Qualifications for Overseers...

Every so often I like to revisit what the Bible has to stay about what qualifies someone to be a pastor (overseer).  Today, in my personal Bible reading time, I came to 1 Timothy 3.  This is the main passage in scripture where we find the qualifications.  Let's take a brief overview of these qualifications.

1. This is a trustworthy saying:  IF ANYONE ASPIRES TO THE OFFICE OF OVERSEER, HE DESIRES A NOBLE TASK.
2. An overseer must be:
1. Above reproach
2. The husband of one wife
3. Sober-minded
4. Self-controlled
5. Respectable
6. Hospitable
7. Able to teach
8. Not a drunkard
9. Not violent but gentle 
10. Not quarrelsome
11. Not a lover of money
12. He must manage his own household well
13. With all dignity keeping his children submissive
1. Why? (For #12 & #13)
1. If someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
14. He must not be a recent convert
1. Why?
1. He may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
15. He must be well thought of by outsiders 
1. Why?
1. So that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

If you are a pastor, I want to challenge you to review these qualifications often.  Ask God to reveal the things in your life that need some attention.  Ask God to help you give them attention.

If you are not a pastor, pray that your pastor would be defined by these qualifications.  Also, hold them accountable to them.

"To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever (ages to ages).  Amen."