A Study on the Biblical Qualifications for Elders

This is another study that my Dad, Randy Wyatt, has composed concerning the biblical qualifications for elders in the church. This is undoubtedly an area that has fallen into error as can be attested to by virtually anyone alive within the church today. Samuel Miller in his book on the office of ruling elder says this,

"That we make so little of [the office of elder], compared with what we might do, and ought to do, does really appear to me one of the deepest defficiencies of our beloved church. That reform in this respect is desirable, is to express but half the truth. It is necessary; it is vital. [Reform] must begin with the teachers and the rulers of the church themselves."

Let us refocus on the actual qulaifications for this office and place godly men in these positions while deposing of those that do not serve well, it is our biblical imperative... nothing else matters. But, if we continue to allow it to exist as it has we can be reasonably confident that error will continue to abound and that our beloved church will continue to decline.

Note: The reference numbers for the greek is exclusively from Strong's.

If you would like to read about this office and the need and qualifications for it, as well as the biblical and historical evidence that supports the use of it, I suggest the brilliant book aforementioned by Samuel Miller entitled "The Ruling Elder" and it can be purchased by clicking on the following link: Monergism.com - The Ruling Elder

1 Tim. 3:1 –

True: (pistos; 4103) Trustworthy; faithful
• Worthy to be believed; true; observant of and steadfast to one’s trust.

Note: highly visible; honorable; that which invokes trust. Same word used in Tit. 1:6 of the believing child. One is taking an office, occupation, ministry and the other is the character of the individual.

Desire: (oregomai; 3713) to stretch oneself; to reach out after; to long for.

Note: Lust in a good sense. This is the longing of the soul, a deep-seated desire, not a fleeting fancy.

Office of a Bishop: (episkope; 1984) the office of superintendent.
• Root word, to select or inspect.

Note: this is more than a job; it is a life changing event. This is someone who makes important choices, inspects, scrutinizes, for the purpose of being found worthy to serve others as our overseer or pastor.

Desires: (epithumeo; 1937) to set the heart upon, long for; desire.
• Undeterred longing to accomplish what one sets out to be; will not be persuaded to change his mind; man of courage and determination.

Good: (kalos; 2570) Valuable; virtuous; worthy; beneficial.
• Expresses as a harmonious completeness, balance and proportion.

Note: Done correctly, by the right person, it is a very harmonious balanced result.

Work: (ergon; 2041) to work, toil; labor.

Note: This is not for the weak or lazy. This is a continuous hard labor.

1 Tim. 3:2 –

Bishop: (episkopos; 1985) Officer of the church; a preacher’ teacher as opposed to a ruling elder, which may not be a pastor but still could be a teacher.

Blameless: (anepileptos; 423) Inculpable; not arrested; not able to be rebuked.
• Slightly different in definition from that used in Tit. 1:6 – no stain of character.

Note: Same intent, the unquestionable integrity of the individual.

Husband of one wife: same as Tit. 1:6

Note: in these days polygamy was acceptable, divorce was easy, temple prostitution and extra marital affairs a way of life. The office required men not stained by worldly lust and immoral passions. Today pornography would be among the list.

Vigilant: (nephaleos; 3524) sober; circumspect.
• Thoughtful, serious, one who considers every aspect of a situation before drawing a conclusion.

Note: No quick decisions made which have the draw back of not having all the facts.

Sober: (sophron; 4998) sound in mind; self-controlled.
• One who shuns evil because it is evil; not because anyone sees it or cares, but plainly because God sees it and cares.
• Same word used in Tit. 1:8.

Note: personal character goes well beyond what anyone sees. This is a mature, transforming of the soul to where they are repulsed by evil and no longer entertain elementary or common impulses to sin.

Of a good behavior: (kosmios; 2887) modest; orderly.
• This word describes a man whose life is beautiful and in whose character is harmoniously blended and integrated.

Note: a person who inspires a sense of calm and confidence in what they believe and what they do.

Given to hospitality: (philoxenos; 5382) a positive natural desire towards others in general, strangers in particular.
• Same word as Tit. 1:8

Note: genuinely enjoys others.

Apt to teach: (didaktikos; 1317) instructive; a good communicator; one able and willing to teach.
• This involves an aptitude and ability to instruct by words as well as actions.

Note: not a “know-it-all” but someone who in general conversation or in the performance of his ministry offers sound teaching and advice.

1 Tim. 3:3 –

Not given to wine: (paroinos; from oinos – wine, and para – to stay close to; 3943)
• Same as Tit. 1:7. Someone with an addictive personality; no self-control.
• Also used of the altered state of mind produced by an over indulgence. If a person exhibits a lack of mental control, they’re irrational and disconnected in thoughts, like that of a drunk.

Note: leadership demands clear thinking, deductive, insightful thought. Irrational, emotional people make bad decisions.

No striker: Same as Tit. 1:7.

Note: This person uses physical and verbal intimidation to control others and resolve disputes.

