Pastor Qualifications

[Don]

I'm developing a guideline for "Qualifications of a Pastor," utilizing 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery? As I go through the study of some of the words, any recommendations on commentaries (to use or to avoid)?

I've got several resources; I'm just looking for cross-references.

 

[12strings]

Possibly not helpful, but if I understand correctly...apart from the "able to teach" qualification...all of the other qualities can found (at least implied) elsewhere in the New Testament as applying to ALL believers.

 

[Jerome]

Here's another scripture to consider:

Hebrews 13:7
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

"This text [Hebrews 13:7], whatever may be its other value, is mainly of importance, because it indicates three tests of a genuine, God-sent leader. In the first place he speaks the word of God, in the second place his faith is fixed on a personal Saviour; and, in the third place, his life conforms to the Word of God and to the faith in Christ, and ends in a glorious immortality. Wherever we find those three indications meeting in any man or woman, we may recognize the heaven-sent leader, and it is at our peril if we do not follow such leadership." — A.T. Pierson, From the Pulpit to the Palm-branch: A Memorial of C. H. Spurgeon (1892)

 

[Don]

Possibly not helpful, but if I understand correctly...apart from the "able to teach" qualification...all of the other qualities can found (at least implied) elsewhere in the New Testament as applying to ALL believers.

Interesting observation. We tend to get focused on a particular task, and miss the forest for the trees....

 

[Don]

Here's another scripture to consider:

Hebrews 13:7
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

"This text [Hebrews 13:7], whatever may be its other value, is mainly of importance, because it indicates three tests of a genuine, God-sent leader. In the first place he speaks the word of God, in the second place his faith is fixed on a personal Saviour; and, in the third place, his life conforms to the Word of God and to the faith in Christ, and ends in a glorious immortality. Wherever we find those three indications meeting in any man or woman, we may recognize the heaven-sent leader, and it is at our peril if we do not follow such leadership." — A.T. Pierson, From the Pulpit to the Palm-branch: A Memorial of C. H. Spurgeon (1892)

That's good stuff. Pretty much summarizes "steward of God" (Titus 1:7); "apt to teach" (1 Tim 3:2); and "blameless" (1 Tim 3:2, Titus 1:6), "just" (Titus 1:8), and "holy" (Titus 1:8).

But much better worded and said than I ever could.

 

[Revmitchell]

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.


The pastor has a calling, responsibility, and accounting, no one else in the church has.

 

[Don]

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.


The pastor has a calling, responsibility, and accounting, no one else in the church has.

I need to add an entire section regarding Hebrew 13; thanks!

 

[preachinjesus]

I can't post anything with HTML code. I had links laid in but they got rejected several times. Sorry.


Here are my recommendations for commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles:

1. George Knight NIGTC

2. I Howard Marshall ICC

3. William Mounce WBC


The only commentary I'd recommend you avoid, which I've used before (I'm sure there are others), is this one:

Dibelius and Conzelman's Hermenia Commentary

It borders on pedantic and they make too many conclusions that the reasonable layperson will disagree with. It has little aid pastorally.

Hope that answers the question.

 

[beameup]

I would stick to Paul's Epistles and stay away from the Hebrew Epistles.

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Cor 1:21

I'd say that many try to be both evangelist and "pastor" from the pulpit. Perhaps there is a need for a new "paradigm".

 

[righteousdude2]

I'm developing a guideline for "Qualifications of a Pastor," utilizing 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery? As I go through the study of some of the words, any recommendations on commentaries (to use or to avoid)?

I've got several resources; I'm just looking for cross-references.

Brother- I know you have the doctrinal things covered, but let me toss out a few fundamental things to look for!

See if they have social media accounts, and check those puppies out thoroughly ...

Question him over and over about his belief system when it comes to things like:
homosexuality, tolerance, political correctness, how he'd handle a report that a member may have molested or assaulted a child or other member, his views on divorce, and remarriage, abortion, helping the homeless, serving in missions, going to skid row, and so importantly, I'd ask him right out how he feels about race relations? Ask him how he'd handle a riff between several members on the pastor search team, or between a couple of deacons, or staff? Ask him how real the devil is in relation to the ministry, the community, the world, and how he prepares himself to stand strong in the face of fiery attacks, and even how he views the devil.

The devil things may sound silly, but until I had my first encounter with demonic attacks on me and the church, I didn't think Satan was relevant. In fact, unless I saw a man in a red skin tight outfit with a arrow like tail and pitchfork with horns on his head, I''d not be looking elsewhere!

I realize these are things that may seem rather redundant to many of us, but, if we ask, we will be sure he is on firm footing both Scripturally as well as morally; AND WE WILL NOT BE SURPRISED DOWN THE LINE.

You have my prayers ... and I pray you put together one mean recruiting/interview tool!

Pastor Paul

 

[Yeshua1]

I'm developing a guideline for "Qualifications of a Pastor," utilizing 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery? As I go through the study of some of the words, any recommendations on commentaries (to use or to avoid)?

I've got several resources; I'm just looking for cross-references.

be saved, filled with the Holy Spirit continually, have the calling from God to do that, and have a Shepheds Heart for the flock!

 

[Reynolds]

Possibly not helpful, but if I understand correctly...apart from the "able to teach" qualification...all of the other qualities can found (at least implied) elsewhere in the New Testament as applying to ALL believers.

Today, love is the major quality I look for in a pastor. There are many "preachers" but very few "pastors."

 

[gb93433]

I believe there are qualifications that are implied which would have been present in a leader during that time. A leader leads and has followers long before he is given a position. Jesus taught to make and how to make disciples. Following Him means we are making disciples. No genuine leader is void of making disciples. A pastor demonstrates his leadership in the home first by his love for his wife and how he leads his family. If he cannot lead his family how can he lead the church? His family is a model of Christian leadership in action. Pastoring is not a job so much as an example and responsibility in both the church and world. He must live an exemplary life in both.