Opinions : Five things to look for in a pastor

By Jim Daly .October is Clergy Appreciation Month, a time when Christians are encouraged to express gratitude to their pastors, ministers and leaders.But the subject gives rise to a question:What makes a pastor a leader you can trust and follow and ultimately appreciate, not just every October but the other eleven months of the year?I'm sure we all have our "non-negotiable" characteristics.I've come up with a list of five things (based on Scriptures found in Titus and 1 Timothy 3) that I think Christians may want to look for in a pastor. I feel very blessed to know that the pastors I've had the privilege of sitting under through the years all possessed these qualities.

1. Boldly teaches God's Word.

Being a capable public speaker is important, but even more than that, a good pastor is concerned about teaching his congregation solid doctrine. He teaches "all Scripture" – that is, he doesn't skip over the tough or unpopular ve
rses in the Bible. His commitment to truth is evident.
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