by jimwalton » Wed Jun 25, 2014 11:41 am
Absolutely it is. A pastor, by biblical definition, is someone who holds to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Tim. 3.9), who holds firmly to the trustworthy message [of the Bible] as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1.9). A pastor must have an allegiance to Christ, a dedication to the truth of God as revealed in the Bible and in Jesus, and a life of moral integrity. Anyone who abandons the faith also relinquishes their position of leadership to shepherd people in that faith.