Specific Requirements For Pastors

Timothy 3:2-3

The testing program for plumbers tests for minimum knowledge of what is required and the practical skill to do the actual work. One would not care to have a plumber install sewer piping that would not carry away waste, or waterlines that leaked. A pastor that doesn’t know how to be saved, or doesn’t walk in the spirit can’t show others how to do so. Let’s examine each requirement.

“A bishop then must be blameless,” II Peter 3:14 describes the goal for the Christian. “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” A pastor will never be able to lead people to such a state who hasn’t attained it himself. I Corinthians 6:9-10 states that people who habitually do certain things are not saved and will not be in heaven. They are not Christians, and cannot lead others to heaven. Notice how many are forbidden in the requirements for a pastor.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (I Corinthians 6:9-10)

“the husband of one wife,“ In talking to Christians, It seems that this is the only requirement most know, and it is most often used to try to prove a woman cannot be a pastor. Some insist that a pastor must be married, ignoring Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 9: 1-6. Others insist that he cannot be married, ignoring the same passage and the statements in I Corinthians 7:32-38. Divorce is an issue in our day, and Paul deals with it in I Corinthians 7:10-15.

“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”

Paul states they can either remarry their spouse or remain single. Jesus emphasized the same thought in Mark 10:11. “And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.” Further study of biblical teaching about marriage reveals that a one time fling disqualifies one under this requirement.

“vigilant,” Watchful or alert are the meanings of this word. I Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” He must be careful not to give Satan an opening to destroy his life or ministry.

“sober,” Meaning thoughtful and serious minded. Titus 2:2,4&6 stress that the pastor is to teach others to be sober minded. It is an attitude that should be characterize every Christian. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11-12”

“of good behaviour,” Certain types of behavior should not be found among Christians. Sexual sin, suggestive talk, clowning around, or joking are just some of the things Ephesians 5:3-4 demands all Christians put away. “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

“given to hospitality,” Titus 1:8 says he must be a “lover of hospitality, a lover of good men.” He ought to enjoy having people around him, but especially to have a love for associating with other Christians. It ought to go to the point of sharing what he has with others. His love ought to be of a practical nature, as James 2:15-17 describes. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

“apt to teach;” It amazes me how many churches are worried about how well the man can preach. His teaching ability is the standard God set. The ability to teach requires thorough knowledge of the subject, and the ability to convey that knowledge to others. Titus 1:9 reveals the necessity of this ability. “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.” Sound teaching is the only way to defeat false teachers. Fabulous preaching can leave a church vulnerable to false doctrine.

“Not given to wine,” There are numerous verses prohibiting excessive usage of alcohol. Ephesians 5:18 indicates that it is counter productive to the spiritual life, and should be avoided by all Christians. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” We have seen failures of alcohol counseling programs because the counselor didn’t live up to the standard he set. The pastor will fail for the same reason if he will not control his drinking.

“no striker,” The concept is of one who goes on strike to force others to give him his way. Titus 1: 7 says he is “not selfwilled.” I Peter directs, “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” In Matthew 20:27, Jesus said, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:” A servant does not demand his own way, but yields to those he serves.

“not greedy of filthy lucre;” Money ought not be a major focus. They ought not be striving to get rich. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,” (I Timothy 6:9-10). The desire for money will turn one away from God.

“but patient,” The Christian ought not be quick to jump to conclusions or to lose his temper James 1:19-20 says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” The pastor especially must be “not soon angry” according to Titus 1:7. He cannot be a man who gives up easily, but must continue even when he sees no immediate results. Galatians 6:9 advises, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

“not a brawler,” He must not be a man who loves to fight. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” (II Timothy 2:24-25). A pugnacious attitude will hinder efforts to get people to change.

“not covetous;” The Christian cannot be focused on physical belongings. It is a form of idolatry, and Indicates that one has not placed Christ as Lord in his life. “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:5)