Eldership
A while ago, the men here started the process of electing elders. They followed the process similar to that described in Acts 6. That nomination process resulted in two men being put forward by the congregation, Ken Harris and Keith Wesley. When I approached these two men about serving, they indicated that they were interested, but needed time to pray about it and free themselves to give it the focus that shepherding requires. So, I checked with them every 6 months or so to see how things were progressing. About a year ago, they each indicated that they noted job and family changes that would make this a good possibility in the very near future. In keeping with 1 Peter 5, we didn’t rush them or try to compel them in any way.
As of last Sunday evening, both have made it known, during our men’s business meeting that they felt they could give the work the attention it needed. They are willing to take this on if the congregation is willing to work with them.
In many ways, these men have been doing the work of elders. They have been leading us by example and caring for the needs of the saints here. They haven’t had any authority, but they have helped where they could. Now, they desire to take on this work fully. In light of this, we will provide 5 weeks for the group here to pray about this. If anyone has an issue with Ken or Keith, I would recommend you go to them and work it out in the process laid out by Matthew 18 for the event of a brother sinning against you. If the issue is a question about the scriptural nature of this appointment, I hope to clear that up in today’s lesson, but you are welcome to talk to the men, or myself or Roger Burke. We want everyone to be 100% on board with this.
We aren’t trying to force anyone into this. But we recognize the importance of an eldership being established when men are present who meet the qualifications given in scriptures.
I. The Importance of Having Elders
The church is not just a gathering of people; it is the body of Christ, and as such, it needs strong, godly leadership to guide, protect, and nurture it. The role of elders is central to this purpose.
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) — 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
This verse encapsulates the spiritual oversight entrusted to elders. They are not merely administrators or decision-makers; they are shepherds tasked with the care of the flock, with the spiritual well-being of every member of the church.
When we look at the New Testament, we see that elders are established in every church, not just as a matter of tradition, but as divine design. God, in His wisdom, designed the church to be led by men who are mature in faith, sound in doctrine, and exemplary in character. Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 5:1-4, where he exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have them, setting an example for the flock.
Acts 14:21–23 (ESV) — 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Now, it’s important to recognize that the biblical model for church leadership is vastly different from what we sometimes see in modern churches. Churches without elders resort to business meetings to make decisions. While these meetings serve a functional purpose, they are not God’s plan for His church. God’s design is for spiritually mature men to lead, not simply to manage, but to shepherd, guide, and protect the church as a spiritual family.
Imagine how far a church can stray when decisions are made not out of spiritual discernment and without spiritual maturity. Problems arise when practical necessity or majority vote is the guiding factor. This is where the role of elders becomes crucial. Elders are called to discern God’s will, to pray, to seek the God’s guidance, and to lead the church in a way that aligns with God’s purposes. This is not just about running the church efficiently; it’s about leading the church in a way that honors God and nurtures the spiritual growth of every member.
The need for godly elders is not just a matter of maintaining order; it is about ensuring that the church is spiritually healthy and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Elders are needed to keep watch over our souls, to guard against false teaching, to encourage the weak, and to lead the church into deeper fellowship with Christ. Having elders should provide stability and consistency with a constant focus on the mission of God.
So as we consider the importance of having elders, let us do so with the understanding that this is God’s design for the church. It is a calling that comes with great responsibility, but also with the promise of God’s blessing. When a church is led by men who are called and equipped by God, the entire congregation can thrive, growing in unity, love, and faithfulness. As we move forward in selecting elders, let us approach this process with reverence, prayer, and a deep desire to see God’s will accomplished in our midst.
II. Qualifications of Elders
As we move to the qualifications for elders, it’s important to understand that these are not mere suggestions or ideals to aspire to; they are non-negotiable standards set by God for those who will lead His people. These qualifications, outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, serve as a clear guide for identifying men who are not only capable but are divinely called to this sacred responsibility. They ensure that those who take on the role of elder are men of proven character, spiritual maturity, and unwavering commitment to the truth of God’s Word. We don’t want to force men into this position, nor do we want to put someone into the position who is not fit to serve.
That being said, it’s also important to recognize that many of these qualifications exist in each of us on a spectrum. To say that someone is one of these characteristics does not mean they are on the level of perfection. It simply means that, on the wide spectrum of that characteristic, they are exemplary. No one is perfect, but those who work toward holiness ought to develop to the point where these qualities are in them. I will leave the detailed study of these qualities to you. In this lesson, I would like to go over these qualifications from a high level and talk about potential issues people can create.
