13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

It is a trustworthy saying: if any one aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.read more.
He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?). He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall into the same condemnation as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God that is under your care, serving as overseersnot under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; not as lording it over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.read more.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might straighten out what was left unfinished, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you, namely, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild or rebellious. For the overseer must be blameless as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not fond of sordid gain,read more.
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to refute those who contradict it.

And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with the blood of his Own. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.read more.
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night and day to admonish each one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

But we ask you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this with joy, and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God that is under your care, serving as overseersnot under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; not as lording it over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

namely, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild or rebellious.

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith.

As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions which had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.