Why You Need to Know the Biblical Qualifications for Church Leaders

About a month ago, Kenya witnessed a grand ordination ceremony that drew a staggering crowd. The event, marked by pomp and glory saw a famous Kikuyu preacher and comedian consecrated as a Bishop. The occasion was graced by numerous politicians from the Mount Kenya region, including 17 governors and the deputy president. However, behind the grandeur of this mega-church event lies a concerning reality that I would like to unearth. 

This newly ordained Bishop is not just a prosperity gospel preacher but also a figure shrouded in controversy. Initially married to his first wife, he had an affair with a younger woman that resulted in a child. He eventually married this younger woman, leading to the first wife leaving him and filing for a divorce. 

Currently, he lives with his second wife while running the mega-church together with her as the Reverend. But that’s not all. Rumors persist about his affair with another well-known celebrity even in his current marriage. Despite these scandals, he has managed to build a substantial following online, filling his Sunday services to capacity, and expanding his church to ten branches, including one abroad, since starting in February 2023.

Personal Reflection

Nevertheless, I have to admit that I’m not surprised. When I was in the hyper-charismatic movement, I, like many others, believed that becoming a pastor or church leader was simply a matter of feeling called. I was oblivious to the fact that God has provided clear qualifications for those who desire to be pastors, elders, and deacons. This ignorance was the reason I was easily swayed by charismatic personalities, without discerning whether they truly met the biblical standards for church leadership. 

Upon reflecting on the story of this controversial Bishop, I can’t help but think that if his followers knew the biblical qualifications for church leaders, perhaps they would recognize that he is not a true “man of God”. And it is this reflection that compels me to write about the qualifications for overseers, elders, and deacons as outlined in the Scriptures.

God cares for His Sheep

Elders and pastors play a crucial role in the spiritual leadership and growth of the church. The New Testament uses the terms “elder,” and  “overseer,” or what we call “pastor” today, interchangeably to describe those who shepherd and oversee the flock of God. 

It is important to note that God deeply cares for His flock and he hasn’t left the church to be led by just about anyone. To protect the sheep from wolves, God has given specific instructions on who is qualified to care for them. Therefore, no one should wake up one day and just decide to be a pastor simply because they feel like it. If anyone desires the worthy and noble calling of being a pastor, they must meet the criteria stipulated in Scripture. 

Biblical Qualifications for Elders and Pastors

Paul clearly outlines the qualifications for these roles in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 to ensure that those who lead the church embody the character and integrity necessary for such a significant responsibility. If they don’t, then they are disqualified from that role.

These qualifications include being:

1. Above Reproach
   • An elder or pastor must live a life that is free from scandals, controversy, and anything that might bring ill repute. This doesn’t mean that they should be perfect, but they should have a reputation that is not open to serious moral accusation  (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6).
2. Faithful to His Wife
   • Also phrased as “the husband of one wife”. An elder or pastor should be devoted to their spouse and faithful in his marriage (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6).
3. Temperate, Self-Controlled, and Respectable
   • He should have self-control, be sober-minded, and live a disciplined life. In other words, an elder should conduct himself in a manner worthy of respect (1 Timothy 3:2).
4. Hospitable
   • He should be willing to open his home to others by showing kindness and generosity to strangers and those in need (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).
5. Able to Teach
   • One of the key roles of an elder or pastor is to teach and defend sound doctrine. Therefore, he must be well knowledgeable in Scripture and capable of effectively communicating its truths to others (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9).
6. Not Given to Drunkenness
   • An elder or pastor must not be addicted to wine or other substances. They should be able to demonstrate self-control in their consumption of alcohol (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
7. Not Violent but Gentle
   • An elder should be peaceable, gentle, and not prone to physical aggression or abusive behavior. He should be known for being considerate and kind (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
8. Not Quarrelsome
   • Elders and pastors should not be argumentative or contentious. They should strive for peace and unity within the church (1 Timothy 3:3).
9. Not a Lover of Money
   • Elders and pastors should not be greedy or covetous. They should handle finances with integrity and not use their position for personal financial gain (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
10. Manages His Own Family Well
    • An elder should demonstrate that he can care for and lead his household. His children should respect and obey him. This is because his ability to manage his household well is seen as a reflection of his capability to care for the church  (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6).
11. Not a Recent Convert
    • New believers should not take positions of leadership in the church, as they might become prideful and fall into sin. Therefore, an elder or pastor should be someone who is able to demonstrate spiritual maturity which takes time (1 Timothy 3:6).
12. Good Reputation with Outsiders
    • An elder or pastor should have a good reputation even outside the church community. This means that his life should reflect positively on the Christian faith and not bring disrepute to the church (1 Timothy 3:7).
13. Lover of What is Good
    • A Pastor should have a heart that delights in goodness, seeking to promote what is righteous (Titus 1:8).
14. Upright, Holy, and Disciplined
    • Elders and pastors should live lives that are marked by righteousness, holiness, and self-discipline. They should model Christlike behavior and strive to grow in His likeness (Titus 1:8).