A. Character and Personal Integrity
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV) — 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
The first set of qualifications focuses on the elder’s character and personal integrity. Paul begins by stating that an elder must be "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2). This means that an elder’s life should be free from any legitimate accusation of wrongdoing. It doesn’t imply sinlessness—none of us are without sin—but it does mean that an elder’s life should consistently reflect the holiness and righteousness that comes from a deep relationship with Christ. This qualification sets the tone for everything else that follows; it is a summary of the elder's life as a whole.
Further, an elder must be "sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable" (1 Timothy 3:2). These qualities highlight the importance of an elder’s ability to exercise good judgment and maintain a disciplined life. Sober-mindedness speaks to the need for clear thinking and wisdom in decision-making. An elder must not be swayed by emotions or external pressures but must be grounded in the truth. Self-control indicates a mastery over one’s own desires and impulses, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in everyday life. Respectability reflects the outward manifestation of this inner character—a life that others look up to and respect.
1 Timothy 3:3 (ESV) — 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Paul also emphasizes that an elder must not be "a drunkard, violent, or quarrelsome" (1 Timothy 3:3). These are characteristics that have no place in the life of a church leader. Instead, an elder is called to be "gentle" and "not a lover of money" (1 Timothy 3:3). Gentleness is a mark of Christ-like leadership, where strength is exercised through compassion and patience rather than through harshness or force. The warning against the love of money reminds us that an elder’s motivations must be pure. They must lead out of a genuine love for God and His people, not out of a desire for personal gain.
1 Timothy 3:7 (ESV) — 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Finally, Paul states that an elder must be "well thought of by outsiders" (1 Timothy 3:7). This speaks to the elder’s reputation in the broader community. An elder’s life should be a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel, evident not only within the church but in their interactions with the world. A good reputation outside the church protects the church’s witness and upholds the integrity of its leadership.
B. Family Life and Relationships
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV) — 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV) — 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
The second set of qualifications addresses the elder’s family life. Paul writes that an elder must be "the husband of one wife" and must "manage his own household well" (1 Timothy 3:2, 4). This qualification reflects the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the ability to lead one’s family in a way that honors God. The phrase "husband of one wife" can be understood as a call to marital fidelity. It emphasizes that an elder must be a "one-woman man," fully devoted to his wife. This is crucial because how a man leads his family is often a reflection of how he will lead the church.
Paul continues by stating that an elder must manage his children well, ensuring that they are "submissive with all dignity" (1 Timothy 3:4). The parallel passage in Titus 1:6 adds that an elder’s children should be "believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination." This does not necessarily mean that every child must be a baptized believer, but it does mean that an elder should have a track record of leading his children in a godly way. The elder’s ability to lead his family is a crucial indicator of his ability to manage the affairs of the church, which is, after all, the household of God.
C. Spiritual Maturity and Doctrinal Soundness
1 Timothy 3:6 (ESV) — 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
The final set of qualifications deals with the elder’s spiritual maturity and his commitment to sound doctrine. Paul warns that an elder "must not be a recent convert" (1 Timothy 3:6), indicating that spiritual maturity is essential for this role. A new believer, regardless of their zeal, may lack the depth of experience and understanding necessary to lead effectively. The danger is that they might become "puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil." Spiritual maturity comes with time, with the testing of one’s faith through various trials, and with a deepening knowledge of God’s Word and ways.
Titus 1:9 (ESV) — 9 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.
Furthermore, an elder must be "able to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2) and 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). This qualification is about more than just the ability to speak well; it’s about a deep, personal understanding of the Scriptures and the ability to communicate that truth clearly and effectively. An elder must be grounded in the truth, able to defend the faith against false teaching, and capable of nurturing the congregation in sound doctrine.
In summary, the qualifications for elders are comprehensive, covering every aspect of a man’s life—his character, his family, and his spiritual maturity. These standards are not arbitrary; they are God’s design for ensuring that those who lead His church are men who will shepherd the flock with wisdom, integrity, and a deep love for the Lord. As we consider potential elders, these are the qualities we must look for, recognizing that the health and future of the church depend on godly leadership that aligns with God’s Word.
