Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Appointment of Elders

then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.” First Timo thy 5224,25 also teaches that an assessment of character and deeds is necessary in order to avoid appointing the wrong people as elders or overlooking qualified men: “The sins of some men [prospective el ders] are quite evident, going before them to judgment [human examination]; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.” Although the elders are to take the lead in all church procedures, this does not mean that the congregation is passive. Biblical elders want an informed, involved congregation. Biblical elders eagerly de sire to listen to, consult with, and seek the wisdom of their fellow believers. The prospective elder or deacon will serve the congrega tion, so the people must have a voice in examining and approving their prospective elders and deacons. The context in which 1 Timothy 3: 10 appears lays out general instructions for the whole church (1 Tim 2:1 3216), not just for the elders. Therefore, everyone in the church is to know the biblical qualifications for church elders and is obligated to see that the elders meet those qualifications. Some people in the con gregation may have information about a prospective elder or deacon that the elders do not have, so their input in the evaluation process is absolutely essential, regardless of how that process is carried out in detail. If objections or accusations are voiced as to a candidate’s character, the elders should investigate to determine if the accusations are scrip turally based. If not, the objections or accusations should be dismissed. No candidate should be refused office because of someone’s personal bias. Members of the congregation must give scriptural reasons for their objections. This examination process is not a popularity contest or church election. It is an assessment of a candidate’s character ac cording to the light of Scripture. If even one person in the congrega tion has a verified scriptural objection, the prospective elder should be declared unfit for office—even if everyone else approves. God ’5 stan dards alone, not group popularity, govern God’s house. During a meeting (or several meetings) with the prospective el der, the elders and the congregation should inquire about the candidate’s doctrinal beliefs, personal giftedness, ministry inter ests, family unity, moral integrity, and commitment of time. Re member, one of the qualifications for eldership is “that he may be

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