We all have had pastors pray for us, but have you ever prayed for your pastor? Your pastor or pastoral staff is a target, and they need your prayers.
In the Book of Titus, the Apostle Paul tells Titus to appoint other pastors on the island of Crete. He gives him a description of the qualities the pastors must exhibit. God expects pastors to lead with integrity within the home (Titus 1:6), community (Titus 1:7-8), and church (Titus 1:9).
I would encourage you to take your time and pray for one of your pastors through every line on this list. It’s a great way to allow God’s Word to direct your prayers and gives you a specific list of qualities to pray to be evident with your pastor’s life.
- The Home (v.6)
- Above reproach – morally upright
- Husband of one wife – one woman man
- Children are believers are not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination – good father who disciples children
- The Community (v.7-8)
- For an overseer, as God’s steward must be above reproach – striving for ethical purity
- Not be arrogant – not all about himself
- Not be quick-tempered – keep calm
- Not be a drunkard – guided by Spirit and not by drink
- Not be violent – physically or verbally
- Not be greedy for gain – any type of gain
- Hospitable – around people and invests in people
- A lover of good – passionate about seeing things done right
- Self-controlled – not a loose cannon
- Upright – doing things in a right manner
- Holy – set apart for this work
- Disciplined – able to work on what he needs to work on for improvement
- The Church (v.9)
- He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught – student of the Word
- so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine – preach and teach well
- and also to rebuke those who contradict it – bold enough to rebuke the church when they are being led astray
Would you pray this over a pastor today?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
