10 Biblical Traits of a Godly Pastor

Both lists in these epistles start with the same trait – blamelessness. Many versions translate this quality in 1 Timothy 3:2 as “above reproach,” including the NIV and ESV. Other versions, such as the KJV and ISV prefer the word “blameless,” which concurs with Titus 1:6.

Regardless of the exact choice of words, the trait is the same. A pastor/elder/overseer/bishop is meant to live in such a way that no one can find fault with him. This is not in the sense of being outwardly pious while inwardly inflamed with sin. Jesus warned about teachers who were like wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). And even Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Blameless or above reproach means that those who genuinely know the pastor, and are observing him daily, would testify that he is living rightly before God and neighbor. There are no hidden sins or scandals. As the Amplified Bible translates this verse: a pastor must be “a man of unquestionable integrity” (Titus 1:6).

2. Faithful to One Wife

Among Christians, there is the discussion of whether women can biblically fill the role of a pastor. Answering that question is not the aim of this article. What we do know from Scripture, though, is that the overseer or leader of the church should be faithful to his wife (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). He should not commit adultery or practice polygamy. Many commentators agree that divorced individuals are excluded from the pastorate, though there are varying interpretations.

Debate also exists about whether overseers should be married or single. The wider teaching of Scripture offers more insight since it provides examples of both: Peter was married and was a leading Apostle in the church (1 Corinthians 9:5), while Paul, who was also a leading Apostle, was single (1 Corinthians 7:7). Timothy, too, was a single man serving in ministry. The general guidelines, though, assumes that the overseer or pastor is married and devoted to his wife.

We can understand the importance of this trait better if we consider Jesus’ relationship to the church. He does not have multiple brides, but only one – the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). As under shepherds following Jesus’ example, pastors are meant to be devoted to one wife. For in this way, they uphold the picture of Jesus’ love for His church.

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Although these traits are distinct, there is interplay between them (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). A temperate, or well-balanced, man will be more inclined to practice self-control. He will not speak rashly or unwisely act on impulse. Instead, he will reply and make decisions with sober judgment.

Temperance and self-control are also related to gentleness. Someone who can control their words and anger will not be given to violence (1 Timothy 3:3). He will instead be gentle. We should take note of how a church leader treats others because traits of a good pastor are kindness and care. Aggression and excessiveness have no place in an overseer’s life.

Such qualities seem counterintuitive in a world that emphasizes large personalities that tend toward extravagance. But the Bible shows us that a man who wants to feed and care for the flock of God must be gentle, level-headed, and able to control himself. Our Savior, after all, gave Himself for His sheep and cares for them with tenderness and love (John 10:11).

4. Respectable

A trait that many of us long to see in modern day pastors is respectability (1 Timothy 3:2). As Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers notes, the Greek word used in the Bible refers to orderliness in behavior. The overseer or elder should be known for consistently doing good and following the Lord. He does not act one way in church and another in private.

Not only should those of the church recognize his orderly behavior, but he should have a positive reputation with non-believers. As Paul elaborated in 1 Timothy 3:7, “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” All who know him should see the outward evidence of the Lord’s work in his life.

Pastors living in scandal, and being known for sinful actions, are foreign to the biblical qualifications of a Christ-honoring church leader. None of us are immune from the temptations of sin. However, pastors are expected to be models of respectable behavior. And they will be held to higher standards at the final judgment – a solemn warning to those considering leadership in ministry (James 3:1).

Aspiring to be an overseer is a noble, but serious task (1 Timothy 3:1). No one should take the responsibility lightly.

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Lots of us commonly think of hospitality as something only certain people do – like homemakers who create a life-giving environment for family and friends. Welcoming others, though, is not just for those who have a nice house or who can cook a gourmet dinner. All believers are called to show hospitality, including pastors (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:2).

Being hospitable is more about a person’s heart stance than their home. This person seeks to be friendly and welcoming to others, especially to strangers. The Literal Standard Version captures this sense well by saying that an overseer is “a friend of strangers” (1 Timothy 3:2). A pastor shows hospitality to believers and those outside the church, caring for them as a friend would.

The early church relied on the hospitality of individuals, who opened their homes to other believers and to pastors. For example, Lydia invited Paul and Silas to stay with her while they were ministering in Philippi (Acts 16:15). Gaius, another believer mentioned in the New Testament, opened his home to fellow Christians when others, like Diotrephes, would not (3 John 5-10). When individuals refused to show hospitality, it hindered the ministry and revealed a spirit of self-centeredness.

