(The following is the September 27 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 3 and pay close attention to verses 1-7.)

Leading a church is meaningful work with eternal impact. Not everyone is qualified or called to the task. Paul lists the qualifications for men who serve as “overseers” – a word used interchangeably with “elder.” The role refers to those shepherding the church through spiritual leadership. A pastor is one such person, but not the only one in a church that follows the New Testament model of having a plurality of elders. The following qualifications are from 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Titus 1:6-9 adds others.

• Must be above reproach
• The husband of one wife
• Self-controlled
• Sensible
• Respectable
• Hospitable
• Able to teach
• Not an excessive drinker
• Not a bully but gentle
• Not quarrelsome
• Not greedy
• Must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity
• Must not be a new convert
• Must have a good reputation among outsiders

We can assume the person is a firm believer with sound doctrine.   We are blessed if our pastors and elders meet these qualifications. May we love and honor them and follow their spiritual leadership.

Next Step:
How do your pastors and elders measure up to these qualifications? Pray often for them. Ask them how you can best support them.