While it is certainly true that Paul did, in fact say:
1 Tim 3
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Therefore an overseer[a] must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,[b] sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
It is important to bear in mind that it was the very same Apostle who said:
Eph_4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
1Co_12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
And we find this warning in James:
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
It is readily apparent from scripture that the office of the Pastor is not something one can simply presume to place himself in. It is a divine calling and appointment not to be sought out lightly. There are many saints in the Church who serve vital functions in the Body and often minister powerfully in the Gifts. That does not necessarily qualify them to Pastor. Those whom God calls He will qualify, for they will, if serious, be diligent to show themselves approved unto God.
That being said, I do find it sad that a given Church would have to seek beyond its own walls for qualified leadership. It is the function of the "five-fold ministry" to equip the saints for the work of ministry.
Thankfully, there is a movement in the Body of Christ that is taking Church beyond the four walls and to the people. The Saints Movement is coming and it is coming fast. Our traditional models are going to be challenged in the coming days. The result will not be well received by many. It will be a real heart check!
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