Good afternoon, All.

Given the profoundly negative experience many Revivalists endured at the hands of the so-called 'Oversight', I've frequently been asked about the biblical qualifications that (should) apply to those who presume the title of 'pastor'. I usually responded by pointing out the modern pastor as we know it doesn't reflect what we find in the New Testament.

Properly speaking, today's pastor represents a mish-mash of different functions and spiritual gifts discussed at various places in the Old and New Testaments; those of leader, judge, shepherd, elder, manager, counsellor, teacher, helper, administrator, etc. Now while there would be very few individuals capable of developing such a broad range of skills and talents in a single lifetime, Scripture itself dismisses the notion of such a Christian polymath. The Church comprises a spiritual body where form follows function, and where function always results from God's intentional, directed, purposeful and Spirit-enabled gifting. The New Testament is also clear that while every Christian has been endowed with at least one spiritual gift with which to minister to others in the Church, no Christian is in receipt of every available gift. Christian ministry as presented in the New Testament is mutually focused, inter-dependent, selfless and communally oriented; consequently, each Christian within a given congregation needs the ministry of every other Christian in the congregation in order to grow to spiritual maturity. Following on from this God the Spirit has given all the gifts that every Christian congregation requires at any given point in time as deemed necessary by God the Son. While further gifts might subsequently be given, and others withdrawn, no Christian congregation is spiritually impoverished as a result of the particular mix of gifts it enjoys. Please note the careful qualification, 'Christian'.

Next. Many Revivalists are shocked to discover there are four principle passages in the New Testament that discuss the function and application of Spiritual gifts to the Church: Romans 12:6 to 8; 1 Corinthians 12:8 through 10, and 28 to 30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:11. The gifts these passages describe are often categorised according to their purpose or nature, so we might distinguish (1) gifts of revelation, from (2) gifts of healing and power, from (3) gifts of leadership, from (4) gifts of service. In Christian ministry there will always be unity in diversity, and diversity in unity. To be of best use to others each and every Christian should diligently apply him or herself to developing, improving and maturing the gift or gifts they have been given. With respect to our subject, those who are called to pastor must have a heart for people; he or she must be prepared to develop the skills, acquire the knowledge, and display the attributes necessary to do justice to their unique calling. Pastors who lack humility; pastors who aren't teachable, clearly don't understand a fundamental truth: the principle function of a leader is to serve rather than to be served.

Scripture in general, and the New Testament in particular, has quite a bit to say about character. Therefore the most important qualification for our modern pastor must be evidence of mature, developed and recognised Christian character. He or she must be compassionate, and must be deeply and prayerfully committed to every person to whom, and with whom, he or she ministers. Noting again that form follows function, personal competence in several broad areas is necessary, and this implies an extended period of guided learning and practice. Should our pastor also be a teacher or preacher, then I am convinced a working knowledge of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages is necessary. Given God's enduring revelation to us was provided in the languages, histories and cultures of the Semitic and Greco-Roman peoples recorded in the Old and New Testaments, anyone who teaches Scripture to God's people should have a very good working knowledge of the subject, 'in the original'. In days past acquiring such skills was possible through apprenticing to an experienced and capable mentor. Nowadays the most practical approach is to study at a suitable university or theological college.

To close, one isn't a pastor simply because one has been appointed to the position by this or that pope, council or personage. No, one is a pastor only when the triune God endows a man or woman with the necessary spiritual gifts and graces, and said man or woman develops the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes.

As a point of personal reflection: when considered against these qualifications, how does your pastor rate? 

Please consider ...

Blessings,

Ian