A healthy pastor is one who is anchored in the call of God, enjoys a consistent walk with the Lord, casts a compelling vision for the church, develops compassionate relationships, demonstrates competency in ministry, and growing in Christ-like character.
- Anchored in the call of God:
- Lives with a clear sense of God’s purpose for his life.
- Possesses a holy desire for preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry.
- Displays the gifts for preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry affirmed by the church.
- Evidences a love for the spiritual welfare of others.
- Perseveres because of an overwhelming understanding of God’s call and the desire to please and glorify Him above all.
- Enjoys a consistent walk with the Lord:
- Maintains a consistent and joyful daily devotional life of Bible reading and prayer.
- Memorizes Scripture on a regular basis.
- Enjoys an intimate relationship of abiding in Christ.
- Walks in the Spirit.
- Recognizes spiritual warfare and puts on the whole armor of God.
- Maintains emotional well being.
- Practices personal financial management and biblical stewardship.
- Maintains a healthy body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Lives with a deep sense of commitment to the Lordship of Jesus.
- Casts a compelling vision for the church:
- Has a biblical vision and burden for where the church needs to go and for the expansion of the Kingdom.
- Is fueled by a passion for the future of the church.
- Leads the church in developing a written vision statement
- Effectively communicates the vision and inspires others in the direction of the vision.
- Develops compassionate relationships:
- Loves his wife as Christ loves the church and gave Himself for it.
- Spends regular quality time with his wife.
- Brings his children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and does not exasperate them.
- Develops meaningful friendships within the church.
- Maintains meaningful friendships with other pastors.
- Builds friendships with unbelievers to effectively share the Gospel with them.
- Demonstrates competency in ministry
- Faithfully studies and interprets the Bible and applies it to life.
- Strives to keep the Scriptures as the foundation of ministry.
- Communicates biblical truth effectively through preaching and teaching.
- Exercises administrative skill in strategic planning, organization, and leading the church.
- Provides loving pastoral care for those who are hurting.
- Equips others for involvement in the ministry of the church.
- Works well with others.
- Guides the church and individuals in conflict resolution.
- Leads the church in and effective evangelism, missions, and disciple making.
- Growing in Christ-like character:
- Lives above reproach in conduct and character.
- Stays accountable to godly friends/wife.
- Displays humility and sacrificial love for those in the church.
- Exhibits the fruit of the Spirit.
- Leads with a servant spirit.
- Forgives others when wronged.
- Focuses on Jesus in life and ministry instead of on self.
- Seeks to glorify God in all areas of life.