What makes a good Pastor?

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(Titus 1v5-9)

Would be a good place to start.

 

I think we preachers ought to have to go over that list at least once a week .

 

a good pastor is one who truly loves his people, truly loves them all, even those who do harm with wicked tongues and acts.

loves covers all wrong.

 

A love of God, an obvious following of God, a life that displays this (as Dr Bob's post) a real Christian maturity, evidence of the fruit of the spirit, the gift from God as pastor and teacher, recognition by the local church of those gifts.

Regards
Bob

 

One must be able to trust that they can speak to their pastor in confidence and that confidentiality will be respected.

 

good pastors are slow to give advice and are quick to listen.

 

All the above answers are very good,But as just a church member I believe a pastor must be all of those answers and also be willing to preach on any subjec without concern of what some may think. some pastors want do that for fear of running someone off.

 

1 Peter 5:1-4:

"1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

This has long been one of my favorite passages regarding the responsibility of a pastor/elder.

 

Topic: What makes a good Pastor?

answer The Lord

 

A good wife doesn't hurt, either...

 

Oh yes a good wife, an ungodly wife or children can ruin a ministry faster than than cursing in the pulpit!!!

 

I have often heard churches dig out the qualifications from the pastorals to seek out a good pastor which is good, but I often suggest a study of Epaphras and a listing of qualities to tack onto the list.

 

PS, I often use II Timothy 2:24-26 as a challenge to pastors. Paul's brings the qualifications down to the nitty gritty with four thoughts: gentle, apt to teach, patient and meek. Since a lot of our ministry is emcompassed in vs 25 when we minister to "those who oppose themselves...." In fact if you go back to vs 15 that whole passage is about leadership and ministry though not quite as listy as I Timothy 3 or Titus.

Every day we have to get up and recommit ourselves to God's calling.