A good pastor will make people feel at ease and included, whether at church or in everyday conversations. Friend or stranger, he will welcome them.

6. Able to Teach

Pastors must be teachers because the role inherently involves instructing and guiding others. The Apostle Paul connects these roles in building up the church and equipping other believers for service (see Ephesians 4:11-13). To be a pastor is to be a teacher. We should understand, then, why Paul emphasizes that the individual aspiring to be an overseer should be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2).

To effectively instruct others, they must have a strong grasp of biblical truth. As Paul told Titus, an elder “must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9). Correct teaching starts with a thorough understanding of God’s Word.

A good pastor makes biblical truth understandable to others so they can apply it to their lives. Pastors do this through careful study of Scripture, but also by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, for He is the One who gives the gift of teaching (1 Corinthians 12:4). Humbleness and submission to the Holy Spirit are vital in the life of an overseer.

Therefore, a pastor who is following the Lord will rely on the Spirit, not his own ability, to instruct and guide the congregation of believers that God has entrusted to him.

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Entire debates exist over whether believers should drink alcohol or not. Christians have freedom to choose based on individual conscience. What all believers are warned against, though, is drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). It is one thing to appreciate a glass of wine, but it is an entirely different issue to get addicted to alcohol and regularly become intoxicated.

This is true for pastors as well. Paul told Timothy and Titus that an overseer or elder should not be given to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Such behavior shows that the individual lacks self-control – He is a slave to the bottle.

Interestingly, the list of traits in the letter to Titus sandwiches intoxication with other negative qualities, such as being quick-tempered and violent. Alcohol does not always lead to violence. However, consistent drunkenness often promotes aggressive behaviors and poor decision making. None of these traits have a place in the life of a shepherd of Christ’s church.

Although individual churches may have their own standards about whether those in ministry should be allowed to drink, all believers should recognize that a good pastor will be filled with the Spirit, not drunk with alcohol.

8. Not a Lover of Money

Like alcohol, money has the potential to be an enslaving force in a believer’s life. Scripture teaches that money is the root of many evils, and that we should guard ourselves against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). None of us can serve Jesus while at the same time devoting ourselves to amassing wealth (Matthew 6:24).

Being a lover of money excludes a believer from being a pastor – and for good reason (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 5:2). As the Bible shows, the unquenchable desire for riches only leads to sin and harm. Having a greedy leader in a church would undermine the flourishing of the Body of Christ. Instead of focusing on the spiritual health of believers, their eyes are on the state of their bank account.

Lots of people might assume that this qualification is a given since the average pastor lives on a modest salary. But there are many pastors who do make large sums. Such amounts would be tempting for those hungry for wealth and could become a driving force for pursuing an overseer role. Hence, churches need to listen to Paul’s warning against appointing a man who is greedy.

A godly pastor should be known for generosity, not stinginess.

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Think of a man whose family is unruly. His kids do not listen to him. They run wild while the father yells and threatens punishment. This man has no idea how to guide or care for his family. Would such a man be a wise choice for the position of overseer at a church?

Scripture provides the answer: No.

If a man cannot shepherd his family, then he will not be able to shepherd the flock of God, which is the purpose of being a pastor (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6; see also Acts 20:28). He should be respected and should act in a way that is respectable – including when he is directing his children. A man who is managing his children well, so that they are not disobedient or wild, will have the characteristics needed to manage a congregation well. He will be qualified to manage “God’s household” (Titus 1:7).

Elders or overseers have been appointed to care for the church. Their role involves guiding believers and preparing them for service. What better way to see evidence of their ability to do this than within their households. A faithful father and husband who is devoted to honoring God through how he manages his family is a candidate for a pastoral position.

10. Not a Recent Convert

New believers can and should participate in serving the Lord. Opportunities abound to share their testimony with others, speak about the good news of Jesus, and get involved with a local church. However, new believers are still growing. They are not yet ready to assume the role of a teacher or leader.

Paul instructed Timothy that an overseer “must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6). The devil stands condemned because of his excessive pride. A similar temptation can occur if a new believer assumes a leadership position. He could become puffed up and fall into sin.

Of course, this does not necessarily mean that all younger men are exempt from a leadership position in ministry. Timothy was young and Paul reminded him that he could set an example through his life to other believers (1 Timothy 4:12). People could witness his mature faith through the way he communicated, loved others, acted in faithfulness and in purity. Maturity in faith, not age, is what Paul emphasized.

The candidate for a pastoral role should have followed the Lord for a length of time and have evidence of spiritual growth in his life.

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