The Importance of the Qualifications of Elders

The appointment of elders in a local congregation is a matter of incredible importance. Consider that God gave very specific qualifications in scripture so that we could know exactly who should be leading the congregation (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11). In a different time, under a different law there was once a change in leadership that did not benefit God’s people. 1 Samuel 8 records the account of Israel asking Samuel for a king. They rejected God’s organization despite warnings of how difficult a king would make their lives. Hundreds of years later, evil kings lead God’s people to destruction and captivity. Christians should be satisfied with God’s organization for the church, namely that elders oversee and feed the local congregation under the authority of Jesus the Christ (Acts 20:8, Titus 1:5, Colossians 1:18). They should also be satisfied with God’s description of who is qualified to serve in this role. Consider these reasons why the qualifications are so important.

To fail to emphasize the qualifications is to fail to emphasize the authority of God. The church does not belong to Christians, but to Christ. Jesus said that he would build His church (Matthew 16:18). This same church is described as “the church of God” in 1 Corinthians 11:22. We are to do all things according to Christ’s authority (Colossians 3:17).

These decisions will shape the future of the congregation in more ways than can be counted. The qualifications given hold men who desire the office to a very high standard because they are given the responsibility of shepherding the people of God. The type of men who meet these qualifications will lead the church in ways that will be beneficial. The congregation must emphasize the qualifications so that the right men are leading.

Be careful and precise because the devil is working. Because Satan wants elderships to fail he works to ensnare them. Elders can fall from grace just as easy as any Christian. Congregations should appoint men who will remain steadfast and stand against “the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Some congregations with unqualified men in the position of elder have fallen prey to the temptation to use unauthorized practices to remove them. The consequences of unscriptural elders are destructive and far-reaching.

God wants there to be elders in every congregation. While it is difficult to meet all of the qualifications, it is not impossible. Some might be fearful of the consequences of unqualified elders and add qualifications of their own in an attempt to reassure themselves. But it is important to stress each qualification for what it says, no more and no less. Remember the ultimate warning of the Bible that no man shall add to or take away from the word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). God did not make the office of elder an unattainable goal, rather a position of great honor that can be met with experience and hard work.

Elders are not perfect, but they are to be obeyed. Becoming qualified does not mean becoming sinless and elders can certainly make errors in judgment. Consider that with Christ as the head of the church, the elders have no authority to change any part of God’s word. However the scriptures give them authority by admonishing Christians to, “obey them that have the rule over you” (Hebrews 13:17). We can infer that the elders have authority only in matters of judgment and opinion. A Christian may disagree with the opinion of the eldership, but he must obey. The qualifications are to ensure that the congregation appoints men that will lead us in the heavenly way and make it easy to submit to their rule (1 Peter 5:3).