The Importance, Role, & Qualifications of Elders
The Importance Of Electing Qualified Elders
The Apostle Paul teaches us that the desire to serve as an elder in the church is a worthy ambition. He heartily endorses it. He then goes on in I Timothy 3 to explain the demanding requirements needed to be an elder in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. While the ambition of spiritual leadership is a worthy one, it is also not for everyone who desires it. Those who aspire to office in the church must meet high standards and must be first examined and tested.
Question: Why?
Paul says that the church is the very “household of God…the church of the Living God, the pillar and support of the truth”. Paul had (and so should we) an exalted view and vision for the church as the people of God. Furthermore, Paul warned of “savage wolves” that “will come in among you, not sparing the flock… speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Thus, strong spiritual men are needed to protect the “household of God” against such attacks.
Question: What do elders do?
The Role of Elders in the Church
Generally, the elders are called to serve the spiritual needs of the church. As shepherds and pastors of the flock, they must demonstrate mercy and compassion. In their discipling roles, they must exhibit abilities to explain and apply God’s Word. In their policy-making functions, they must show wisdom, discernment, and faith.
Question: How do we know who is qualified to serve as elders?
Qualifications for Elders in the Church
The qualifications for an elder are listed by Paul in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. It is important to remember that these characteristics should be visibly evident in the life of a potential elder. That is, a man should already be demonstrating the traits of an elder before he is nominated for the position. One should not nominate a man merely in the hope that he will develop these characteristics following his election or that he would “grow into the office.” With that being said the qualifications are as follows:
1. Above reproach. Is the candidate living in such a way that no one can point a finger at him for ungodly habits or actions? This is first and foremost, and the following characteristics simply amplify this quality.
2. Husband of one wife. Literally, this means a “one-womaned” man. Is the candidate, if married, a loving and faithful husband; or, if single, is he above reproach in his relationships with members of the opposite sex? The issue here is how many women have his attention, either in thought, word, or deed.
3. Temperate. Is the candidate self-controlled in all areas of his life? Does he over-indulge himself in any area?
4. Prudent. Is the candidate a good thinker, reasonable, and wise?
5. Respectable. Is the candidate respected by his peers, and is he a good model of a
Christian for others?
6. Hospitable. Literally means “loving strangers.” Does he meet people well, and is
his home is open to minister to Christians, as well as non-Christians?
7. Able to teach. This is not the gift of teaching, per se, but an ability to
communicate biblical truth to small groups, large groups, or individuals.
8. Not addicted to wine. Does he have any habits he cannot control, particularly in
the area of food and drink?
9. Not pugnacious. Is he prone to fighting and arguing with family or friends?
10. Gentle, not contentious. The antithesis of pugnacious, having to do with an
evenness of temper, and a reasonable, teachable spirit.
11. Free from the love of money. Is the accumulation of material wealth a primary
motivation and object of concern for this candidate?
12. Manages his household well. Much could be said here, but basically, it deals with
the man’s ability to lead his wife, teach his children the truths of Scripture, and
to have the respect of both his wife and children.
13. Not a new convert. Paul says new believers in leadership are especially prone to
Satanic attacks and resultant harm or scandal.
14. A good reputation with those outside the church. Does the candidate have a
good reputation at his place of employment, in his neighborhood, and at his place of recreation?