God, in His divine wisdom, provided the church with biblical qualifications for eldership. These perfect requirements are detailed by God for our benefit.
However, it's worth noting that God sets these requirements based on attributes already evident within the church. We should never read these passages and conclude they are only for elders. They speak to all of the church.
Therefore we can draw two conclusions:
If you do qualify, it does not mean you should be an elder,
If you do not qualify, it does mean you should not be an elder.
Not every person who meets the qualifications becomes an elder. That might be difficult to accept for some readers. These requirements are not evidence of a unique calling to lead a church; they are the foundations for all believers.
With that in mind, I'll explain what an elder is and their requirements.
What is an elder in the church?
An elder is a mature Christian that is gifted by God and appointed to lead a church. They are also known as pastors, shepherds, or overseers. It is a role dedicated to the care of the church.
There are three distinct Greek words used by Paul, but one pastoral ministry. Whichever name you choose, the role of an elder is to protect and to guide God's people in many spiritual matters.
Consider both passages and the requirements. Pay attention to Paul's reasoning and how it might be helpful for the church:
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1-7
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 1:5-9
What are the qualifications of an elder?
In the passage to Titus, Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders. Does that mean an elder must be appointed by Titus or Paul? Of course not.
These qualifications are a minimum requirement. If a person fails in any of these areas, they do not qualify for a role of eldership.
Reading Paul's epistle, we can categorise the qualifications for eldership as follows:
An elder must be a man.
An elder must be godly.
An elder must be faithful.
An elder must be able to teach.
An elder must be a man
A hot topic in its own right, this passage implies that an elder must be a man. In both epistles the requirement states an overseer is the 'husband of one wife'.
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife
1 Timothy 3:2a ESV
if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
Titus 1:6 ESV
Furthermore, an elder must be able to teach:
sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
1 Timothy 3:2b ESV
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9 ESV
However, Paul writes that he does not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:12). If a woman is not permitted to teach, it would logically follow that she couldn't hold an office that requires teaching.
There are many criticisms raised against this perspective, but they fail to convince me. You can read more in my article on what the bible says about female pastors.
An elder must be godly
Throughout both passages, Paul highlights the character of an elder. However, the traits are not unique to elders, they're common for all Christians. Here are five examples from elsewhere in the Bible with the same core themes from our text:
And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.
Deuteronomy 17:17 ESV
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:5 ESV
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 ESV
These passages cover many requirements such as a single wife, raising children to be disciplined and following the Lord, warnings against drunkenness and arrogance. I have chosen just a few for brevity, but there is no shortage of calls for godliness.
It is clear that this qualification is not exclusive to church leaders, but it is inseparable from eligibility.
An elder must be faithful
Paul instructs Titus and Timothy to find men that are faithful in multiple areas of their life. Here are four areas that it's clear an elder must demonstrate faithfulness:
They must be faithful to their wives, not pursuing multiple women.
They must be faithful to their children, raising them to be disciplined.
They must be faithful in their teaching, wielding sound doctrine.
They must be faithful in their obedience to God, living a godly life.
As you dig through these verses you may be able to pull out even more examples. However, the underpinning of a strong church leader is their faithfulness.
If you're in the process of electing an elder and want to ask questions, look at their family life as well as their church commitment. Focus on their character and the heart of their responses moreso than picking apart their every word.
An elder must be able to teach
Lastly, as we mentioned earlier, an elder must be able to teach. This passage does not mean that the candidate attended a bible college or studied theology at university. These institutions are helpful, but are not qualifications for eldership.
Like all of us, an elder is walking with Christ and growing in their understanding. They won't have every answer and they won't share your every view. Some of the most important areas to consider are their views on:
Do they believe in the monotheistic nature of God?
Do they believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Do they believe that Jesus Christ alone is the fulfillment of the Law?
Do they believe that the scripture alone is the word of God?
Do they believe that faith in Christ alone justifies and saves?
Do they believe that it is by God's grace alone, not our individual merit?
There are many other questions that you may want to answer, particularly around hot topics or personal interests. Before asking, consider whether them agreeing with your view is necessary for them to be a Christian.
If it's unnecessary for being a Christian, then it's unnecessary for being an elder.
Final Remarks
Lastly, I want to close by saying that the above are my personal beliefs. With that said, a blog article doesn't allow for all nuances. If you have questions, comments, or concerns - please feel free to leave a comment below.
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