“Qualifications for pastors”

Sunday, September 03, 2017

Last week, I discussed the fact that I am not a pastor. A reader then sent me a great question. The individual read the qualifications for a pastor/elder found in I Timothy 3 and in Titus 1. After examining those passages, they concluded that I meet the qualifications and therefore ought to be a pastor. I am always thrilled to receive feedback like this that shows people reading and reasoning from the scriptures. Still, this also showed that more discussion on the topic is needed.

Being godly is not enough

It might surprise many religious people today, but the apostle Paul was not a pastor. The denomination I once was part of even referred to Paul’s writings as “Pastoral Epistles.” Just because he and Barnabas had appointed elders in churches did not mean they themselves were pastors (Acts 14:23). In fact, the Bible never refers to Paul as a pastor/elder - he does not qualify! Yes, an apostle of Jesus Christ was not qualified to be an elder! We are told that within the list of qualifications, one must be married and old enough to have believing children (I Tim. 3:2-5; Titus 1:6). Also note that one of the duties of an elder was to shepherd the flock they oversaw. How could Paul do this when he was traveling and gone for years at a time (I Pet. 5:1-2)?

Always a plurality of pastors/elders

As you read through the New Testament, you will note that whenever elders/pastors were appointed it was ALWAYS two or more. Paul sent for the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). Acts 14:23 states that elders were appointed in every church. When Peter spoke about being  an elder (he was qualified), he spoke about elders being among the brethren (I Pet. 5:1). James mentioned to call for the elders of the church when a member was sick (James 5:14). These examples are not calling for elders from different churches – they are showing a pattern of multiple elders in every church. We even read in Hebrews that the members of the local congregation were to obey and be submissive to the elders who watch out for their souls (Heb. 13:17).

Not “once an elder/pastor, always an elder/pastor”

Just as men can become qualified, they can become unqualified. However, this is not really my point. Consider this – if a local church appoints two men as elders and one moves away, then that eldership is dissolved because there are no longer multiple elders. The church no longer has any elders until there are multiple, qualified men who accept the responsibility again. Also note that the man who moved away is not automatically an elder in his new town’s church. Local churches choose men they know are qualified and appoint them as elders (Titus 1:5). This principle is taken from Acts 6:3-5. The qualifications of being able to teach, having a good reputation within the church and in the community, practicing hospitality, etc. must be proven first. Only after this can he be considered for the role.

No set combination

As we already pointed out, being an apostle like Paul did not automatically qualify him to be a pastor/elder. Still, an apostle could be an elder like Peter was (I Pet. 5:1). The same is true with preachers. Not all preachers are qualified to be an elder/pastor. Some are not married, while others may not have children. He might also lack one of the other qualifications. Some preachers are qualified though and serve both roles (multiple elders are still required though).

The denominational concept of a pastor is nothing like what you read of in the Bible. Too many today use it as a title rather than a function within the church. I preach, but I am not “Preacher Chuck”. If one is an elder, they are not “Elder So-and-so”. May our understanding harmonize with scripture in this important matter.

Chuck

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