Pastor Search…
This summer, one of our elders and his family will be moving out of the country. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them and partnering with them in a new service for the Lord.
So, how should we attempt to search for another pastor/elder? (We use the terms “pastor” and “elder” interchangeably. Some of our brothers and sisters prefer the term “pastor”; some prefer “elder”. I prefer “elder”, since it is the term that Scripture uses most often. However, “pastor” is also a scriptural term. We do not use the term “senior pastor.” We do have a senior pastor… his name is Jesus Christ.)
Scripture does not tell us exactly how to “select” pastors/elders. We have decided to allow the Holy Spirit to make the final decision. We believe that he will reveal his will to the body. We are adhering to the following scriptural guidelines:
1) He must meet the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
2) He must be recognized by others in the body as a shepherd, teacher, and example (1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:7,17)
3) He must desire to serve the Lord and the body as a pastor/elder (1 Timothy 3:1)