Are you qualified to be a pastor?

July 28, 2010 in Other Stuff with 3 Comments

I had a church ask recently if I had anything related to the role of pastors in the church. He found this to be helpful, so I thought I’d share it with you. Here’s a document I pulled together a number of years ago to help determine if someone was qualified to be a pastor or elder.

Relationship with Christ – I Tim. 3:6, I Tim. 5:22, I Sam. 13:14
  • Is the individual a fully-devoted follower of Christ?
  • Do they pursue Jesus passionately?
  • Are they recent converts or have they had time to prove their faith is true?
Character – I Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9
  • Does the individual have a solid character?
  • As examples, do they possess self-control? Are they gentle, hospitable, upright, holy, and disciplined?

Conduct – I Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9

  • Are their actions reflective of someone who is fully-devoted to Christ?
  • As examples, is their marriage solid? Are they a good parent to their children?
  • Are they quarrelsome and overbearing? Do they have a quick temper?

Bible Knowledge – Titus 1:9, Col. 1:28-29

  • Does the individual have a good knowledge of God’s Word to defend the Christian faith and encourage people to take steps in spiritual maturity?
  • Could the person identify false doctrine?
  • Note that I Tim. 5:17 suggests that not all elders are preachers and teachers.
Sense of Responsibility – Acts 20:28, Heb. 13:17
  • Does the person reflect a concern for the spiritual well-being of the entire church, “all the flock”, or just ministries or sub-ministries within the church?
  • Is there an appreciation for the responsibility and accountability God has given the individual to watch over the entire church?
Heart for People – Acts 20:28, I Pet. 5:2, Ez. 34
  • Does the person reflect a concern for helping lost people find Jesus?
  • Does their heart beat fast when discussing ministry opportunities to reach people who haven’t heard about Christ?

Calling – I Pet. 5:2, Gal. 1:1, Eph. 1:1

  • Does the individual consider this to be an appointment from God or from men?
  • Is there a clear sense that this is God’s calling? Is it God’s will?

3 Responses to “Are you qualified to be a pastor?”

  1. Marc Millan July 29, 2010 at 8:59 am #

    These are awesome for anyone in ministry let alone someone blessed to be called Pastor.
    I know personally that it takes time for God’s full image to be reflected in us.
    * Are they gentle, hospitable, upright, holy, and disciplined?
    * Do they have a quick temper?
    Really good stuff. It’s not so easy after all, but then again, it’s not about us, we are supposed to decrease and allow Christ to increase in our lives, take up HIS yoke.
    M_

  2. Kurt Boemler July 30, 2010 at 8:51 am #

    I agree with everything here except for the question about having a solid marriage. Sometimes, that just not something one individual can control (fact is, if one can control the other person, then its not a solid marriage). Unfortunately, sometimes marriages fall apart despite one’s best intentions and despite God’s will. It would be a sad thing if that became a qualifier to become or remain a pastor.

  3. Andrew August 7, 2010 at 9:13 am #

    I like the list, but does the marriage question whether a single person qualifies?