Updated May 9, 2022

Since our church body is considering adding another pastor to our senior pastoral team, it might be helpful for us to post these qualifications for the elders/pastors who shepherd the whole church, compiled from 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9:

Desire to serve: The desire to serve by shepherding or pastoring the church is an honorable one from God (see 1 Peter 5:1-3). The church pastor who serves without a God-given desire will not serve with his whole heart.

Above reproach or blameless: This doesn’t mean being perfect, but having a clean moral and spiritual reputation. There should be no current charge against his character that would disqualify him from service.

Faithful to his wife: Literally a one-woman man. This doesn’t mean a church pastor must be married. But, if he is, he must be physically and mentally faithful to his wife. He is above reproach in his sexual and marital life.

Exercising self-control: This describes a person who is stable, clear-headed and demonstrates balanced judgment. Also one who isn’t overly indulgent in his personal life.

Living wisely, disciplined: One who isn’t rash, hasty or excessive in his decisions or actions. Someone who can finish what they start.

Loves what is good: One who is attracted to what is good, wholesome and edifying rather than to what is perverse and corrupt.

Just: One who is honest, law-abiding and upright.

Devout: One who is strongly committed to God and his Word and who will not compromise biblical truth.

Having a good reputation or respectable: Presents himself well. Has an orderly, well-arranged life.

Enjoys having guests in his home: A welcoming person and one who welcomes people into his home.

Able to teach, has a strong belief in the trustworthy message [of Scripture], able to encourage others with wholesome or sound teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong: This doesn’t mean church pastors must have the gift of teaching. However, those who shepherd the church must know the Word of God and be able to instruct others at some level: large groups, small groups or one-on-one.

Not a heavy drinker: This doesn’t mean a church pastor can never drink alcohol, but if he does drink he should do so in moderation. A pastor must not have a drinking problem or practice drunkenness.

Not violent or quick-tempered, but gentle: Not easily provoked, irritable or ready to resort to force. Not a “hothead” or someone with a serious problem with anger. A person who is able to graciously yield, when appropriate, even though they’re being wronged. One who doesn’t insist on his rights.

Not quarrelsome: A peacemaker. One who doesn’t start arguments and isn’t eager to jump into them.

Not arrogant: Not overbearing, intimidating or hard to approach. Considerate of the opinions and feelings of others. Not headstrong or self-assertive.

Doesn’t love money, and not dishonest with money: Not greedy or overly focused on financial gain. Not controlled by a desire for a better lifestyle, but is generally content. One who will not manipulate people or situations for personal gain.

Manages his own family well, having children who respect and obey him, and his children don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious: This doesn’t mean a church pastor must have children, but if he does, he must be a responsible husband, father and provider. He must be aware of the condition  and behavior of his children. He must be able to provide proper discipline when necessary. He isn’t required to have perfect children, but they should be well-behaved and responsive to the father’s leadership.

Not a new believer: An experienced Christian. Not a person young in the faith, no matter how talented, zealous or knowledgeable.

People outside the church speak well of him: Should not be vulnerable to gossip by non-Christians. Living an honorable life before all: family life, business life and community life.