Tri-Cities Baptist Church

Devout followers of Christ and disconnected nonbelievers alike have a certain picture of what a pastor should be like.  Whether I’m on the golf course, attending a community event, or among “church-people,” the tone of the conversation usually changes when I’m introduced as a preacher or pastor.  People aren’t sure what to call me…Brother? Doctor? Pastor? Mister? Reverend?  Sometimes it’s just “hey you,” which is fine too.  (Actually, “Daryl” works best.)
 
But what should you honestly and biblically expect from a pastor?  All expectations can’t be bad, but which ones are appropriate?  You may have preferences about his age, his experience, his hairstyle, or his attitudes about things that are important to you.  Most of us know preferences can’t be the standard, yet we know there must be some standards.  
 
So what are they?  What standards can you rightly expect of your pastor?  The apostle Paul provides a pretty good framework in 1 Timothy 3.  Peter also has some helpful truths that can inform your expectations.  So here are some basic standards you can expect from “pastor-man”:  
 
·         A Called Man
First Peter 5:2 makes it clear that pastors serve by the “will of God.”  Churches don’t call pastors.  Churches recognize God’s call on a pastor’s life.  

·         A Motivated Man
In 1 Peter 5 and 1 Timothy 3 both Peter and Paul write that a pastor should “aspire” to the office.  He should serve because he has a holy ambition to invest his life in ministry.  No arm-twisting should be required.
 
·         A Proven Man
He is a spiritual man who is characterized by faithfulness at home, in the community, and in the church.  His character is above reproach.  There is no indictable offense in his life.  This is not a requirement for perfection, but his character is without question.


·         A Family Man
He manages his household well.  He is faithful to his wife in every way.  He leads his children according to God’s Word.  His finances are in order.  The home is his priority.  


·         A Bible Man
He walks in an intimate relationship with God.  He studies God’s Word and applies the Bible in daily living.  He is “able to teach” and committed to sound doctrine.  

 
I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking that’s a pretty tall order for any man, and yet God empowers the pastor to fulfill this high calling.  As extensive as these biblical standards are, God has not called a pastor to fulfill your personal preferences.  We don’t support a man because he meets personal, cultural, or extra-biblical expectations.  “Pastor Man” has our support, prayers, and loyalty because he is God’s man prepared for leadership.
 
How can you support and pray for your pastor-man?