).
- Must be devoted to the Scriptures (Titus 1:9).
- Must be able to teach the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9).
- Must be able to defend the truth (Titus 1:9).
- Must have a genuine concern to feed and care for the flock (John 21:15-17; Phil. 2:20).
- Must be a seasoned Christian and not a recent convert (1 Tim. 3:6).
- Must have a good reputation among those outside the church (1 Tim. 3:7).
Charateristics for All Christians
Aside from the qualifications pertaining to skill and ability (i.e. "must be able to teach"), these traits are repeated elsewhere in the Bible as qualities that should characterize the lives of every Christian, pastor or not, which is why this list can also serve as a prayer guide for every believer. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ desires His church to be made up of men and women who, by the power and sanctifying work of God's word and Spirit, increase and abound in these Christlike qualities, so that in everything our Triune God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 4:11).