Qualifications of an Elder

 

1 Timothy 3

Titus 1

Brief definition

v.1 Desire

 

He must desire the office and not be forced into it

v.2 Above reproach

v.6 Blameless

Not sinless but one who is right with God

v.2 Husband of one wife

v.6 Husband of one wife

A one women man

v.2 Temperate

 

Not given to excesses; abstaining from wine

v.2 Sober

v.8 Sober-minded

Sound in their thinking and exercises self control

v.2 Good behavior

 

One who is orderly and well mannered in his life

v.2 Hospitable

v.8 Hospitable

Literally means lover of strangers

v.2 Apt to teach

v.9 Hold firm to the word

Capable of teaching others the Word of God

v.3 Not given to wine

v.7 Not given to wine

Not a drunkard

v.3 Not violent

v.7 Not violent

Can’t be physically or verbally abusive

v.3 Not greedy for money

v.7 Not greedy for money

Can’t have an unhealthy desire for material possessions or inordinate desire for money

v.3 Patient

v.7 Not quick-tempered

Being fair, mild or gentle

v.3 Not quarrelsome

 

One who abstains from starting fights

v.3 Not covetous

 

Not a lover of money

v.4 Rules his house well having his children in submission with respect

v.5 Having faithful children who are not wild and disobedient

If his household is not in order how can he be an effective leader in the church?

v.6 Not a novice

 

Must be strong in the scriptures and in experience

v.7 Have a good report with those of the world

 

They must be righteous in the church and outside the church

 

v.7 Not self willed

Can’t be self-pleasing or arrogant

 

v.8 Lovers  of good

One who approves of the things which are excellent

 

v.8 Just

He is honest and makes just decisions

 

v.8 Holy

One who is devoted to the worship and service of God

 

v.8 Self-controlled

Having his emotions and passions under control