Leadership Pt. 2 There are three passages in the bible that speak of the qualifications and qualities that God looks for in elders. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:6-9 1 Peter 5:2-3

Leadership Pt. 2 The first thing to understand about elders is stated in 1 Timothy 3:1, If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.

Leadership Pt. 2 Unfortunately man has turned this statement upside down and misplaced the emphasis. We need to emphasis that the work of a bishop is a good work. It is about a desire for the position but the importance of the desire is the good work that is done while in that position.

Leadership Pt. 2 The desire is not for self-glory, but for the work that can be done for the church. Eph. 4:11-12 – pastors (elders) and teachers for the equipping and edifying of the body

1 Timothy 3:2-7 Titus 1:6-9 1 Peter 5:2-3 qualifications qualities Blameless Shepherd Husband of one wife Not compelled Temperate Faithful children Willing and eagerly Sober-minded Not self-willed Not for dishonest gain Of good behavior Not quick-tempered Not as masters Hospitable Not given to wine An example Able to teach Not violent   Not greedy for money Lover of good Gentle Not quarrelsome Just Not covetous Holy Rules his own house well Self-controlled Not a novice Holding fast the faithful word Good testimony from those outside

Leadership Pt. 2 When these are studied it becomes evident that these are all inter- related. The qualifications are at times synonymous.

Leadership Pt. 2 A man who is temperate, is sober-minded, is of good behavior and is self-controlled.

Leadership Pt. 2 If he is a lover of good then he is just and holding fast the word of faith.

Leadership Pt. 2 If he is not quarrelsome then he is not quick-tempered and probably not violent.

Leadership Pt. 2 However, an elder must be able to stand and withstand the arguments of man. Acts 13:6-11 – Paul had to withstand Elymas Titus 1:9-11 – an elder must be able to stop the mouths of those who would subvert the gospel

Leadership Pt. 2 These are characteristics that have been developed over the course of his life in Christ. These are the characteristics that others can see. The christian is supposed to be developing these qualities all of his life. Rom. 12:9-21 – a list of characteristics for christians

Leadership Pt. 2 The most important thing to remember is that the men who would be elders are men. Too many times the church, some of the members or just one of the members demands that the elders be perfect and that they fit the qualifications perfectly. That will never happen and it should not be expected. Romans 3:23 – all have sinned…

Leadership Pt. 2 These men are simply trying to the best of their ability to correct their mistakes and live a life in accordance with God’s word. There is no one who is perfect but they are striving for maturity in Christ.

Leadership Pt. 2 This is not a time for anyone in the church to think this is their opportunity to tear down another member. This is not a witch hunt nor is this a popularity contest. It is a time for the church to examine itself and see if men meet these qualifications.

Leadership Pt. 2 How can this be done? Nowhere in the bible do we find the church voting for elders.

Leadership Pt. 2 We also do not find a quantifying system for elders. (Each qualification is given a point value and then each member assigns a score to that qualification for each one considered, i.e. 1-10.) This is totally subjective.

Leadership Pt. 2 The congregation simply does what was done in Acts 6 and seeks out the men from among them. The congregation must come to an agreement.

Leadership Pt. 2 This might actually mean that one or two might not get their way. The congregation must not succumb to the will of one of two but must work together for the congregation.

Leadership Pt. 2 If there is a conflict, a disagreement then it is the responsibility of the person who is in disagreement to go and talk to that man and work things out. The principle of Matt. 18:15 applies here.

Leadership Pt. 2 When the congregation comes to an agreement about certain men being appointed as elders, the church then moves forward with that decision.

Leadership Pt. 2 This is one of the most thoughtful decisions a church makes. The men considered for the eldership should meditate on the responsibility and pray for wisdom. It is not to be taken lightly or quickly. But it also should not dismissed.