Not greedy of filthy lucre: same as Tit. 1:7

Note: this person cannot be someone who would use their position to increase their wealth. Being a pastor is not to be a “get rich quick” type of occupation.

Patient: (epieikes; 1933) appropriate; mild; gentle; moderate.
• Proportionate in level and application.

Note: used of the law, where strict application may be an injustice. Rigid, unwavering adherence to general rules, it can be misapplied if the individuals goal is not to uplift, encourage, and correct, but only to enforce.

Not a brawler: (amachos; 269) peaceable; disinclined to fight.
• Not “peace at any price”, but peace out of a gentle spirit inclined to resolve issues.

Note: an elder must always be the nucleus of sound and reasonable judgments, not aggressive, not easily offended. Always promoting righteousness, in thought, word and deed, not a compromiser and only interested in the truth.

Not covetous: (aphilarguros; 866) materialistic; free from the love of money.
• Not attracted to or motivated by material gain as a source of one’s happiness.

Note: a Christian leader’s desires must go far beyond material wants. His life is to be focused on heavenly riches. Their priorities must be in proper proportions.

1 Tim. 3:4 –

Rules: (proistemi; 4291) to stand before; to preside over.
• One who sets the tone; one who has control.

Note: the personality of the home reflects the leadership of the man.

Well: (kalos; 2573) good; honest; beneficial.

Note: those around good leaders benefit from their involvement in their lives.

Children: (teknon; 5043) biological offspring, giving prominence to the fact of birth.

Subjection: (hupotage; 5292) subordinate to; under the control of another; obedient to another’s authority.

Gravity: (semnotes; 4587) honesty; reverence; dignity; respect.

Note: these children are in the house under their father’s roof, under his authority. While in that home, do they obey out of fear and trepidation or with respect and reverence for the position in which the father holds?

Contrast Tit. 1:6, these children are grown and on their own and reflect the relationship they had with their father while in the home and now either live godly wholesome lives, or that of a reprobate order.

In the early church, the norm was an older man with older children. Most of these requirements are gauged towards older men. Respect for their advice can be compromised by the actions of wayward children.

1 Tim. 3:5 –

Church: (ekklesia; 1577) congregation; assembly; local church.

God: (theos; 2316) supreme; eternal; deity.

Note: elders and bishops have no small task when it comes to their responsibilities. They are shepherds of the assembly put together by God Almighty Himself!

Novice: (neophutos; 3504) newly planted; recent convert.
• Recently converted to Christianity or new to the church.
• Newly instructed or recently showing signs of real growth and understanding.

Note: any form of newness, no matter the education level or enthusiasm, or even real growth, would disqualify this man. Maturity takes time and trials to really work into the soul the solid spiritual maturity required of an elder.

Lifted up with pride: (tuphoo; 5187) proud; high minded; conceited; enveloped with smoke.
• To be drunk with pride, with a heart lifted up not only against man but against God also.

Note: unable to handle the honor and authority of the position and the responsibility and the respectability of this position within the body; they become self-absorbed, conceited and prideful.

Condemnation: (krima; 2917) the function or effect; judgment against.
• To be adjudged or sentenced against.
• The execution of judgment (Jas. 3:1).

Note: you are doing the individual a disservice to place them in such an exulted position without proper maturity, knowledge, spiritual growth necessary to continue their walk and administer leadership without failing.

Devil: (diabolos; 1228) Satan; false accuser; slanderer.

Note: Lucifer lost his exulted position by the judgment by the judgment of God because he became proud and exulted himself and influenced others to follow his example.

1 Tim. 3:7 –

Good: (kalos; 2570) beneficial; worthy; honest.
• Balance; harmony; completeness.

Report: (marturia; 3141) record; evidence; testimony.

Without: (exothen; 1855) external or outside of.
• People outside this person’s normal circle (i.e. work, other believers, neighbors).

Note: this man’s testimony and integrity were not even in question to those outside the church. He did not lead a double life, one way around believers and another elsewhere.

Fall into reproach: (oneidismos; 3680) defamed; chided; tainted; disgraced.
• Aorist tense, subjunctive mood: meaning at some point in time, if his testimony is not really what it appears to be, he will fail.

Note: high profile people must not have hidden lives. They are under too much scrutiny, they cannot live a lie forever, and someone will discover their sin sooner or later and expose it, to their disgrace and the dishonor of God.

Snare of the devil: this is his desire, to let people think they are getting away with something until the time is right and he can ruin them for good and maybe others also who trusted them.

Conclusion:

When we place men in such important positions, ignoring the truth of the scripture and relying on tradition, we injure the church and the individual. The church for centuries has placed young men in this position of great importance almost exclusively due to their education level. In the process, we have also chosen to weaken the other half of the equation, the ruling elder. If the church is to continue to promote on education, it must become hard line on age as well, maturity and spiritual wisdom of ruling elders to assist the young pastors by mentoring them, giving them a firm foundation to stay within the scriptural boundaries of correctness. There will always be exceptions to the rule, but they should not be the norm. Without the wisdom of the aged we cannot stay strong and well grounded.