Training Leaders
How can I decide whether or not I should be a pastor?
9MarksTraditionally, Christians have referred to two kinds of “call” a man must experience before entering the pastorate: an internal call and an external call. While the word “call” is potentially misleading, the basic idea is right. Before becoming a pastor, a person should both desire to do the work and receive confirmation from a church. Part of doing both involves considering the biblical qualifications of an elder.
Does a pastor have to be “called” by God?
9MarksOn the one hand, there seems to be no biblical indication that the New Testament office of elder or pastor requires a special “calling.”
How can I do seminary well?
9MarksWhat are some practical ways a pastor can train younger men for ministry?
9MarksWhy should pastors personally disciple men who are potential church leaders?
9MarksWhat are warning flags to watch out for when considering a man as a potential elder?
9MarksIn general, a church should not affirm any man as an elder who does not meet the biblical qualifications laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Here are several warning flags which a church should heed:
Apart from the explicit biblical qualifications, are there other important matters to keep in mind when considering a potential elder?
9MarksA man may appear to meet the biblical qualifications yet still be an unwise selection as an elder for a number of reasons: