What are the Characteristics of a True Pastor?
- Pastor Rojas+
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
The role of a pastor is not merely a profession but a divine calling, requiring deep theological conviction, unwavering faith, and a commitment to God’s truth. A true pastor is not defined by academic credentials or outward appearances but by the spiritual disposition given by the Holy Spirit. At the heart of this vocation is theological habitus—a divinely imparted ability that shapes a pastor’s understanding and proclamation of the faith. This post outlines the key characteristics of a faithful pastor, substantiated by Scripture.
I. HAVING FAITH
The most fundamental requirement of a true pastor is faith. Theology is not merely an intellectual discipline but a spiritual pursuit that demands personal belief in the doctrines of Scripture. A pastor must not only comprehend biblical truths but also be firmly rooted in them. Without faith, theological knowledge remains superficial and ineffective.
Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
2 Corinthians 4:13 – “Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, ‘I believed, and so I spoke,’ we also believe, and so we also speak.”
A pastor who lacks genuine faith in Christ may still articulate doctrine, but his understanding remains intellectual rather than spiritual. Unfortunately, some occupy pastoral positions not because they have been truly called, but because God permits it. However, their personal unbelief presents a serious problem, as faith is the very foundation of Christian ministry.
Romans 10:9-10 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
II. BEING FAITHFUL
A faithful pastor upholds the purity of God’s Word, resisting the temptation to dilute or modify biblical truth to accommodate cultural trends or personal opinions. His responsibility is to proclaim Scripture as it is, without addition or alteration.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 – “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.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Pastors who compromise doctrine in an attempt to make Christianity more palatable fail in their calling. The authority of a pastor rests not in human wisdom but in the Word of God.
III. TEACHING THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD
A pastor must not selectively preach only what is comforting or socially acceptable. His duty is to declare the full scope of biblical revelation, including both the Law and the Gospel. Avoiding difficult doctrines for the sake of approval is a betrayal of his calling.
Acts 20:27 – “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Faithful pastoral ministry requires proclaiming both the love of God and His righteousness, ensuring that believers receive a complete and balanced understanding of Scripture.
IV. REFUTING FALSE TEACHERS
A pastor is called not only to teach the truth but also to refute error. Scripture commands believers to contend for the faith and to stand against false teachings that threaten the integrity of the Church.
Jude 1:3 – “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Titus 1:9 – “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.”
While unnecessary division in the Church is sinful, tolerating false doctrine for the sake of unity is equally dangerous. A faithful pastor does not shrink from exposing error, as failing to do so allows heresy to corrupt the body of Christ.
Galatians 1:8 – “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
V. WILLINGESS TO SUFFER FOR THE GOSPEL
True pastoral ministry requires a willingness to endure hardship. A pastor who prioritizes personal comfort and social acceptance will inevitably compromise biblical truth. Jesus warned that suffering is an inevitable consequence of faithful discipleship.
2 Timothy 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
John 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
History demonstrates that those who stand for the truth often face rejection, loss of reputation, and even physical persecution. A pastor must be prepared to endure these trials, recognizing that suffering for Christ is a mark of true discipleship.
Matthew 16:24-25 – “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”