Qualifications of EldersFrom Titus 1:5-9
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
From I Timothy 3:1-7
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Duties of an ElderPray
for the sick. James
5:14 indicates the elders are to be available to pray for the sick. It seems
that such prayer was for extraordinary situations of sickness, and that the
person who was sick was to request the prayer. The elders are to be available
to pray for people. This is a very important part of our ministry to the Body
at NorthWest Bible Church. Resolve
doctrinal issues. In
Acts 15:5-6 we find that certain new believers in the church of Jerusalem
were advocating salvation by grace plus works. The elders had the
responsibility of addressing this growing problem. We are to be men of
scripture who can resolve such matters. Not every elder will be a Bible
scholar, but collectively the Board is to have the ability and willingness to
keep the essential doctrines of the church pure. Sometimes there is debate over
non-doctrinal, yet controversial matters. The elders are to seek resolution on
these as well. Direct the
affairs of the church. First
Timothy 5:17 tells elders to “rule well.” This has to do with overseeing the
general direction of the congregation. This doesn’t mean that the elders are to
be micromanagers, but in a broad sense they guide the church’s ministry. Also,
this does not dismiss the opinions and resources of the congregation. Elders
lead, but if they are wise overseers they listen to the counsel of the church
membership! Shepherd the
flock. First
Peter 5:2 and Acts 20:28 speak to this. Shepherding involves monitoring the
needs of the congregation, encouraging the hurting, picking up the fallen,
securing the weak, and reinforcing the strong. Sometimes it involves loving
discipline in order to restore those who stray. Often it involves warning of
predators who seek to attack unsuspecting sheep. Exhort with
sound doctrine and refute those who contradict. Titus
1:9 speaks of a willingness on the part of the Elder Board to openly and
actively teach doctrinal orthodoxy. This involves more than sermons and small
group Bible studies. It includes conversations and other informal forums for
instruction. But not only do elders teach what is right, they also point out
what is wrong. They are to refute those that would contradict orthodox
doctrine. Be examples to
the flock. Finally,
elders are to be examples of Christian living. This is found in 1 Peter 5:3.
The command to be examples is in contrast to “lording it over” a congregation.
Elders aren't to lead by power and intimidation. They're not to do what is
often found in the world of business and other secular settings. The elders are
to be examples, and their example is to be Jesus who led with a basin of water
and a towel, washing the disciples’ feet.
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