1 Timothy 3:1 says that the role of leadership in the church is an “honorable ambition” or a “noble task.” God’s people need shepherds, and God has tasked His shepherds with important work.
If you hope to be an effective pastor, then the best guide will be our Ultimate Shepherd. God’s Word is filled with guidance and wisdom for those who have been called to shepherd and serve their church.
In this article, we will explore 16 essential scriptures on pastoral leadership. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned leader, these scriptures can help strengthen you as you seek to lead with integrity, compassion, and faithfulness. Let’s explore these verses, organized into key areas of pastoral leadership.
All Scripture quotes in this article are from the ESV.
Table of Contents:
The Role of a Pastor
Scripture uses the title “pastor-teacher” to refer to those gifted to shepherd God’s people with a primary emphasis on teaching. This can be seen in the following passages, where Jesus calls Peter to feed His sheep (or teach his people) and where Paul calls for church leaders to equip people for ministry.
John 21:15-17: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
Ephesians 4:11-14: And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…
With these responsibilities in mind, we like to refer to the role of a pastor as a leader-equipper. If the health of the local church is going to be measured by the degree to which believers become mature and equipped followers of Jesus Christ, then someone has to be responsible to ensure that the objective is accomplished–equipping and leading them.
Shepherding and Caring
Central to pastoral leadership is the call to shepherd the flock with compassion and care, following the example of the Good Shepherd. As a pastor, you are a representative of God to the people in your flock. When spiritual leaders tried to lead in a self-serving way, they were frequently condemned in the Bible.
Instead, Jesus calls pastors and leaders to serve their people, rather than lording their power over their flock.
- Ezekiel 34:1-2: The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?”
- Matthew 20:25-28: But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- 1 Peter 5:1-4: So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
These passages inspire leaders to approach their role with eagerness and humility, prioritizing the well-being and spiritual growth of their community.
Calling and Qualifications
Pastoral leadership begins with a calling and requires a deep commitment to live according to the qualifications set forth in Scripture. These passages remind us of the high standards and responsibilities entrusted to those who lead.
- 1 Timothy 3:1-7: The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
- Titus 1:5-9: This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
These scripture passages emphasize the importance of character and integrity in those who lead. The list of character qualities is a long one, and it’s impossible for even the greatest pastors to live these perfectly. Fortunately, this should push leaders closer to Jesus–who works in us to make us better shepherds. You can dive into these verses a bit more in our article, Hiring a Pastor? Here are 3 things to consider.
Teaching and Preaching God’s Word
Pastors are called to teach and preach with clarity and conviction, but it is also important to remember where a pastor’s teaching should focus. People can learn from great teachers in many different situations, but they need pastors who can faithfully teach the Word of God.
- Colossians 1:25-28: …I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 4:1-5: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
These scripture passages remind pastors of the essential role they play in proclaiming the gospel and nurturing the spiritual maturity of their congregations. The world is filled with false messages today, and people are in desperate need of the truth. God’s Word is filled with truth, and it is the best tool available for building mature and equipped followers of Jesus.
Lead by Example
It’s important to practice what you preach, which is why effective pastors also lead by example. As a shepherding pastor and disciple-maker, you’re effectively asking people to follow you. If you want people to follow you, then you need to make sure you’re going in the right direction!
- 1 Timothy 4:12-16: Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
- Philippians 3:17: Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1: Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
These verses encourage leaders to embody the values they preach, inspiring others through their own lives and actions. This is not a call to pastors to be perfect–that would be impossible. Rather, as we pursue Christ we can call others to join us in that walk.
Accountability and Integrity
Maintaining accountability and integrity is crucial for pastoral leaders, who must uphold the trust placed in them by God and their communities. While some may think pastors are exempt from accountability, pastors are human and need biblical accountability to help them maintain integrity. Not only do people look to you as an example, but when pastors commit moral failures churches often suffer greatly.
- James 3:1: Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
- Joshua 1:7-8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
- Hebrews 10:24-25: Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
These passages highlight the weight of responsibility pastors carry and the importance of mutual accountability and encouragement within the body of Christ. Learn more about the need for pastors who lead with integrity.
Conclusion
These scripture passages on pastoral leadership provide a profound foundation for those called to guide, teach, and equip the church community. Reflecting on these passages can inspire and empower pastors to fulfill their calling in a God-honoring way.
Wondering how you can become a more effective teacher-equipper? One who enables his people to do ministry? Check-out our discipleship training program, where we have helped church leaders from all over the world learn how to make and train disciples in a life-transforming way.