Tag: qualifications of elders
Qualifications for elders
Scripture reading for October 8: Titus 1
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you–if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” Titus 1:5-9
God appoints leaders to positions of servanthood and accountability. God gave clear qualifications to Titus through the apostle Paul concerning those in responsibility. God is a God of order and works through those to whom He has delegated His authority. Paul instructed Titus to look for those in the church who had their homes in order. They must be husband of one wife only and children must also be believers and submissive to their parents. This elder must be above reproach from those both inside and outside the church, having a reputation as an upright person who loved good. The mature elder must be humble and not arrogant. He must have self-control of his appetites and his tongue and spirit. He must not be driven by greed or money.
As far as spiritual gifts, the elder must be able to teach the Word of God and know God’s Word thoroughly. His teaching and living of God’s Word would equip the church to do God’s work in righteousness. Sound doctrine would provide a solid foundation for church growth and outreach and discipleship. The elder must also be able to deal gently and effectively with those opposing truth by rebuking them and using church discipline if called for. He is God’s steward of God’s Word serving joyfully and faithfully.
Have you ever aspired to become a leader or elder in the church? Have you looked carefully at the qualifications laid out here and compared your life to God’s will? What areas of your life need to be developed in order to function in church eldership?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a God of order and not confusion. You call those You want in positions of stewardship and then equip them and shape them for service. Use me in my eldership years to model Christ’s qualifications in my home, family, and church and community. Amen!
Pastoring in a godless culture!
Scripture reading for October 26th: Titus 1:1-16
Titus was a Greek convert of Paul’s who was called by God to be a leader in the church. Paul recognized God’s call on this young man and worked with him to help him mature and learn how to lead and organize an effective church in a pagan culture. He left him in Crete to continue the work that Paul had started there. Paul considered Titus a ‘true son’ in the faith that they shared in Jesus Christ.
Leaders in the church must meet certain character qualifications in order to be effective. The goal of good leadership is to see people won to faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel and then to see people live godly lives as they expectantly work and wait for the soon return of Jesus. Paul listed these qualification again for Titus as he did for Timothy, his other son in the faith. Good elders must be blameless and have their families under control. They must be free from moral vices and love what is good, according to Scripture. They must be hospitable and able to teach others what they know and live from God’s word. They must be able to refute those who oppose the truth as well as encourage those who are open and growing. (Titus 1:5-9)
Being a pastor involves working with people of all backgrounds and maturity levels. Pastoral ministry requires patience and persistence in doing good. A pastor must always realize that they are representing God and His word to the people in how they teach as well as how they live.
Paul cautioned Titus to beware of some rebellious people who were of the circumcision party. These people really did not believe but were using their religion for gain. Paul told Titus to rebuke them sharply that they might be delivered from the Jewish myths that they were pedaling. (Titus 1:10-13) These people were really not believers in Jesus Christ or the Gospel. Their minds and consciences had been corrupted with the false teaching of legalism. “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.”
The Gospel of Christ produces faith which leads to obedience to the truth and godly living. False teaching leads to strife and division. Pastors must be strong to teach and live the truth by faith.