1. Appointment and Qualifications
Elders and Deacons
Appointment
and
Qualifications

2. For Your Consideration
Brad Gallman (elder)
Josh Scroggins (deacon)

3. Appointment of Elders
So when they [Paul and Barnabas] had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23)
 For this reason I [Paul] left you in Crete, that you [Titus] should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. (Titus 1:5)
Appoint – (kathistemi) to set, place, put; a) to set one over a thing (in charge of it); b) to appoint one to administer an office; c) to set down as, constitute, to declare, show to be
Not an indication of Evangelist authority to determine who will serve:
Two things:
Desire to serve - (1 Timothy 3:1), “This is a true saying. If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work”
Qualified by the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
The appointment is a formal recognition of the qualifications and desire of a man, and a the willingness of the congregation to recognize their oversight.

4. Important Charges to the Congregation
Consider the positive nature of such an opportunity. This is God’s plan to have godly men serving in such capacities.
Consider that it is inappropriate to object to such service based in any way upon personal preferences or bias.
Consider that any man who is qualified and desires the office should be allowed to serve God and His people in this way.
Consider that no man who is unqualified should be appointed to serve in either office.
Not an indication of Evangelist authority to determine who will serve:
Two things:
Desire to serve - (1 Timothy 3:1), “This is a true saying. If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work”
Qualified by the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
The appointment is a formal recognition of the qualifications and desire of a man, and a the willingness of the congregation to recognize their oversight.

5. Important Charges, cont.
Consider the importance and benefit of prayer as these men are considered for each office.
If you have a scriptural concern or question regarding either appointment, the elders ask that you go to the man privately and directly ASAP, to talk with them about your concern.
Do not allow yourself to be party to any divisive spirit in what should be an encouraging development for the congregation.
Not an indication of Evangelist authority to determine who will serve:
Two things:
Desire to serve - (1 Timothy 3:1), “This is a true saying. If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work”
Qualified by the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
The appointment is a formal recognition of the qualifications and desire of a man, and a the willingness of the congregation to recognize their oversight.

6. Elder Qualifications Reputation Domestic Blameless
Blameless as a steward
Good reputation without
Husband of one wife
Rules own house well
Children in submission with reverence
Faithful children, not accused of dissipation

7. Elder Qualifications Character Character, cont. Temperate
Self-controlled
Sober-minded
Well behaved
Hospitable
Not given to wine
Not violent
Not quarrelsome
Not quick-tempered
Not greedy for money
Gentle
Not covetous
Not prideful
Not self-willed
A lover of what is good
Just
Holy

8. Elder Qualifications Ability Able to teach
Holding fast the faithful word
Able to exhort
Able to convict
Not a novice

9. Deacon Qualifications
Reputation
Character
Blameless
Reverent
Not double-tongued
Not given to much wine
Not greedy for money
Holding the faith with a pure conscience
Domestic
Husband of one wife
Rules children and house well
Having a reverent wife, temperate, sober, faithful, not guilty of slander

10. Conclusion
We have reason to be encouraged about the future of this congregation, and should prayerfully give ourselves to the task of ensuring the leadership of our group is strong. That we will be a congregation that is vibrant, growing and faithful to the Lord. Pleasing to Him!