Biblical Qualifications for Elders in the Church
- Must be wise (Deuteronomy 1:13)
- Must have an understanding heart (Deuteronomy 1:13)
- Must be known among the brethren (Deut. 1:13)
- Must be able to lead (Deut. 1:15; 22:16018; Joshua 1:13)
- Must be able to agree with others (1 Kings 8:1; Ezra 6:14; Joel 1:14; 2:16)
- Must be a spiritual person [Have a relationship with the Lord] (Psalm 107:34; Lamentations 4:16; Ezekiel 20:1; Acts 6:4)
- Must be blameless in the community (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7)
- Have only one spouse (1 Timothy 3:2)
- Must be faithful and diligent (1 Timothy 3:2)
- Must be sober, temperate, sensible, and well behaved (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7)
- Must be hospitable to all people (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
- Must be able to teach [able to communicate truths to others] (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
- Must not be a drunkard (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
- Must not be violent, quarrelsome, or contentious but gentle (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
- Must not be greedy and lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
- Must be able to manage his own family [this does not mean have a controlling spirit over them] (1 Timothy 3:4)
- Must be holy (Titus 1:8)
- Must be an intercession and prayer (James 5:14,15)
- Must have the respect and obedience of his children (1 Timothy 3:4,5)
- Must not be a novice [not a new convert, but one who has been walking with the Lord for a season] (1 Timothy 3:5)
- Must have a good report in the world, above reproach in business (1 Timothy 3:7)
- Must be able to rule over people as a good leader, faithful to responsibilities (1 Timothy 3:17)
- Must be able to choose and ordain others into the work of the Lord (Acts 15:6; 15:22,23; 16:4; 20:17)
Obviously, this calling has a lot of responsibilities in the requirements. It is not to be sought after lightly. The Elder stands as a leader and caregiver for a group of people. He physically represents God to the people. He should be one who constantly leads others to Jesus Christ. He cannot be in this position for personal gain. There are some serious Scriptures about leaders who are not faithful, who lead others to destruction, and who cause others to sin.
Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel
Ezekiel 34:1-10 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.