Senior Pastor Qualifications

Biblical Qualifications

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

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Titus 1:5-9

5The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Biblical Qualities
  • Personal character above reproach from within and without the church
  • Thoughtful, dignified, and self-controlled
  • Not a novice
  • Not a drunkard or substance abuser
  • Not violent, quick-tempered, quarrelsome, arrogant, or over-bearing
  • Not a lover of money or a pursuer of dishonest gain
  • Gentle and kind in his dealings with men
  • Upright and holy in his life before God
  • Loves what is good
  • Faithful marriage with a well-ordered home and disciplined children
  • Hospitable
  • An apt teacher and counselor
  • Humble; does not lord it over God's heritage
  • Patient, sensible, and fair
  • Steadfast in the knowledge of the truth of God’s Word

Additional Qualities
  • Is a servant-Leader who sets an example for others to follow
  • Can develop and communicate a ministry vision that will motivate the congregation to get involved
  • Can work closely with the church board and seeks their input
  • Desires to lead the church into a deeper spiritual walk with God
  • Practices the full gospel message; filled with the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues
  • Strengths are in teaching and preaching, visiting the sick, mentoring younger pastors, and caring for the congregation
  • Has a degree in Biblical studies and previous pastoral experience
  • Holds valid ordination
  • Is a man of faith and prayer
  • Seeks the will of God in all matters, is led by the Spirit, and follows the admonition of the Word
  • Strongly supports missionary programs including community outreach
  • Strongly supports Christian Education