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"If anyone's heart is called to eldership, he
desires a noble task."
... I Timothy 3:1
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APPENDIX A:
Elder qualifications are summarized in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus
1:5-9.
- ABOVE REPROACH.
An Elder must lead by example and demonstrate a lifestyle free of patterns
of sin.
- HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE.
An Elder, if married, must be faithful to his wife.
- TEMPERATE.
An Elder must be self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses.
- PRUDENT.
An Elder must be sober, sensible, wise, balanced in judgment, not given
to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking.
- RESPECTABLE.
An Elder must demonstrate a well-ordered life and honorable behavior.
- HOSPITABLE.
An Elder must enjoy having guests in his home and be unselfish with
his personal resources.
- ABLE TO TEACH .
An Elder must be able to communicate truth and sound doctrine.
- NOT ADDICTED TO WINE (or
similar temptations of indulgence).
An Elder must be free from addictions and willing to limit his liberty
for the sake of others.
- NOT PUGNACIOUS OR QUICK TEMPERED.
An Elder must be gentle, patient, and able to exercise self-control
in difficult situations.
- UNCONTENTIOUS.
An Elder must not be given to quarreling or selfish argumentation.
- FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY.
An Elder must not be stingy, greedy, or preoccupied with amassing material
things.
- MANAGE OWN HOUSEHOLD WELL.
An Elder must have a well ordered household, and if married, a healthy
family life. An elderıs children must be believers who are not wild
or rebellious.
- NOT A NEW CONVERT.
An Elder must not be a new believer. He must have been a Christian for
long enough to demonstrate the reality of his conversion and depth of
his spirituality.
- GOOD REPUTATION WITH OUTSIDERS.
An Elder must be well respected by unbelievers and free from hypocrisy.
- NOT SELF-WILLED.
An Elder must desire to serve, but must serve without self interest
and must not abuse authority.
- LOVING WHAT IS GOOD.
An Elder must desire the will of God in every decision.
- JUST.
An Elder must desire to be fair and impartial. His judgments must be
based on scriptural principle.
- DEVOUT.
An Elder must be a devoted follower of Christ, seeking to be conformed
to Christıs image. He must be committed to prayer, worship, the study
of Scripture, and to guarding his own walk.
- HOLDING FAST TO THE WORD.
An Elder must be stable in the faith, obedient to the Word of God, continually
seeking to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.
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