The Biblical Qualifications of a Pastor

The Biblical Qualifications of a Pastor

The pastoral epistles detail the qualifications of a Pastor.  The third chapter of 1 Timothy outlines requisite character, preparation, training and experience for the office of Pastor.  The biblical terms, bishop and deacon, relate to the contemporary local pastor.  His disposition should be above reproach.  He practices marital fidelity and monogamy.  He is balanced and self-disciplined in his affairs.  His conduct earns respect of his congregation and wider community.  He extends hospitality to persons whom he serves.  He possesses capacity, integrity and training to teach the Word of God.  He consistently and considerably avoids excesses of drunkenness, violence, useless arguments and greed.  In addition, a pastor recognizes ministry begins primarily at home.  Therefore, he is chief steward of his household affairs; he trains his children to obey him and his wife “with proper respect.”  Pastors are not recent converts as neophyte fever causes pride and self-destruction.  Likewise, pastors enjoy a “good reputation” in society at-large lest they disgrace the Lord, the gospel and their ministries. 

The qualifications for a deacon add the requirement that pastors “must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.”  Practically speaking, pastors must believe what they preach and endeavor to reflect it to the very best of their ability.  Integrity in word and deed remains one of a pastor’s most significant attributes.

Further, the Bible specifies a pastor’s duties.  These obligations indirectly itemize the qualifications necessary to fulfill them.  Pastors preach the Word of God in and out of season, train in righteousness by exhorting about sin, parallel a watchman on the wall declaring forthcoming social dangers, strengthen believers in their faith, encourage faithfulness to Christ, teach the intricacies of the scriptures, and develop servant leaders in the congregation (Isaiah 58:1 and 62:6, Acts 5:20, 6:4, 14:22 and 20:28, Romans 12:6-7, Titus 1:5 and 1 Peter 5:2). 

Unconditional adherence to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, personal integrity and life-long study are prerequisites to acquiring the qualifications of a pastor.