Deacons

In addition to pastors and elders, the New Testament also outlines the role of deacons within the church. While elders are primarily responsible for the church’s spiritual oversight and teaching, deacons address the church’s practical needs. They serve the church by ensuring other activities run smoothly such as caring for the needy, visiting church members, gathering offerings, maintaining the church building, etc. Hence, allowing the elders to focus on spiritual oversight.

Biblical Qualifications for Deacons

The apostle Paul provides specific qualifications for deacons in his first letter to Timothy. This includes that they must be: 

1. Worthy of Respect:  Deacons should have a godly character that commands respect from others (1 Timothy 3:8).
2. Sincere: They should be truthful and honest. Not hypocritical or deceitful (1 Timothy 3:8).
3. Not Indulging in Much Wine: Deacons should not be addicted to alcohol or other substances (1 Timothy 3:8).
4. Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain: They should be free from greed and financial corruption. They should be able to handle financial matters with honesty and integrity (1 Timothy 3:8).
5. Holding the Mystery of the Faith with a Clear Conscience: Deacons must have a solid understanding of the Gospel. They should also hold firmly to sound Biblical doctrine and live it out with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9).
6. Tested and Proved Blameless: Before being appointed, deacons should be tested and found blameless in their conduct (1 Timothy 3:10).
7. Faithful in Marriage and Managing Their Children Well: Similar to elders, deacons must be faithful to their spouses and committed to their marriage. In addition, they should also be able to manage their children and household well (1 Timothy 3:12).

Conclusion

The qualifications for elders and pastors are not merely suggestions but divine requirements that reflect God’s holiness and the seriousness of shepherding His people. They also serve as qualities that we should look for in the leadership of a church. This means that we should be wary of coming under the leadership of pastors who are disqualified. 

Just like the Bishop we discussed at the beginning, many of the false teachers that hold much sway in the church today do not meet the qualifications for elders and deacons as outlined in Scripture. But because most of their followers are oblivious to these requirements, they follow them blindly. As a result, many are abused, exploited, manipulated, and used by these false men of God.

Like the Corinthian church, they bear with false teachers and prophets who make slaves of them, devour them, take advantage of them, or slap them in the face (2 Corinthians 11:20). Yet God has already pointed out the kind of church leaders we should submit to; leaders who use their authority with humility and a gentle, caring spirit for God’s people. As 1 Peter 5:2-4 says:

"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

I pray and hope that this post has armed you with the knowledge to discern true men of God from those masquerading as servants of righteousness. In doing so, we will protect ourselves and loved ones from the harm caused by unqualified leaders and ensure that we are members of churches led by leaders who truly honor God and care for His people.

Related: Spiritual Authority: Is the Spiritual Father or Mother Doctrine Biblical?