Church Leadership 101: To Be an Elder

Our AGM on November 28^th is fast approaching.   Too fast really, for those of us that have to prepare for it!  Every Annual Meeting we go through a voting process, where we choose a Church Council for the upcoming calendar year.  Although we call it ‘Church Council’, it is important to know that the Biblical equivalent for this is ‘Elder’. 

Many churches, especially within Evangelicalism, refer to their Church Council as an Elder’s Board.  We chose the traditional name of Council to honour the deep catholic roots of St. Albert.  Therefore, in our context the words ‘Elder’ and ‘Council’ member are interchangeable, as are ‘Elders Board’ and ‘Church Council’.

As we begin to prepare for our upcoming election of a Church Council, I thought it would be wise for our church to become acquainted with the important role these people play.  This will be a three part series.  First, on who qualifies as a Church Leader, the second on what Elders do, and lastly on what the roles – organizationally are – for Members, Council, Staff, District and Nominating Committee.  (In other words, whose accountable to whom, and whose in charge of what.)

The two local church offices mentioned in the New Testament are those of Elder (overseer) and Deacon (servant or minister). The important texts that outline the  qualifications for church leadership are found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, both of which emphasize character and spiritual maturity. 

For this reason, it is generally understood that the selection of elders is based on biblical qualifications over and above secular accomplishments. Put another way, those who succeed in business are not necessarily the best candidates to lead the church. (Nor, however, should they be automatically disqualified.  The point is that Christ-likeness trumps secular achievement, or lack thereof).   Leadership in a church is first spiritual and second organizational, which is why Elders are called to model a mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

So what exactly are the Spiritual Qualifications for a church elder?  There are three general characteristics:  high moral character, ability to disciple and spiritual maturity. 

However, there is a rather comprehensive list in the New Testament of characteristics.  Below is a chart that my friend, and Senior Pastor at Stony Plain Alliance Church, Graham English put together to outline the specifics. 

Biblical Qualification(s)	Office	Scriptural Reference(s)
Must be Above Reproach (blameless)	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6 / 1Tim. 3:9-10
Must be The Husband Of One Wife	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6 / 1Tim. 3:12
Must be Temperate (sober minded)	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7 / 1Tim. 3:8
Must be Prudent (self-controlled)	Elder	1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8
Must be Respectable	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:2 / 1Tim. 3:8
Must be Hospitable	Elder	1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8
Must be Able To Teach	Elder	1Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9
Not Addicted to Wine (drunkenness)	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7 / 1Tim. 3:8
Not Pugnacious (violent), but Gentle	Elder	1Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7
Not Quarrelsome (uncontentious)	Elder	1Tim. 3:3
Not A Lover Of Money (not greedy)	Elder	1Tim. 3:3
Manages His Own Household Well	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:4 / 1Tim. 3:12
His Children Obey Him	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:4-5; 12 Titus 1:6
Not A Recent Convert	Elder	1Tim. 3:6
A Good Reputation With Outsiders	Elder	1Tim. 3:7
Does Not Pursue Dishonest Gain	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:8 / Titus 1:7
Must Have Children Who Believe	Elder	Titus 1:6
Not Overbearing	Elder	Titus 1:7
Not Quick-Tempered	Elder	Titus 1:7
Loves What Is Good	Elder	Titus 1:8
Must Be Upright, Holy	Elder	Titus 1:8
Must Be Disciplined	Elder	Titus 1:8
Must Be Tested	Deacon	1Tim. 3:10
Likewise…Wives Must be Dignified	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:11
Wives Must Not be Malicious Gossips	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:11
Wives Must be Temperate	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:11
Wives Must be Faithful in All Things	Elder / Deacon	1Tim. 3:11

Next Christian Community is blessed to have a number of people who I believe  fit the qualifications for Eldership.  This includes our current Council, and I know at the AGM the Nominating Committee will put forward names of leaders that meet the Biblical standard as well.

Blessings,

Dean