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In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, we are presented with the qualifications of an overseer (pastor/elder).  There are three ways to apply this passage.  The first way is for the man who aspires to become a pastor; it gives him a list of qualifications to judge his readiness.  The second is that it gives any church looking to add a pastor a clear list of qualifications.  Praise God that He chose, in His infinite wisdom, to take the guesswork out of who should be a pastor and gave us a clear list of qualifications!

While the list in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is targeted at pastors, all the qualifications (other than aspiration to become a pastor) can be seen elsewhere in Scripture as describing a standard of maturity for all Christians. As Christians, these qualities should be something we strive for as we live out our lives in Christ. This is the third way to apply this passage.

As an example, pastors are “to be above reproach” (1 Tim 3:1), yet all Christians are called “… to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15). Pastors are called to be “not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:4), and all Christians are called “to make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). 

Below is a list* of the qualifications of a pastor with a corresponding passage showing how that qualification applies to all of us as Christians. The list is a sobering reminder that all of us are called to maturity, not just our pastors.  Where do you need help in maturing?  How can we help one another mature in all of these qualities?

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:18)

Above Reproach - Phil 2:15, 1 Tim 5:7              Prudent/Sensible - Pr 27:12, Mt 25:1-13

Good Reputation -1 Pe 2:12                           Self-Controlled - Gal 5:23, 2 Pe 1:6

Respectable - 1 Tim 2:9                                 Temperate - Ti 2:2

Devout - 1 Th 2:10, Jas 1:27                             Not a New Convert - Heb 5:12-14

Upright - 1 Th 2:10, Phil 3:17                           Not a Drunkard - Ep 5:18, Pr 20:1

An Example - 1 Th 1:7, 1 Tim 4:12                     Not Greedy - 1 Tim 6:10, Heb 13:5

Faithful to the Word - Heb 4:1-2                     Hospitable - Ro 12:13, Heb 13:2

Able to Teach - Heb 5:12                                Gentle - Gal 5:23

Exhort Doctrine - Heb 5:12, Col 3:16                 Not Lording - Phil 2:3-7, Mt 20:26

Refute Error - Gal 1:6-7, Ep 4:14-15                   Not Quarrelsome - Col 3:8, Jas 1:19-20

One-Woman Man - Mt 19:4-9, Ep 5:25-33         Not Quick-Tempered - Col 3:8, Jas 1:19

Children Behaved - Ep 6:4                              Not Self-Willed - Mt 26:39, Eph 5:1

Manage Household - Ep 6:4                           Not Violent - Gal 5:22-23, Mt 5:39

Lover of Good - Phil 4:8                                              

*This list is taken from Spiritual Maturity based on Qualifications for Elders