KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 3:7 KJV “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

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One of the qualifications of the pastor is that he must have a good report of people who relate with him outside the boundaries of the church. One’s true identity often comes from his unofficial roles with others. Firstly the testimony of his immediate family and then from the community in which he lives. The church settings is always a controlled environment. When the pastor arrives at the church premises he is received warmly, and church members speak very politely to him. At home it may be different. There are days that the wife may be hay and hearty and would be extra nice and polite  but other times may be different as a result of all kinds of factors. How does this pastor or this man who is being considered for the pastoral office behave. Does the  pastor to be also retaliate angrily or in a calm disposition react to his wife?

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There are certain young men being considered for pastoral roles, but neighbours close to him have every negative remark about him. He keeps changing ladies almost always. This is a real red light that must warn the board or leaders who are making the decision to enlist him as a pastor. The bible says if these things are not considered, he shall fall into the share of the devil. That is, after finally appointing him as a pastor, these negative traits would show up, and that would seriously affect the work. The report or remarks of people who have been related to him on an unofficial level must be considered. We must also be careful not to take whatever certain people say on face value; it would be proper to cross-check further for the authenticity of what is said.

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There are also some moments when the individual used to have a particular lifestyle but has repented and is living a very reformed life, yet neighbours who do not know still accuse him of his past lifestyle. This is the reason you need to have a dialogue with that candidate to ascertain the truthfulness or otherwise of the stories going on about him. There are other situations where a brother is blessed with unique abilities who genuinely wants to serve the Lord, yet has certain shortcomings. Such a person must be spoken to to determine what the real problem is. In some cases, it would be a lack of understanding of certain truths that might have caused the constant cycle of failure. The moment  he comes to terms with the truth, he is totally free. This person can be accepted into the pastoral office.

Finally, the ultimate check is the testimony of the Holy Spirit. We must enquire from the Holy Spirit to give the final nod before one is appointed or not.

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THOUGHT:THE REPORTS OF NEIGHBOURS ABOUT THE PASTOR IS GOOD  , YET THE ULTIMATE IS TO SEEK THE SPIRIT’S COUNSEL

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Luk 2:52 KJV “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

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Act 9:39 KJV “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he came, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”