The Type of Church You Want to Join - Part 2

The decision to join a church body is an important one. What does the Scripture say about choosing a church? Pastor Mike Knight examines the Scriptural qualifications for a pastor in Part 2 of the sermon "The Type of Church You Want to Join."

To listen to part one, please follow this link. 

Epaphras was saved under the ministry of the Apostle Paul and became the faithful pastor of the church at Colossae. 

4. It was a church led by a faithful pastor. (Colossians 1:7)
- Paul commends Epaphras’ Gospel-centered ministry. 
- Paul condemns any other message declared other than the Gospel
message.
- Paul conveys that disapproval of Epaphras was disapproval of Paul.

The Qualifications of a Pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7):

• The pastor is above reproach. (1 Timothy 3:2)
• The pastor is the husband of one wife. He is faithful in thought and action. 
• The pastor is a man. (1 Timothy 2:12)
• The pastor is temperate. (1 Timothy 3:2)
• The pastor is hospitable. 
• The pastor is able to teach. 
• The pastor is not controlled by other substances. (1 Timothy 3:3)
• The pastor is peaceable.
• The pastor is not materialistic.
• The pastor leads his family toward salvation and sanctification. (1 Timothy 3:4) 
• The pastor is orderly in his household affairs. (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
• The pastor is a mature believer. (1 Timothy 3:6)
• The pastor has a good testimony in his unbelieving community. (1 Timothy 3:7)

First Corinthians 2:1-5 describes the goal of a faithful pastor. If you have a faithful pastor, love him and join hands with him in the advance of the Gospel. 

How do you know what kind of a church to join? Find one with a faithful pastor!