Our Graduates

Every member within Reformation Fellowship has completed their graduate studies at Reformation Seminary. For those members who are pastors and elders, they have been examined and ordained by their local churches according to the biblical character required for elders, as demonstrated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

Below is a summarized list of the biblical qualifications of a local church pastor.

1. A Man Called to Ministry: Pastors have been set apart by God and called by the Holy Spirit for the work, sacrifice, and servanthood of ministry (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11).
2. A God-Gloryfying Marriage: Pastors are married men who love their wives as Christ loves the church. He may not have a perfect marriage, but his wife feels cherished and loved, and they both joyfully walk out their biblical roles in an effort to honor God with their marriage (1 Tim 3:2, Titus 1:6).
3. A Father of Obedient & Honoring Children: Pastors are to have children who are not in rebellion to their father’s authority and live in an honorable and respectful manner toward their parents (1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 1:6).
4. A Faithful Undershepherd: Pastors are to demonstrate their ability to care for the responsibilities bestowed upon them by the Lord. That is, they must be faithful stewards of their family, resources, opportunities, and reputation. (Titus 1:7).
5. A Humble Man: Pastors are to be marked by humility not thinking highly of themselves but serving others in light of the grace an mercy of God (Titus 1:7).
6. A Man of Gentleness: Pastors are not to be harsh or violent or rough but gentle with and steady with those under his spiritual care (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7).
7. A Man of Sobriety: Pastors are to be sober not only from substances that seek to rule him but also sober in his thoughts, emotions, and doctrines. He is a rational and level-headed man who is collected even in times of chaos (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7).
8. A Peacemaker: Pastors are not quarrelsome or contentious but men looking to achieve peace through the grace of the Gospel (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7).
9. A Man of Financial Integrity: Pastors are to live a life free from the love of money and demonstrate their ability to manage their financial resources with wisdom (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7).
10. A Lover of Hospitality: Pastors are to be lovers of people, quick to host, and attentive to making people feel welcome (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).
11. A Passion to Teach: Pastors are men who have an intrinsic desire to teach others the Gospel, the Scriptures, and the way of Christ (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9; 2 Tim; 2:15).
12. A Lover of Good: Pastors know what God’s Word defines as good, and then they pursue it and promote it (Titus 1:8)
13. A Man of Self-Control: Pastors demonstrate self-control not only in moments of ease but also in moments of difficulty. That is, they have subjected their sinful desires under the control of the Holy Spirit. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8).
14. An Upright Character: Pastors are men of integrity who are dependable and walk in step with the way of Scripture (Titus 1:8).
15. He Must Live a Devoted and Holy Life: Pastors live a life that looks different than that of the world. That is, their lifestyle is reflective of Scripture, not the culture (Titus 1:8).
16. He Must be Spiritually and Theologically Mature: Pastors are not to be new converts but tested and proven men who know the faith and can lead others toward Christlikeness (1 Tim 3:6; Titus 1:9).
17. Respectable Inside and Outside of the Church: Pastors may not be liked by the people but they are to be respected due to their faithful resolve to conduct themselves in the way of Christ (1 Tim 3:7).
18. A Protector of the Truth: Pastors are men who must know sound doctrine and theology so they are able to correct and cast down heretical lies that creep into the church (Titus 1:9).

Conclusion

Pastors are to walk in the highest character qualifications presented in Scripture. However, this does not mean these men are perfect. They are, as we all know, still fallen men. Nevertheless, they are men, who by the grace of God, are committed to upholding their character that they may faithfully fulfill their ministry and glorify God with their lives.

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