Lately I have been given some serious thought as to how churches go about the search for a pastor. Probably because I have been in the search process now for over 3 years. Some churches will announce there opening on the internet, others because they do not want to deal with the hassle will only talk to some seminaries and ask if they have any names, others still will only entertain those that are specifically recommended to them. Honestly I don’t know that one way is better than the other. However my dilemma has stemmed from the qualifications we have come up with when it comes to hiring a pastor.
In my search for a church I have come across a plethora of different qualifications as it relates to a pastor some Biblical others not so Biblical. It has really forced me to think deeper about this issue then I have in the past. Honestly at times I wonder if the pastoral search has become more of a popularity contest or more like “American Idol” than seeking God’s Man. In my journey I have come across some very strange things.
If I were to be very honest I would say this is one of the reason why I have worked so hard to lose weight and get into shape. Sure I have done it because I want to be healthy for my family and I do believe it is pleasing to God. However, when I think deep I would say in the back of my mind there is that part of me that would say, ”looking better would help secure a position”. Somehow when a church sees an overweight out of shape candidate it is not as appealing as seeing a muscular in-shape candidate. These thoughts have frustrated me and I have wondered at times am I just making this up or is this true? What are the Biblical qualifications for a pastor? Has the the church replaced Biblical qualifications with man made standards? Naturally whole books have been written on how to be a pastor and how a church should select a pastor and to be honest I don’t care to get into all of that detail here. However I am forced to look and see what God’s word has to say.
The qualifications for a pastor can be found 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9
According to these pasages of scripture a pastor should be
1. Above Reproach – An accusation of sin won’t stick to him.
2. Husband of One Wife – He must be faithful to his wife.
3. Self-Control – He is the master of himself. He is not out of control or controlled by outside influences.
4. Lives Wisely – He makes good choices.
5. Has a Good Reputation – People at church and in the community think highly of him. He is respected.
6. Hospitable – His home is open to others.
7. He Can Teach – Is able to give insight into the scripture and communicate that to others.
8. Not Addicted to Wine – He does not get drunk or over indulge in Alcohol.
9. Not Violent – He resolves conflict peacefully.
10. Gentle – His manner and words are not abrasive he is not looking to quarrel.
11. Loves Peace – Works towards peace in all circumstances.
12. Does Not Love Money – Is not consumed with possessions or how much money they have.
14. Manages His Home Well – His family and home are in order, not in chaos. His children are polite and respectful. His finances are in order.
15. Not a New Christian – Displays and shows that they are a faithful follower of Christ. There is a “track record’
16. His children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious
17. Not Arrogant – Is humble and put’s others first.
18. Not Quick-Tempered – Not a man who angers quick or easily.
19. A Strong and Steadfast Belief – Believes the gospel and does not waver from it.
Now of course I understand that this is a list of qualifications and does not include the duties of the pastor the chief of which is to Shepherd the flock.
Really here is the problem though. Why have we stepped outside the bounds of scripture when it comes to our search for a pastor?Why have we added qualifications dealing with age, how someone dresses, education, tradition. Why have we replaced the Bible with man made doctrine and theology. We have become anthropocentric as opposed to theocentric in our quest to make sure that we get the “right guy”. We so desperately want to make sure we have the cool guy or the guy that everyone will like many times we have left God out of the equation. sure we may talk a good talk, read some scripture, and even pray that God will supply the right man but unless we rid ourselves of our prejudices and what we like and what we want will God answer?
I have frustrated myself because at times I know I thinking more about the man a church wants me to be then being the man God wants me to be. To be honest after three years of searching and living with my mom at 36 years old with my wife and two kids and another on the way I sometimes ask myself “what in the world am I doing.” Why have I lowered myself to man made standards and traditions, why isn’t following God with all I have enough? I don’t want to be the next “American Idol” Pastor. I want to be me, I want to be the next Pastor that loves the Lord, that is not afraid of the tough conversations, that understand God is in control and He want me to be the man He wants me to be and not the man someone else wants.
Just the random thoughts of a guy still searching.