Pastor Ordination: A Guide for the Church

What is a pastor?

The word pastor is derived from the Greek word poimen, which means "shepherd." While this familiar term is mentioned only once in the New Testament, other terms are used which refer to this office, such as episkopos, which means "overseer," or presbuteros, which means "elder." The New Testament mentions these terms and their function frequently, although perhaps the clearest description of the function of a pastor can be found in 1 Peter 5:2-5, which states a pastor's responsibility is to shepherd the flock of God by exercising oversight under the headship of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

What are the qualifications of a pastor?

The Apostle Paul makes clear in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 a list of qualifications a man must meet to be appointed a pastor. It is important to note that these qualifications are largely indicative of how every Christian should live. Since pastors and deacons are ones who lead by example, it is apparent why the Scripture delineates several qualifications. 

According to 1 Timothy 3, the pastoral office is a noble task. Therefore, a pastor must be above reproach, be dependable, and honest, be temperate in living, be without greed, be the husband of one wife who herself is above reproach, be one who manages and cares well for his family, be a spiritually mature Christian who is not a recent convert, and be one who holds firm to the trustworthy Word as taught. 

In addition, one distinguishable qualification of a pastor is the ability to teach sound doctrine. Therefore, a pastor must have a robust understanding of biblical doctrines and an accompanying competence to preach the full counsel of God's Word. 

What is pastor ordination?

When a candidate for ordination is fully examined and questioned for the purpose of ascertaining a call to vocational ministry and found to meet the qualifications as outline in Scripture, the church publicly recognizes them in a special service, whereby they are "ordained" or officially appointed and set apart as one called by God and qualified for pastoral ministry. Following the percent set by the Apostles, such as Acts 13:3, the pastor and other previously ordained men will lay their hands upon these men and pray for them. The ordination service is very special, not only for the ones being ordained but also for the congregation as a whole, as the church celebrates God's provision of faithful, servant leadership.