What to Look for in any Pastor (Part 1)

Well, last night I took on politics. Tonight, would be just as good for starting to take on theology.

So many churches are looking for pastors - actually I would normally make the case that the scriptural titles are elder or bishop and that pastor is actually a gift and a function of elders - and I could also make a case for churches having multiple pastors (equal, with possibly a first among equals although without power to single handedly affect the livelyhood of any of the other pastors) instead of the unscriptural concept of senior pastor with associate pastors or ministerial "staff." But, given the world we live in and whatever motivates those who serve as "senior pastors," we will simply address the scriptural qualities that need to be found in any pastor - senior or associate.

For this study we turn to 2 Corinthians, a book that can be seen in many ways throughout as addressing the relationship between pastors and congregations. And, for this part 1, we will look first at chapter 10.

In essence the qualities that should be found in pastors are:

I. being like Jesus (seems obvious doesn't), but here in 3 specific ways

• A. meekness (not weakness - note Jesus clearing the temple, and He was meek)
  
• B. gentleness (word study shows this means always doing the right thing)
  
• C. bold when necessary
  

II. willing to wage spiritual warfare for the minds of men
(this can be fleshed out in verses 3-6)

III. inner character not outer appearance

• A. relationship with Christ (DUH!)
  
• B. authority given by Christ
  
  • 1. for building up
    
  • 2. not for demolishing
  
  
• C. consistent (whether here or there, always the same person in character)

IV. not comparing with others

• A. this is not wise
  
• B. measure according to God's canon (standard/rule)
  (implication of God given field of service)
  
• C. not boasting of another's labors
  
  • - but ready to enlarge the ministry as the faith of the congregation grows
  
  
• D. always boast in the Lord
  
• E. only commendation by the Lord is of any value
  

If your church is looking for a pastor, compare any candidate against these characteristics. Granted these are high standards and most if not all pastors will fail to live up to them in their entirety, but they are worthy of striving for. If your church is not looking for a pastor, how do your pastors measure up to a scriptural standard? And then, if you are a pastor, are these standards among those you are seeking to incorporate in your ministry?

And this is just Part 1. Hopefully, Part 2 will come soon. God's blessings on you as you seek to follow Him in your own life and and in the life and ministry of your church.