13 Bible Verses about Bishops, Qualifications

The Word is faithful, If anyone desires the office of a bishop, , he desires a difficult ministry. It is expedient, therefore, that the bishop be blameless, the husband of only one wife, vigilant, temperate, of worldly affections mortified, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, not hurtful, not greedy of dishonest gain, but gentle, not contentious, not covetous;read more.
one that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all integrity; (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the congregation of God?) not a novice, lest being puffed up, he fall into judgment of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of those who are outside lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

The elders who are among you I exhort (I am also an elder with them and a witness of the afflictions of the Christ, and also a participant of the glory that shall be revealed). Feed the flock of God which is among you, caring for her, not by force, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with willing desire; and not as having lordship over the heritage of the Lord, but in such a manner as to be examples of the flock.read more.
And when the great Prince of the pastors shall appear, ye shall receive the incorruptible crown of glory.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou should correct that which is lacking and set in place elders in every city, as I had commanded thee: He who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children who can not be accused of dissoluteness, nor insubordinate. For the bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God; not arrogant, not quick to anger, not given to wine, not hurtful, not greedy of dishonest gain,read more.
but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, temperate, just, holy, gentle, holding fast the doctrine according to the faithful word, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

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

Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing, grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among your own selves, men shall arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves.read more.
Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is powerful to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

And we beseech you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you and that you express greater charity unto them for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Listen to your pastors, and do not resist them, for they watch for your souls as those that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.

The elders who are among you I exhort (I am also an elder with them and a witness of the afflictions of the Christ, and also a participant of the glory that shall be revealed). Feed the flock of God which is among you, caring for her, not by force, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with willing desire; and not as having lordship over the heritage of the Lord, but in such a manner as to be examples of the flock.

Let the elders that govern well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.

He who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children who can not be accused of dissoluteness, nor insubordinate.

Remember your pastors, who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation:

And as they went through the cities, they asked them to keep the decrees that had been determined by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the congregation ; and let them pray for him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall cause the one who is sick to be saved, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he shall be forgiven them.