Qualifications of an Elder

2006-12-07

Qualifications of an Elder

The following is a study of the qualifications for an elder according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (1-19) and Titus 1:6-9 (20-27).

The office of a bishop...is a good work: it is a noble desire to want to be in leadership of the local church, but there are many strict qualifications because of this great responsibility.
Blameless: The elder must be irreproachable and beyond rebuke.
The husband of one wife: By clear implication a man, the elder must be married, not single, divorced or a polygamist.
Vigilant: Alert, and on the watch against those who are out to destroy his people.
Sober: Obviously an elder should not be a drunk, but furthermore, he ought to be discreet and serious.
Of good behavior: These men should stand out among the average person in their actions as well as in character.
Given to hospitality: Such a man seeks out others and freely gives, inviting them into his home and his life.
Apt to teach: The ability to teach is most important because it seems to be the primary function of the elder. Compare the absence of this word when describing the qualities of a deacon in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, and the forbiddance of women to teach men in 1 Timothy 2:12 (cf. Titus 2:3-5).
Not given to wine: The elder should not be one who is dependent on intoxicating drink, or drinks liquor. If we take parallels from the Old Testament priesthood, they should not drink alcoholic beverages at all: “Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean” (Leviticus 10:9-10).
No striker: The elder should not be pugnacious, but a gentle person. The elder should not be one that is so intimidating that he is inapproachable, neither should he be one who gets into fights.
Not greedy of filthy lucre: An elder should not be a greedy for money.
Patient: The elder is patient with people who sin, make mistakes and are slow to learn.
Not a brawler: Peaceable. An elder should know how to handle a disagreement, not by fighting.
Not covetous: Not avaricious, not loving money or greedy for anything. Personal gain is not a quality of an elder.
One that ruleth well his own house: The elder’s household is completely governed by godly relationships, and he is the head of his household.
Having his children in subjection with all gravity: He has raised up his children correctly, which further evidences his ability to shepherd the people of God (cf. 1 Timothy 3:5). The implication is that he actually has children.
Not a novice: He is not to be a new convert, but one who has been grounded in the faith for a long period of time.
Not to be lifted up in pride: The new believer does not understand much depth of the Faith, but will think much of himself after being quickly appointed. One should prove himself before he is appointed in such an important position. Paul likens such a lifting up in pride to the devil (1 Timothy 3:6).
Must have a good report of them which are without: Even non-Christians should know them to be reputable men, so the church will be a good testimony to Christ, and not of the devil.
Steward of God: A steward is as a manager of a household or a public treasurer. God entrusts his people to the elders to rule over His people, His great treasure.
Not self-willed: The elders are not stubborn, and are not motivated by their own ambition. They are not in the ministry to please themselves, but they live for others.
Not soon angry: This is tantamount to being patient and self-controlled.
A lover of good men: The elder loves what is good and those who do good.
Just: The elder is a fair and righteous person; the working of the Spirit in a man’s life that he is walking with God.
Holy: The elder is clearly separate from all uncleanness and worldliness.
Temperate: An elder has his emotions and impulses under control.
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers: He knows and lives out the word so He can help those who seek the Lord and combat false doctrine.

The Benefits of and Problems with Plurality of Leadership

There are many benefits to having a plurality of leadership. First, it is biblical. In Acts 6, the Twelve make a joint decision and Acts 14:23; 15:4; 20:17 all suggest that there is a plurality of leadership in the churches. Plurality of leadership also prevents from one person having all the power (cf. Matthew 23:8-10). Multiple leaders can keep each other accountable. One person also does not have to carry the burden for all (Ecclesiastes 4:8-12). Churches today often only have one pastor, who is often spread too thin in his work.

As for problems with the plurality of leadership, there is always concern that the leadership may not come to a consensus (Acts 15:36-40). Stronger personalities may also dominate those who are more reserved. Most significantly, it is difficult to find many people who fit all of the qualities listed in 1 Timothy 3:1 ff and Titus 1:6-9.