Five Tests for Wannabe Pastors/Elders/Church Planters

Here are five tests we use at Coram Deo and within Acts 29 to determine whether a man is called, gifted, and qualified to be a pastor/elder.

• The Faithfulness Test (Luke 16:10) – have you proven faithful and fruitful over time in ministry and leadership? Have you established an observable track record of faithfulness to Jesus, steady leadership in your family, and gospel influence on people?
• The Holy Spirit Test (1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Peter 5:2) – has the Holy Spirit given you a desire to shepherd the flock of God? Has He affirmed this desire and confirmed your calling through the counsel of wise mentors and spiritual leaders?
• The Competence Test (Titus 1:5-9) – are you willing to put in the hard work, study, work, and preparation it will take in order to meet the rigorous biblical criteria for eldership? Are you willing to submit yourself to assessment and development?
• The Compatibility Test (Galatians 2:7-8) – are you compatible with our unique context, DNA, and distinctives? (It’s possible for a man to be godly, faithful, called, and competent, but still not a good fit for the particular ministry and mission God has called our church to).
• The Assessment Test (1 Timothy 3:4-10; Proverbs 22:1) – does your life stand up under scrutiny? Do you have a good and godly reputation among both Christians and non-Christians? Do your spouse, your kids, and your peers willingly follow your leadership and respect your character?