Thesis: God did not guess when He gave elder qualifications. The Holy Spirit requires mature, proven, biblically qualified men before they are appointed—because the work is heavy, souls are at stake, and the church has no right to add to God’s standard or subtract from it.

Opening Truth

God does not place men into shepherding roles so they can “grow into it later.” The church is not a training ground for unqualified leadership. The work of elders deals with souls, doctrine, and direction. That means the man must already be what the office requires him to be.

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” (1 Timothy 3:1)

1) Preliminary Considerations

The term presbuteros does not mean “elderly” but one who is looked upon with respect and deference because of his experience and maturity. This implies a degree of age that is not young, but the Scriptures do not specify a chronological age. This allows for cultural flexibility.

An elder must be male. Paul said “if a man desires…” (1 Tim 3:1). Further, an elder must have a wife (1 Tim 3:2). This is in keeping with the leadership standards that God has instituted through the ages. Women are valuable in their talents and services, but males are entrusted with leadership.

An elder must “desire” to serve. He must not reluctantly accept the assignment because of obligation or pressure. He must not desire “a position” for the gratification of his ego. Instead, he must approach the work with trepidation and sobriety, knowing eternal welfare is at stake.

2) Elements of Age and Experience

Not a novice (1 Tim 3:6). Men who have not been tempered by experience do not make good leaders in any endeavor. A man must spend an adequate amount of time in the faith to learn the subtle nuances which cannot be acquired by book-learning. Paul says a “green” Christian must not be appointed “lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.”

3) A Mature Family Man

An elder must be married: “the husband of one wife.” An elder whose wife has died no longer has a wife; thus he does not meet the qualification. Since there is no qualifier to the requirement, we must conclude that God wants a man who is currently married to serve in this capacity.

An elder must rule his house well. Regardless of the number of children in his household, whether one or more, he must have them “in submission with all reverence.” He must demonstrate the ability to command respect and inspire “followership.”

An elder must have faithful children (Tit 1:6). Spiritual maturity is partially measured by a man’s ability to teach and influence his children to possess faith in Christ. This does not mean they have merely been immersed, but they are faithful to the Lord.

4) Able to Teach (1 Tim 3:2)

The acquisition of knowledge and the ability to refute error involves a skillful handling of truth. This requires time, repetition, and a familiarity that is almost “second nature.” It takes a seasoned intellect to understand the nuances of false teaching and marshal accurate passages to answer it.

Teaching Slides — Lesson 2