stephen R Harrison

The qualifications for an elder and pastor are not something you check off a list initially but ones you possess with increasing measure as you grow in the pastorate. Men do not invent the qualifications for elders and pastors. You don’t appoint your buddies, the biggest givers, or the most tenured people to eldership. You don’t install a novice or biblically unqualified men to the pastorate. As a pastor, I think about Scriptures like 1 Peter 5:1-5, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and Titus 1:5-9 often. They are the main qualification passages for any pastor. As I read those passages again this morning, I allowed the Holy Spirit to search my heart, mind, words, and actions in these areas. Here are some qualities that stuck out to me that every pastor, especially myself, must possess in increasing measure:

1. Impeccable Character
   Paul tells Timothy this is being “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:1), having “a good reputation with outsiders” (v. 7), being “respectable” (v. 2), and “blameless” (Titus 1:6a). Paul believes an elder must not be someone who “is open to the charge of being wild and disobedient” (v. 6b). What Paul is speaking about is a man of Christ-like character. He shouldn’t be a man that is known for disobeying the Word who has no self-control. Men who have a loose tongue, are hot-tempered, and are questionable in their actions should not be considered for the pastorate. Paul says those who lead the church should not be quick-tempered or violent (1 Timothy 1:7), but “hospitable, lovers of what is good, self-controlled, upright, and disciplined”. Pastors are to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Lord, help me possess these qualities with increasing measure.
2. Humility
   This characteristic could be lumped in with character, but it really is the foundation for it. Peter says pastors should humble themselves under God’s mighty hand and clothe themselves with humility because “God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5-6). An arrogant, self-centered, overly opinionated man should not be a pastor. A pastor should be humbled to those in authority over him, obedient to the Word, and submissive the Holy Spirit. His humility should be evident in his words and actions, especially to his family and the flock. He should be teachable, able to receive correction, and submissive to authority. This is best displayed in how he serves the people he pastors. Does he willingly shepherd the flock (v. 2) or lord his position and power over them (v. 3)? Does he spend time with them (shepherd the flock among you – 1 Peter 5:1) by praying with them, caring for them, and loving them through difficulty? Does he display a lifestyle of serving? Lord, help me possess these qualities with increasing measure.
3. Faithful Husband and Father
   Paul lists the qualities of a faithful husband and father in both 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. He must be an example of a one-woman man, above reproach in his relationships with other women, and a model of monogamous marriage. He must love his wife like Christ loved the church and give himself to her (Ephesians 5:25). Concerning fatherhood, Paul says the pastor, “Must manage his own household well” (1 Timothy 3:4) and “His children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination” (Titus 1:6). He must be the spiritual leader of his home. God’s not asking for perfection, but a pure example of spiritual growth and sanctification in these areas. The church must see their pastor as a man as a model of marriage and family as these relationships truly show his character like no other. Lord, help me possess these qualities with increasing measure.
4. Wise With Finances
   Paul says a pastor should not pursue dishonest gain (Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 5:2). He shouldn’t be in it for the money, a “lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:3). He should not have past of improper financial dealings but one that displays wisdom. How can that man be trusted otherwise? His financial dealing with the church must be transparent and accountable. I recommend a pastor not handle the offerings nor be the only one making financial decisions. He should be a tither, generous, and use the finances of the church for Kingdom purposes that advance the gospel in missions and ministry. He should lead the church to support the least of these: the poor, widow, and orphan. Lord, help me possess these qualities with increasing measure.
5. Know and Uphold the Scriptures
   A pastor must be a man of the Word. Paul says, “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). A pastor isn’t a preacher of his own opinions, ideas, or simply good advice. He is charged with preaching the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5). He must not only be willing or desirous to teach, but “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). This means he knows, loves, speaks, lives, and oozes the Word. He must be able to spot false teaching and correct it. He must not allow deviations from the Word to infiltrate his church. Paul said, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). A pastor’s sermon should be full of Scripture used in proper context. A pastor’s counsel should be aligned with the Word of God. A pastor’s lifestyle should model the Word he teaches. He should have a trail of sharing the Gospel, leading people to Christ, making disciples, and supporting the Great Commission and Great Commandment. Lord, help me to possess these qualities with increasing measure.
6. Self-Controlled
   This is another that could be lumped in character, but should be prominent in lifestyle. Paul said pastors should “sober-minded” (1 Tim 3:2), “self-controlled” (Titus 1:8), “not greedy for gain” (Titus 1:7), “not quick tempered” (Titus 1:7), “not quarrelsome” (1 Tim. 3:3), “not a drunkard” (1 Tim. 3:3), and “disciplined” (Titus 1:8). Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-2), which all believers should possess. It goes without saying the church should demand Spirit-controlled pastors. The man who cannot control his tongue, thoughts, actions, reactions, impulses, decisions, etc. should not pastor. The pastor always looking for a fight (physically, verbally, or spiritually) should not pastor. He should be “gentle” (1 Tim. 3:3) and “upright”. A pastor should not be arrogant (Titus 1:7) or quarrelsome (1 Timothy 3:3). The pastor who is loose with alcohol, women, money, or anything else should not pastor. A pastor who is undisciplined in life and especially his time with the Lord should not pastor. He should be balanced, stable, trustworthy, and predictable. Lord, help me possess these qualities with increasing measure.
7. Examined Thoroughly
   One of the biggest mistakes a church can make is calling unqualified men to pastor. Paul says, “And let them also be tested first; then let them serve…” (1 Tim. 3:10a). The problem is, we don’t test them long enough. We let them preach once, call a reference or two, then let them lead the whole church – spiritual lives, families, mission, vision, etc. Paul warned Timothy, ““The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden” (I Tim. 5:24-25). The “sins that appear later” are those that aren’t seen on the surface or at a quick glance. Give that pastor time, and his true character will reveal itself. So will his good works. The problems most churches have with their pastors is due to installing them too quickly. Of course, they should not be new to the faith (1 Timothy 3:6), but they should have a trail of impeccable character, self-control, humility, faithfulness in marriage and family, and devotion to the Word. Churches should call men with an evident calling, not one they may or may or not grow into as they experiment on the church of Jesus Christ. Before a man is installed as a pastor or elder, they should possess proper desire to be a shepherd, meet the biblical qualifications, know the biblical responsibilities, and pass public examination by their lifestyle. Lord, help me to possess these qualities with increasing measure.
8. Spirit-Called and Motivated
   Most of all, churches should call pastors who desire to please the Lord and are motivated by the Holy Spirit and His Word. Scripture says, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God” (Acts 20:28). It is the Holy Spirit who calls men into the pastorate, not other men. We can’t appoint our friends, those who are popular, or even men of influence. We must appoint men called by the Spirit of God who “Shepherd the flock of God…as God would have you” (1 Peter 5:2). Men with their own agendas and qualifications will hurt and possibly destroy the local church. Lord, help me to desire the pastorate in all ways that please You and reflect your Word. Help me to aspire (grow) as a pastor so You are exalted, Your Kingdom is built, Your gospel is spread, and Your disciples are made. Thank you for allowing me to be an undershepherd of You the Good and Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4; John 10:11).