III. The Selection Process
Now that we’ve laid out the biblical qualifications for elders, we turn to the question: How do we go about selecting these men? The process of appointing elders is not just about ticking off boxes or making a decision based on convenience or familiarity. It’s about seeking God's will through prayer, discernment, and unity within the church body. The selection process must reflect the gravity of the task, as these men will be entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the congregation, watching over souls and leading the church in a way that pleases God.
In Acts 14:23, we see Paul and Barnabas appointing elders in every church, with prayer and fasting. This passage gives us a glimpse of the seriousness with which the early church approached the appointment of elders. It wasn’t a hasty decision, and it wasn’t made based on human preferences alone. The early church sought God’s guidance, recognizing that appointing the right leaders was essential for the spiritual health and longevity of the church.
Similarly, Paul instructed Titus in Titus 1:5 to "appoint elders in every town." The word "appoint" implies an intentional and deliberate process. It’s not something to be taken lightly. Elders were not appointed simply because of their status, wealth, or popularity, but because they met the spiritual qualifications we’ve just discussed. This reminds us that the process of selecting elders must be rooted in spiritual discernment, with a focus on the individual's character, family life, and doctrinal integrity.
A. Prayer and Discernment
The first and most important step in the selection process is prayer. Just as Paul and Barnabas did, we must bathe this process in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. We cannot rely solely on our own understanding or preferences. Instead, we must ask God to reveal those whom He has called to lead His people. The role of an elder is a divine calling, and we must approach it with a deep sense of humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Discernment is also crucial. As a congregation, we need to discern whether a man is truly called and qualified for this role. This requires looking beyond the surface and examining a man’s life in light of the biblical qualifications we’ve studied. It also requires seeking the input of others who know the individual well, recognizing that this decision affects the entire church family.
B. Congregational Involvement
The selection of elders is not something that should be done in isolation by a few people. The congregation plays a vital role in this process. In Acts 6, when the apostles needed to appoint leaders to oversee certain aspects of the church’s ministry, they instructed the congregation to "choose from among you" men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom. While this passage specifically addresses the appointment of deacons, the principle of congregational involvement is applicable to the appointment of elders as well.
As a congregation, we must be united in our approach to selecting elders. This means being involved in nominating qualified men, providing feedback, and ultimately affirming those who will serve in this role. It also means being willing to accept the outcome, trusting that God is leading the process. Unity is essential, because without it, the church can become divided, and that division can hinder the work that God desires to do through its leaders.
C. Moving Away from Business Meetings
Finally, it’s important to address a practical issue that many churches face: the reliance on business meetings for decision-making. As I mentioned earlier, while business meetings can serve a functional purpose, they are not God’s plan for church leadership. The New Testament model is clear—churches are to be led by spiritually mature elders who are called to shepherd and oversee the flock.
Business meetings can sometimes reduce spiritual matters to a democratic process, where decisions are made based on votes rather than spiritual discernment. While there’s certainly a place for congregation-wide discussions and decisions, the weightier spiritual matters of the church require the oversight of godly leaders who have been appointed by God and affirmed by the congregation.
Elders are not simply decision-makers; they are shepherds who are tasked with seeking God’s will for the church and leading the congregation in that direction. This is why it’s so important that we move toward a model of elder leadership, where decisions are made through prayer, discernment, and spiritual wisdom, rather than through the mechanics of a business meeting.
D. Brief Application
As we move forward in this process, let me encourage each of you to approach it with prayer and reverence. The selection of elders is not just about filling a position—it’s about seeking the men whom God has called to lead this church. It’s about looking for those who meet the biblical qualifications, who have demonstrated faithfulness in their personal lives, and who are committed to teaching and living out sound doctrine.
This is an exciting time for our church, as we prepare to appoint elders for the first time in many years. But it is also a time that requires spiritual seriousness and unity. Let us commit to walking this path together, trusting that God will guide us and that He will raise up the right leaders for this congregation.
With that foundation, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God’s design for church leadership is for our good and His glory.
Focusing on Hebrews 13:17: The Role of Elders and the Congregation's Responsibility
Let’s take a closer look at Hebrews 13:17, where we find one of the clearest descriptions of the elder’s role and the responsibility of the congregation toward its leaders:
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
This verse brings the gravity of the elder’s responsibility into full view. It is not a casual role or one to be taken lightly. Elders are called to "keep watch over your souls." They are entrusted with the spiritual well-being of every member of the church, and this is a weight they will one day account for before God. Think about that for a moment. They are responsible not just for organizing church services, not just for managing logistics or overseeing budgets, but for the very souls of the congregation. That’s a responsibility unlike any other.
