An Overseer must have the DESIRE, CHARACTER, DILIGENCE, EXPERIENCE, REPUTATION, and GIFTEDNESS necessary to fulfill the noble task of shepherding the flock of God that He obtained with His own blood.

INTRODUCTION

I) The words Overseer, Elder, and Pastor are used interchangeably in the New Testament (1 Peter 5:1-2)

II) There must be a plurality of Pastors (Acts 20:17)

III) Pastors must train up pastors (2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5)

IV) Women are not pastors (1 Timothy 2:12)

V) Pastors must meet the God-breathed qualifications and be appointed by Pastors (Titus 1:5, 1 Timothy 4:4; 1 Timothy 5:22; Acts 13:3)

I. AN OVERSEER MUST HAVE THE DESIRE NECESSARY TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (v. 1)

II. AN OVERSEER MUST HAVE THE CHARACTER NECESSARY TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (v. 2-3)

III. AN OVERSEER MUST HAVE THE DILIGENCE NECESSARY TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (v. 4-5)

IV. AN OVERSEER MUST HAVE THE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (v. 6)

V. AN OVERSEER MUST HAVE THE REPUTATION NECESSARY TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (v. 7)

VI. AN OVERSEER MUST HAVE THE GIFTEDNESS NECESSARY TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (v. 2)