The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n When God called Israel to task, He first called the leadership into account. (Isa 56:10-57:1)

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n (Isaiah 56:10-12 NKJV) - “His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. {11} Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n {12} “Come,” one says, “I will bring wine, And we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; Tomorrow will be as today, And much more abundant.””

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n (Isaiah 57:1 NKJV) - “The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil.”

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n Because of these qualifications in the word of God this need not be the kind of leadership within the church.

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n Because of these qualifications in the word of God this need not be the kind of leadership within the church. n When we decide to rationalize and dilute these qualifications we will end up with a greater problem than having a church with no elders!

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n We will be dealing with the most controversial area of qualifications today, the domestic qualifications of an elder.

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n In all controversy we need to distinguish between opinion and conviction.

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n In all controversy we need to distinguish between opinion and conviction. n If we find ourselves dealing with an areas of opinion, then we should be willing to yield. We however must never yield in matters of faith.

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n In we appoint men who have all the qualifications in these verses, then it can be rightly said that God, not men appointed these elders! (Acts 20:28)

The kind of leadership in a church will determine the future of the church. n (Acts 20:28 NKJV) - “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.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n He must be the husband of one wife. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6)

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV) - “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n This literally means “a one wife man.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n This literally means "a one wife man.“ n This would eliminate an unmarried man and those with two or more wives.

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n When does a man not have one wife?

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n When does a man not have one wife? n Does a man whose mate has died and then he later remarries cease to have but one wife? (Rom 7:2-3)

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Romans 7:2-3 NKJV) “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. {3} So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n Does a man who has put away his wife for fornication and then have remarried have but one wife? (Mt 19:9)

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Matthew 19:9 NKJV) - “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n Both polygamy and fornication are forbidden for all Christians. (1 Cor 7:2; Mt 19:9)

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (1 Corinthians 7:2 NKJV) “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n He must have faithful children. (1 Tim 3:4-5; Titus 1:6)

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:4-5 NKJV) - “one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence {5} (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Titus 1:6 NKJV) - “if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n In this case God has explained to us why He gave this qualification: “for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n An elder must have a family and within that family have faithful children.

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n What does it mean to be "faithful?" – 1) trusty, faithful 1a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties. 2) in the NT one who trusts in God's promises.

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n We should conclude that this would involve believing children.

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Titus 1:6 NASB) -“namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n Should a man be disqualified for what a child does when he leave home?

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n Should a man be disqualified for what a child does when he leave home? n May an elder be qualified having only one child?

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n Yes, the plural is often used to include the singular. (1 Tim 5:4, 10; Mk 10:29; Gen 21:7; Acts 2:38-39)

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Genesis 21:7 NKJV) - “She also said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.””

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Mark 10:29 NKJV) - “So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (Acts 2:38-39 NKJV) - “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.””

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (1 Timothy 5:4 NKJV) - “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n (1 Timothy 5:10 NKJV) - “well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.”

The Domestic Relations of an Elder n Let us be careful about reasoning in additional qualifications.

The Experience of an Elder n He must be temperate. (1 Tim 3:2)

The Experience of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV) - “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;”

The Experience of an Elder n This means: “abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use 1b) of things free from all wine, as vessels, offerings”

The Experience of an Elder n This means: “abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use 1b) of things free from all wine, as vessels, offerings”

The Experience of an Elder n It also can be used to denote a man's attitude toward life! He is to be "sober." (Acts 20:28)

The Experience of an Elder n (Acts 20:28 NKJV) - “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.”

The Experience of an Elder n He must not be a novice. (1 Tim 3:6)

The Experience of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:6 NKJV) - “not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.”

The Experience of an Elder n This means: "newly planted 1a) a new convert, neophyte (one who has recently become a Christian)."

The Experience of an Elder n This means: "newly planted 1a) a new convert, neophyte (one who has recently become a Christian)." n There is a real danger of pride when a man is given a great responsibility! (1 Cor 8:1-2)

The Experience of an Elder n (1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NKJV) - “Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. {2} And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”

The Experience of an Elder n You could destroy a man by putting him into the eldership when he does not have the experience.

The Habits of an Elder n He must be self-controlled. (Titus 1:8)

The Habits of an Elder n (Titus 1:8 NKJV) - “but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,”

The Habits of an Elder n This means: "1) strong, robust 2) having power over, possessed of (a thing) 3) mastering, controlling, curbing, restraining 3a) controlling one's self, temperate, continent."

The Habits of an Elder n He must be able to bring his own body into subjection and thus be an example to the church. (1 Cor 9:27; 1 Pt 5:3)

The Habits of an Elder n (1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV) - “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

The Habits of an Elder n (1 Peter 5:3 NKJV) - “nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;”

The Habits of an Elder n He would not have any addictions!

The Habits of an Elder n He must be sober-minded. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8)

The Habits of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV) “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;”

The Habits of an Elder n This deals with the common sense that allows one to avoid danger.

The Habits of an Elder n This deals with the common sense that allows one to avoid danger. n Both how a person avoids problems and is able to handle delicate matters will show this ability.

The Habits of an Elder n He must not be quick-tempered. (Titus 1:7)

The Habits of an Elder n (Titus 1:7 NKJV) - “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self- willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,”

The Habits of an Elder n This can be described as a "short fuse.”

The Habits of an Elder n This can be described as a "short fuse.“ n Every Christian must avoid this! (Jas 1:19)

The Habits of an Elder n (James 1:19 NKJV) - “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”

The Habits of an Elder n He must not be self-willed. (Titus 1:7)

The Habits of an Elder n He must not be self-willed. (Titus 1:7) n This denotes one who is: "self-pleasing, self-willed, arrogant.“

The Habits of an Elder n He must not be self-willed. (Titus 1:7) n This denotes one who is: "self-pleasing, self-willed, arrogant.“ n This "wisdom" is not from God! (Jas 3:13-17)

The Habits of an Elder n (James 3:13-17 NKJV) - “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. {14} But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. {15} This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

The Habits of an Elder n {16} For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. {17} But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

The Habits of an Elder n If a man must have his way in matters of opinion, there will be trouble.

The Habits of an Elder n He must not be given to wine. (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7)

The Habits of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:3 NKJV) - “not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;”

The Habits of an Elder n (Titus 1:7 NKJV) - “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self- willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,”

The Habits of an Elder n This would include drunkenness as well as habitual drinking.

The Habits of an Elder n All Christians should forsake the modern day alcoholic beverages.

The Abilities of an Elder n He must be able to teach. (1 Tim 3:2)

The Abilities of an Elder n (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV) - “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;”

The Abilities of an Elder n He must posses this skill in order to do his work. (Tit 1:9)

The Abilities of an Elder n (Titus 1:9 NKJV) “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

The Abilities of an Elder n How can we know if a man has this ability?

The Abilities of an Elder n How can we know if a man has this ability? n Let us trust God and appoint only qualified men.