Bible Qualifications for Elders, Shepherds, Pastors, Overseers In discussing the Bible’s qualifications for elders, bishops, there are at least two things to keep in mind. First, each qualification is a must for each and every candidate. Each man must possess each qualification. No man will be perfect, nor do these qualifications imply such, but he must possess a definite measure of each trait in order to be qualified in God’s sight. Second, we must understand that the qualifications are not simply an arbitrary set of unnecessary restrictions. To the contrary, each requirement is an indispensable tool needed in the work of shepherding the flock. Each quality required will be essential in some phase of the task of overseeing God’s family. To ignore intentionally any one or more of them is to show an obvious disregard for God’s revealed will. “A BISHOP THEN MUST BE......” 1. BLAMELESS - A man was called blameless in the Bible when no charge could be sustained against him which had not been corrected. See 1 Timothy 5:19-20. 2. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE - Neither a bachelor nor a polygamist, but one who is at present (according to God’s laws, not man’s) “of one wife the husband.” 3. TEMPERATE - Self-denying; self-controlled. 4. SOBER - Of sound mind, with mature judgment; dignified; self-restrained. 5. ORDERLY - Well-mannered; well-behaved; in dress, habits, etc. 6. GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY - Hospitable; helpful to strangers; also see 2 John 9-11. 7. APT TO TEACH - Capable and ready to teach. Able to use sound doctrine to convict the gainsayers, to close the mouths of false teachers, Titus 1:9-11. 8. NO BRAWLER -- NO STRIKER - Not controversial simply for the sake of being so; not quarrelsome, not ready to strike or fight at the slightest provocation. 9. VIGILANT - Alert, watchful. See Hebrews 13:17. 10. GENTLE - Patient; meek; considerate; not bitter or unkind. 11. NOT CONTENTIOUS – Willing to listen; not belligerent, argumentative over insignificant matters. 12. NOT A LOVER OF MONEY - Less concerned about material wealth than about spiritual wealth. He must be an example in his giving as well as his living. 13. RULES WELL HIS OWN HOUSE: HAVING CHILDREN THAT BELIEVE - He must have properly governed, believing children who are faithful to God, thus demonstrating ability as a spiritual leader. 14. NOT A NOVICE - Not a new convert. 15. GOOD TESTIMONY FROM WITHOUT - Good reputation in community; pays his bills, known for honesty; fair in business dealings. 16. NOT SELF-WILLED - Not one who has to have his way; will not “lord it over...” 1 Peter 5:3 17. LOVER OF GOOD – Puts his approval on things that are “excellent”, Philippians 1:10. 18. JUST - Exact; fair in his dealings; willingly conforms to divine and applicable human laws. 19. HOLY - Devoted to God; completely committed to the Lord’s work. 20. SOUND IN THE FAITH - Elders must be able to discern between truth and error and watch for wolves that spring up in the midst of the flock. 21. NOT SOON ANGRY – Slow to wrath; not quick tempered or irritable. 22. I TIMOTHY 3:11 - Indicates their wives must be “grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.” The above qualifications were taken from Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3. See also the following passages: 1 Peter 5:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 14:40, 1 Timothy 5:17-20 and Acts 20:28-32. Invariably, the men who will be spiritually minded, godly elders are the same men who are already faithfully serving God in their daily lives. The best prospects are not usually the talkers and the complainers but those who are doing and teaching. Every congregation in the process of selecting elders should carefully and prayerfully consider each candidate to determine if he conforms to these qualifications. Then, and only then, can we be assured of pleasing God in our efforts. Carl Garner
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 09:05:50 +0000
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