Ebenezer's Pastors

Characteristics of a Pastor

 

The pastor functions as a preacher when he feels a sense of urgency for his church, and when exhorting them to apply the truth he or she has taught. Below are eight characteristics of a pastor that may not be prevalent in the other ministry or office gifts.

 

  1. Pastors must be able to teach.
  2. The pastor's heart is to teach and instruct his people.
  3. In Ephesians 4:11 where it mentions "pastors and teachers" refers to a single gift.
  4. There are teachers in the church who are not pastors, but a pastor is always a teacher.
  5. Pastors must feed the flock. 1 Peter 5:2 says, "Feed the flock of God which is among you."
  6. A teacher may have a specific thrust in their teaching, but a pastor is called to feed the church a balanced diet of the Word.
  7. In Acts 20:27 Paul as an apostle, functioning often as a pastor said, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."  
  8. Good pastors are expositors of the Word and will frequently teach through entire books of the Bible.