KEY SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:8, 11 ” Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

Pastors are indeed one of the most common ministerial gifts that one may find around. Anytime a man or a woman completes bible school, he or she is called a pastor. Are pastors made from Bible schools? Is Pastor a name or title given to young men and women who have a zeal for God?

The idea that anyone who completes bible school is called a pastor gives our communities a large number of such people. The truth is that many such people have not been called into the office of a pastor.
This also comes along with many who are not ready for the high demands of the pastoral office.
The challenge of getting men and women as pastors to act rightly to an appreciable degree is made possible when certain right systems are in place to monitor the activities of such people. If a man or woman starts gathering people with no external supervision, it gives the tendency for excesses. Brethren who desire to raise a people for God must strictly submit their lives to the proper biblical standards. It is always wise for them to submit their lives and ministry to the supervision of other senior brethren who have a proven track record in the ministry.

To be a pastor is a divine call. Those who appoint people to this office must allow the Holy Spirit to give them an insight into the condition of the heart of the individuals they seek to appoint as pastors. Individuals who also decide to gather people for meetings must do so not based on any selfish motives. It is rather unfortunate to hear scandal after scandal about persons who call themselves pastors. The following lamentation from Apostle Paul depicts what I am talking about and the ultimate effect on the lives of such people. Philippians 3:18-19 ( For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ :
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Who is a pastor? The word pastor in the ancient Greek language is ‘poimen’. This means herdsman or a shepherd. As a shepherd, the pastor feeds cares, protects, and guides the sheep.
The bible gives us standard qualifications that pastors must have..1 Timothy 3:1 “This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work”. This verse says. It is a good thing for a person to desire to be a pastor. Pastors, shepherd people, using God’s word to instruct and help them grow in their faith to become mature Christians. It is a good thing for any man to desire to play the role of a pastor. The scripture gives us certain qualifications that pastors must have. (1st Timothy 3:2–7)

These qualifications are as follows:

1. They should be Blameless
2. They should be a Husband of One wife.

3 They should be vigilant

4. The pastor should be Sober
5. Must be of good behaviour
6. He should be given to hospitality
7. The pastor must be able to teach
8. He should not be given to wine.
9. Not a striker or a brawler.
10. He should not be greedy for money.
11. A patient man or woman.
12. He should not be a covetous character.
13. Able to rule his house well.
14. He should not be a novice.
15. Has a good report from those outside.
    (For an in-depth study into this topic, please get my book titled: Biblical Qualifications of a Pastor)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I pray for all pastors, especially the very young ones in ministry. May your grace strengthen them to play their roles as pastors more effectively and overcome the deceptions and schemes of the evil one.

FURTHER STUDIES.

Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding”

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”.