When we talk about keeping watch over souls, it means the elders are tasked with nurturing spiritual growth, ensuring that the church stays true to biblical doctrine, and guarding the flock against false teaching or harmful influences. They must be diligent in prayer, wise in counsel, and loving in their shepherding, all while knowing that they will stand before God to give an account of how they have cared for His people.
The weight of this responsibility cannot be overstated. It’s not just about decision-making—it’s about spiritual leadership at the deepest level. Elders are there to encourage the weary, correct those who wander from the truth, and help guide the church through times of trial and blessing alike. And when we understand the immense responsibility they carry, it makes sense that the writer of Hebrews tells the congregation to "obey your leaders and submit to them." This submission is not blind obedience but a recognition that God has placed these men in positions of leadership for the good of the church and the glory of His name.
The Responsibility of the Congregation: Making It Easier for Elders
But there’s more in this verse. The second half of Hebrews 13:17 gives a profound encouragement to the congregation: "Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." In other words, the work of the elders should be a joy, not a burden. And how can that happen? It happens when the congregation works alongside their leaders in love, unity, and respect.
The writer of Hebrews is urging the church to support its leaders in a way that makes their task easier, not harder. The reality is that leading a church can sometimes feel like a weighty burden. Elders will experience the highs and lows of the church’s spiritual life—they will rejoice in the victories, but they will also feel the pain of conflict, resistance, and challenges. Yet, when the congregation willingly submits to their leadership, encourages them, and prays for them, the work becomes a joy. It becomes a partnership in the gospel.
Here’s the truth: the congregation has a vital role in ensuring that the elder’s work is filled with joy rather than groaning. This doesn’t mean avoiding honest questions or concerns, but it does mean approaching those questions with respect, trust, and a desire to see the church flourish under godly leadership. It means offering support rather than criticism, prayer rather than complaint, and gratitude rather than grumbling. When we do that, we create an environment where elders can lead joyfully, and in turn, that benefits the entire church.
The "Fishbowl" Reality for Elders and Their Families
There’s another aspect of this dynamic that is often overlooked, and that’s the reality that an elder’s life—and the life of his family—is essentially in the fishbowl. When a man steps into this role, he does so with the understanding that his life will be lived under the watchful eyes of the congregation. People will look to him as an example, which is part of the call to eldership, but it also places a unique pressure on him and his family.
His wife, his children—they, too, will be observed closely, often unfairly, by the congregation. They may be judged for every small misstep or held to impossible standards. This can become a heavy burden for the elder and his family, and it’s one that we, as a congregation, must be sensitive to.
It’s important to remember that elders and their families are not perfect. They are simply people who love the Lord and want to serve His church faithfully. They, too, need grace, understanding, and support. They are in the public eye, yes, but they are not immune to the struggles that every family faces. They need our prayers, our encouragement, and our willingness to extend grace when things don’t go perfectly.
As we select elders, let’s keep in mind that these men and their families will be stepping into a position that requires sacrifice. They will be pouring out their time, energy, and love for the sake of the church. Let’s commit to making their work a joy, not by avoiding challenges or disagreements, but by approaching them with love, understanding, and a shared commitment to the mission of the church.
Application for the Congregation
So, how can we, as a congregation, make the elder’s work a joy and not a burden? Here are a few practical steps:
Pray for Your Elders Regularly: Nothing will support your elders more than knowing they are covered in prayer. Pray for their wisdom, their families, and their strength as they lead.
Submit Willingly: Trust in their leadership, recognizing that they are keeping watch over your soul with great care and responsibility. When decisions are made, support them unless they are clearly unbiblical or harmful.
Encourage Often: Offer words of encouragement to your elders and their families. Let them know that their work is appreciated, and that you are grateful for their service.
Extend Grace: Understand that elders are human too. They will make mistakes, and their families will face challenges. Extend grace to them, just as you would want grace extended to you.
By doing these things, we can create an environment where our elders can lead with joy, and in turn, that joy will overflow into the life of the church. A joyful, united church under the leadership of godly elders is a powerful witness to the world, showing the beauty of Christ’s design for His people.