Biblical Callings, Responsibilities, and Qualifications of a Pastor 

The church where we’re members and where I’m an elder—Cornerstone Community Church in Hobart, Indiana—has just begun the process of seeking a new pastor. Our former pastor, Steve Buchelt, is a wonderful, godly man and pastor. God has now called him to a new ministry. We’re thankful for the legacy of truth and love that he has left us. 

As a Pastoral Search Team, rather than focus on our opinions or feelings about the profile of our next pastor, we have been studying the Scriptures together. We’re seeking to determine the biblical callings, responsibilities, and qualifications of a pastor. 

I know—you think that’s all common sense and everyone just knows that. That’s the problem—it’s not common sense—it’s biblical wisdom. 

What a joy it has been for eleven leaders in our church to study together what God’s Word has to say about God’s man. 

To give you a glimpse into the start of our biblical process, I’ve pasted below the passages we’ve been examining/applying and the questions we’ve been probing. 

1. Read Ephesians 4:11-16. Where is a pastor to focus his ministry calling according to Ephesians 4:11-16? 

2. Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7. What are the qualifications of a pastor (“overseer”) according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7? 

3. Read Titus 1:5-9. What are the qualifications of a pastor (“elder”) according to Titus 1:5-9? 

4. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What are the responsibilities of a pastor (“elder”) according to 1 Peter 5:1-4? 

5. Read Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17-18. What are the responsibilities of pastors (“leaders”)? What are the responsibilities of members to pastors (“leaders”)? 

6. Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16. What are the responsibilities and calling of a pastor as illustrated by Paul’s commands/counsel to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:11-16? 

7. Read 2 Timothy 2:1-10. What are the responsibilities and calling of a pastor as illustrated by Paul’s commands/counsel to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1-10? 

8. Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5. What are the responsibilities and calling of a pastor as illustrated by Paul’s commands/counsel to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:22-26 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5? 

9. What other biblical passages discuss the callings, responsibilities, and qualifications of a pastor? What callings, responsibilities, and qualifications of a pastor do you find in those passages? 

Join the Conversation 

How would you answer the questions above about pastoral callings, responsibilities, and qualifications? 

What difference would it make if every church studied God’s Word to better understand the callings, responsibilities, and qualifications of a pastor? 

RPM Ministries: Equipping You to Change Lives with Christ’s Changeless Truth