The calling to shepherd God’s people is a sacred and weighty responsibility. Scripture does not leave us guessing about the character, maturity, and integrity required of those who desire this role. The apostle Paul gives a detailed and Spirit‑inspired description of what a pastor—referred to as a bishop or overseer—must be. These qualifications are not suggestions, cultural preferences, or optional guidelines. They are God’s standard for those who lead His church.

“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.”
— 1 Timothy 3:1–7

These verses explain the qualifications of someone who wants to be a pastor. They highlight that the role is not about personal ambition, popularity, or talent—it is about character, spiritual maturity, and faithful stewardship. Unfortunately, not all preachers understand the implications of these scriptures. Some overlook them, others minimize them, and still others treat them as outdated. But God’s standards have not changed.

This guide is designed to help believers, churches, and aspiring pastors return to the biblical foundation. When we understand what God requires, we can better discern, support, and uphold leadership that honors Christ and strengthens His church.

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Summary

In short here is the basic qualifications list. If your preacher does not meet these bare minimal, then you need a new preacher.

• Blameless
• husband of 1 wife
• vigilant
• sober
• good Behavior
• given to hospitality
• a teacher
• not a drunker
• not greedy
• patient
• not a fighter
• not covetous
• if he has children, they are to be well behaved
• not a new Christian

Why does it matter?

Here is a short true story about why it matters.

Many years ago, my dad was beginning to attend church regularly. That is until one fatefully Sunday. This Sunday my parents arrived to see the pastor and another man having a fist fight in the parking lot. My dad saw, exclaimed how bad that was, and left. He stopped going to church. He did not regularly attend church after that for many years. Thankfully, he did come back before passing.

Please, if you see a man, who claims to be a pastor, behaving badly don’t give up on God. God gave the rules on how to select a pastor. It is people who choose not to listen and obey. God gave these rules for a reason.

The preacher, in my dad’s case, had chosen to settle a disagreement by brawling. He completely ignored the part about not being a brawler. In addition, his behavior on that day was bad, not good. That preacher behaved badly and it almost cost a soul. It did cost a marriage. It wasn’t long after this that my dad left my mom.

Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit