Titus 1:5–9 (ESV)
Qualifications for Elders
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers
and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled,
upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Paul uses
the term “elders” which is actually what we refer today as pastors. The term elders and overseer are both used for the same church office or position. I think it is important for all pastors to sit down and read through this list.
It is maybe even more important for the congregation to review this list when choosing a pastor. These are guidelines that Paul gives us. In today’s world, many churches call women to serve as pastors. I am sympathetic to this cause,
but I must yield to God’s Word. Notice that in both Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:2, they both state “the husband of one wife.” This does fall under the definition of a one man/one woman marriage. It does not say anything about
a woman being called, but that the pastor is to be the husband of one wife. I’m not going to dwell on this issue, but it is stated twice in the New Testament. Let’s look at the other traits: above reproach, children are believers with
good behavior, not arrogant, not a drunkard, not violent, or greedy. He must be hospitable, lover of good, self controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He also needs to be well grounded in the Word. Not only talk the talk, but to walk
the walk. With that said, ALL people need to be forgivers, for we all fall short... including pastors.
I pray: O Lord, I pray for pastors to not be lead astray. Help them to fight the good
fight and to keep focused on Your will. Help us all to live a life of forgiveness. Thank you God, for forgiving me of all my sins. Help me to forgive others. Amen.