What are the Biblical Qualifications to be a Pastor?

I recently received a phone call from a church member whose sister wanted to know where the qualifications for a pastor are found in the Bible. The word pastor literally means Shepard, and means the same in the New Testament as the words elder or overseer. The qualifications have been the same for pastors for almost 2,000 years now. Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of these qualifications as the pastor over all pastors.


1. A Pastor Must be above reproach (Titus 1:6, 7; 1 Timothy 3:2).

2. A Pastor Must be devoted to his wife (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:2; Eph. 5:22). I believe the qualification is one wife at a time otherwise; widowed pastors would be disqualified from the office.

3. A Pastor’s children must be in submission, though not perfect. (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:4-5). No child is perfect, but they must show love and respect for their father.

4. A Pastor is a faithful steward (Titus 1:7). This would also include not being greedy for gain. (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3; 1 Peter 5:3).

5. A Pastor must be humble – not arrogant. (Titus 1:7)

6. A Pastor must be gentle – not quick tempered (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3).

7. A Pastor Must be hospitable (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2). A pastor’s home should be open for others to enjoy! It is a place of ministry.

8. A Pastor must be a lover of good (Titus 1:8).

9. A Pastor must be self-controlled (Titus 1;8; 1 Tim 3:2). Again this is not perfection, but there should be a balance in all areas of life: time, exercise, relationships, money, etc…

10. A Pastor must be a man of integrity (Titus 1:8). There should be a consistence to all the relationships in his life.

11. A pastor must be holy (Titus 1:8). This means a wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ.

12. A Pastor must be able to teach (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim 3:2). This is only ability-based requirement. He must teach sound doctrine, not just be a good communicator. They must be able to defend the faith against false teaching.

13. A pastor must be spiritually mature (1 Tim 3:6). A position with authority that lacks spiritual maturity leads to the trap of pride. When pride grows, sin will multiply.

14. A pastor must be respectable (1 Tim 3:7). This does not mean that everyone must like him or even appreciate him. I don’t really like Coach Steve Spurrier, but I respect his coaching abilities.

15. A Pastor must be an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). This means in all areas of the church. A pastor should be someone your sons could pattern their life after and the kind of man your daughter should marry.

Conclusion

To pursue this call is a good call to pursue, but be warned it is a call from God. It is not for the fainthearted. You must learn to have tough skin and a tender heart. It is an amazing blessing to be a pastor!