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 to 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 (I Timothy 3:15).

The reason for this, Paul says, is that the church is the very “household of God...the church of the Living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (I Timothy 3:15). Paul had (and so should we) an exalted view and vision for the church as the people of God (I Peter 2:10), the new Israel of God (Galatians 6:16, I Peter 2:9), the temple of God (I Corinthians 3:16), and the pillar and foundation of the great truths of the Gospel (I Timothy 3:15). Therefore, it is imperative that those men who lead the people of God meet the high qualifications listed by Paul in I Timothy and Titus. Furthermore, Paul warned of “savage wolves” that “will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29, 31). Strong spiritual men are needed to protect the “flock” of God against such attacks.

Finally, Jesus entrusted the church with the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19), meaning that by the preaching of the Word and the exercise of church discipline, the church leadership has the authority to receive people into the visible kingdom of God, as well as put people outside the visible kingdom, if necessary. Hence, spiritually wise, discerning men are needed for this important responsibility. Elder election is not to be taken lightly.

The Role of Elders in the Church

Elders and deacons are responsible to lead Christ’s church, and as such, both are called to high standards. The character qualifications and doctrinal affirmations for both offices are identical. Further, they should all support the vision and values of the church. However, there are distinctions in their respective roles, which must be understood as one prayerfully considers nominating a qualified man to the appropriate office.

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.

The Qualifications for Elders in the Church

The qualifications for 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 nominee. That is, a man should already be demonstrating the traits of an elder before he is nominated. One should not nominate a man merely on the hope that he will develop these characteristics following his election or that he would “grow into the office.” Generally, and briefly, the qualifications are as follows:

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.

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.

Temperate: Is the candidate self-controlled in all areas of his life? Does he over- indulge himself in any area?

Prudent: Is the candidate a good thinker, reasonable, and wise?

Respectable: Is the candidate respected by his peers, and is he a good model of a Christian for others?

Hospitable: Literally means “loving strangers.” Does he meet people well, and is his home open to minister to Christians, as well as non-Christians?

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.

Not addicted to wine: Does he have any habits he cannot control, particularly in the area of food and drink?

Not pugnacious: Is he prone to fighting and arguing with family or friends?

Gentle, not contentious: The antithesis of pugnacious, having to do with an evenness of temper, and a reasonable, teachable spirit.

Free from the love of money: Is the accumulation of material wealth a primary motivation and object of concern for this candidate?

Manages his household well: Much could be said here, but basically it deals with the man’s ability to lead his wife, to teach his children the truths of Scripture, and to have the respect of both his wife and children.

Not a new convert: Paul says new believers in leadership are especially prone to Satanic attacks and resultant harm or scandal.

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?

Note: The Presbyterian Church in America believes the office of elder is limited to men, based on our understanding of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This position does not disqualify women from significant positions of church leadership, as is demonstrated in many areas of church life. We greatly appreciate and value the contributions that women make to the ministry.

Nominations will be open from March 12-26 with forms to be filled out in person at church or at electronically here (Link available 12Mar-26Mar).

Training will take place over the course of about 4-6 months and will cover Bible Content, Theology, Denominational polity, church history and pastoral care.

Those who pass training and examination will be eligible to elect.

Elections will occur at a called congregational meeting later in the year.