Qualifications of a Pastor (KJV)
The Bible provides clear guidelines for the qualifications of a pastor. These qualifications are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
1 Timothy 3:1-7
"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
Titus 1:5-9
"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."
Summary of Qualifications
The following is a summary of the qualifications for a pastor according to the KJV:
1. Moral Character:
Blameless
Husband of one wife
Sober
Vigilant
Of good behavior
2. Spiritual Qualities:
Given to hospitality
Apt to teach
Patient
Not a brawler
Not covetous
Able to rule his own house well
Not a novice
Having a good report
3. Administrative Abilities:
Able to set things in order
Ordain elders
Steward of God
4. Disposition:
Not self-willed
Not soon angry
Lover of hospitality
Lover of good men
Sober
Just
Holy
Temperate
5. Doctrinal Soundness:
Holding fast to the faithful word
Able to exhort and convince gainsayers
These qualifications are not merely suggestions but are essential for those who desire to serve as pastors. They ensure that pastors are spiritually mature, morally upright, and doctrinally sound leaders who are able to guide and shepherd the flock of God.
