The Blueprint of Maturity: Understanding the Requirements of Elders
Base Texts: 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9
Proposition: God has established clear requirements for church elders that not only qualify those who serve but also reveal the standard of Christian living that every believer should pursue.
Introduction
In the New Testament, the health of a local church is intimately tied to its leadership. God did not leave the church to be run by human whim; He established a specific structure.
• A Plurality of Leaders: The biblical pattern is a plurality of elders in every local church (Acts 14:23). These men are called to shepherd the flock, equip the saints, and protect the congregation (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:28).
• A Local Responsibility: Their authority is limited to the local church they serve, and they will one day give an account to God for the souls under their care (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2).
• The Problem of Deficiency: Paul told Titus that a church without established elders was "unfinished" or deficient (Titus 1:5).
The Great Misconception: We often view the lists in 1 Timothy and Titus as a "job description" meant only for the few. However, a close look reveals that almost every requirement for an elder is elsewhere commanded for all Christians. When we limit these standards to "the leaders," we stunt the growth of the entire body.
I. Requirements for All: The Standard of Maturity
While these are qualifications for the office of an elder, they represent the character of a mature disciple. Consider these shared expectations:
1. Moral Integrity
• Blameless (Irreproachable): This doesn't mean "perfect," but rather "above reproach"—someone against whom no valid accusation can be brought. All believers are called to be blameless (1 Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 2:15).
• Honest and Respectable: A life of integrity that commands respect from others (Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 8:21).
2. Emotional and Mental Discipline
• Sober and Prudent: Being sound-minded, alert, and self-controlled. This is a command for all (1 Peter 5:8; Titus 2:6).
• Not Quick-Tempered or Violent: A Christian should not be a "striker" or "contentious" but gentle and patient (Titus 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24).
3. Social and Domestic Character
• Hospitable: A willingness to open one's heart and home. This is a mandate for the entire church (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2).
• Not Greedy: Being free from the love of money and dishonest gain (1 Timothy 6:10; Colossians 3:5).
• Good Testimony of Those Outside: Our reputation in the world matters. We are called to be "light" in the midst of darkness (Matthew 5:14–16).
4. Spiritual Competence
• Able to Teach: While an elder must be able to instruct the congregation, every Christian should grow to the point where they can explain and defend their faith (1 Peter 3:15; Hebrews 5:11–14).
II. Specific Contexts for the Eldership
There are, however, specific requirements that relate to the elder’s role as an overseer and a model of the household of God:
• Husband of One Wife: Within the context of marriage, he must be a "one-woman man," displaying total marital fidelity. (Note: This does not exclude faithful single men from general Christian service, but addresses the specific context of the elder’s household example).
• Ruling His House Well: His leadership at home is the "testing ground" for his leadership in the church. If a man cannot shepherd his children, how can he shepherd God’s family? (1 Timothy 3:5).
• Not a New Convert: To avoid the trap of pride, an elder must be a seasoned believer. Spiritual maturity takes time (2 Peter 3:18).
III. Implications for the Congregation
Why should a non-elder care about this list?
1. Leadership Pipelines: If every man in the church strives to be sober, prudent, and blameless, the church will never lack for qualified elders. Leaders aren't born; they are grown through a life of obedience.
2. A Shared Culture: When the congregation lives by these standards, the elders’ job becomes a joy rather than a burden.
3. Universal Maturity: God’s goal isn't just to have a few "holy men" at the top, but to have a mature, organized, and holy people.
See Also
- Why do we deserve a second chance?
- Living for the Glory of God
- The God Who Reasons: Learning to Listen from the Almighty
Conclusion
The requirements of an elder are a mirror for the soul. They show us what a man or woman looks like when they are fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
If we limit these principles to "the leaders," we create a two-tier Christianity that God never intended. Let us all examine our lives against this list—not to see if we are ready for an office, but to see if we are growing into the image of Christ.
Final Thought: A healthy church is one where the leaders model the standard, and the congregation mirrors it.
