13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

It is a faithful saying, If any one desires the episcopacy, he covets a beautiful work. Therefore it behooves the bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, modest, prudent, orderly, hospitable, competent to teach, not given to wine, not a controvertist; but gentle, peaceable, not a money lover;read more.
ruling his own house beautifully; having children in subordination with all gravity; but if any one does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God? not a novice, lest being puffed up he may fall into the condemnation of the devil. But it also behooves him indeed to have a beautiful testimony from the aliens, in order that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Therefore I, being a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, also a communicant of the glory which is about to be revealed, exhort the elders who are among you: shepherdize the flock of God which is among you, not coercively, but willingly, for the sake of God; not for filthy lucre, but cheerfully. Not as domineering over the heritages, but having become examples of the flock:read more.
and chief Shepherd having appeared, you shall receive a crown of glory which will never fade away.

Therefore I left you in Crete, in order that you may set in order remaining things, and establish elders in every city, as I commanded you; if any one is irreproachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in accusation of riot or incorrigible. For it behooves the bishop to be blameless, as the steward of God; not audacious, not irascible, not given to wine, not a controvertist, not fond of filthy lucre;read more.
but hospitable, loving the good, prudent, righteous, holy, temperate; holding that which is according to the teaching of the faithful word, in order that he may be able both to exhort with healthy teaching, and to convict the opposers.

And he gave some, apostles; some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Take heed to yourselves, and all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has placed you shepherds, to shepherdise the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know, that after my departure grievous wolves will rise up against you, not sparing the flock; and men from you yourselves will rise up, speaking perverse things, in order to lead away disciples after them.read more.
Watch therefore, remembering, that three years night and day I ceased not admonishing you with tears. And now I commend you to God and the word of His grace, who is able to edify you, and give you an inheritance among all the sanctified.

But we intreat you, brethren, to know those who are laboring among you, and standing before you in the Lord, and admonishing you; and that you yourselves esteem them exceedingly in divine love for the sake of their work. Live in peace among yourselves.

Obey your leaders, and be submissive: for they are watching for your souls, as they shall give an account that they may do this with joy and not with grief, for this is unprofitable to you.

Therefore I, being a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, also a communicant of the glory which is about to be revealed, exhort the elders who are among you: shepherdize the flock of God which is among you, not coercively, but willingly, for the sake of God; not for filthy lucre, but cheerfully. Not as domineering over the heritages, but having become examples of the flock:

Let the elders who stand before the people beautifully, be considered worthy of double remuneration, especially those laboring in the word and teaching.

if any one is irreproachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in accusation of riot or incorrigible.

Remember your leaders, who spoke to you the word of God: the outgoing of whose deportment seeing, imitate their faith.

And while they were traveling through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees which were adjudicated by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, to keep.

Is any one sick among you? 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. Truly the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; if he may have committed sins, they shall be forgiven unto him.