The Role of Elders / Spiritual Leaders
Titus 1:5: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”
Acts 20:28: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
New Testament passages like these make it clear the church is to be led by a plurality of godly leaders under the oversight and direction of Elders. In addition to the responsibilities already mentioned. Elders are to pray for the sick, guard the church against harmful influences, and confront those who contradict biblical truth or who continue in a pattern of sinful behaviour - thereby negating Satan’s influence in the church so the truth of Christ remains credible to the congregation and the community. (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9; James 5:14).
Biblical Qualifications For Elders / Spiritual Leaders
Elder qualifications are summarised in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
Titus 1:5: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”
Acts 20:28: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
New Testament passages like these make it clear the church is to be led by a plurality of godly leaders under the oversight and direction of Elders. In addition to the responsibilities already mentioned. Elders are to pray for the sick, guard the church against harmful influences, and confront those who contradict biblical truth or who continue in a pattern of sinful behaviour - thereby negating Satan’s influence in the church so the truth of Christ remains credible to the congregation and the community. (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9; James 5:14).
Biblical Qualifications For Elders / Spiritual Leaders
Elder qualifications are summarised in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
- Above Reproach | Elders must lead by example and demonstrate a lifestyle free of patterns of sin.
- Faithful Spouse | Elders, if married, must be devoted spouses.
- Temperate | Elders must be self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, and free from excesses.
- Prudent | Elders must be sober, sensible, wise, balanced in judgment, and not given to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking.
- Respectable | Elders must demonstrate a well-ordered life and honorable behavior.
- Hospitable | Elders must be unselfish with their personal resources. They must be willing to share blessings with others.
- Able to Teach | Elders must be able to communicate truth and sound doctrine in a non-argumentative way.
- Not Addicted To Wine | Elders must be free from addictions and willing to limit their liberty for the sake of others.
- Not Pugnacious or Quick-Tempered | Elders must not be given to quarreling or selfish argumentation.
- Free From Love of Money | Elders must not be stingy, greedy, out for sordid gain, or preoccupied with amassing material things.
- Manage Their Household | Elders must have a well-ordered household and a healthy family life.
- Not a New Believer | Elders must not be new believers. They must have been Christians long enough to demonstrate the reality of their conversion and depth of their spirituality.
- Good Reputation | Elders must be well respected by unbelievers and those outside the church, as well as free from hypocrisy.
- Not Self-willed | Elders must not be stubborn, prone to forcing opinions on others, or abusive of authority. They must model servant leadership.
- Loving What Is Good | Elders must desire the will of God in every decision.
- Just | Elders must desire to be fair and impartial. Their judgments must be based on biblical principles.
- Devout | Elders must be devoted Christ followers, seeking to be conformed to His image. They must be committed to prayer, worship, the study of Scripture and the guarding of their own spiritual walk.
- Holding Fast to the Faithful Word | Elders must be stable in the faith, obedient to the Word of God and continually seeking to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.