Elders Qualifications & Functions

(Based on Titus 1:5-7; 1Timothy 3:1-15)

1. Elders should be of good reputation : There are several character traits in the NT, which qualify or disqualify from Eldership. Elders are role models; their integrity, character and life style should be exemplary. Paul says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.’’ An Elder must live by what he teaches and preaches. (Titus 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 3:2-7; 3 John 1:9-12; Phil 4:9; 1Cor. 11:1)

2. Elders should be humble and hospitable : Elders are not dignitaries but like their Master, humbly serve others. Providing hospitality to strangers in their homes is an essential qualification for both men and women. Without hospitality, no house churches can be established. (Phil. 1:1, 2:7; Mark 10:42-45; Heb. 13:2)

3. Elders should be good teachers of the Word : They equip others by discovering and obeying biblical truths, rather than by teaching knowledge. They convince and convict with sound doctrine those who contradict. For this service they should receive double honour, meaning both respect and financial support from the flock. (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:17; 3 John 1:5-8)

4. Elders should be good rulers : They must manage their own household well then only can they manage the household of God? They should be able to rebuke those who are sinning and admonish the unruly. Financially they should be blameless stewards of God. (1 Tim. 3:5; 5:17,20; 1 Thess. 5:12-14; 3 John :10; Titus 1:7)

5. The gifts of the Holy Spirit: The Elders are spirit filled people with manifestation of many gifts. They should pray for the sick as the effective prayer of the righteous avails much. (Eph. 4:11-12; James 5:14-16)

6. Elders are shepherds of the flock : Yeshua is the Chief Shepherd and Elders must shepherd His flock by feeding the whole counsel of God from house to house. (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:27-28; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

7. Elders birth and protect the sheep : The Devil has vast experience, resources and total commitment to steal, kill and destroy. Elders protect the sheep from the savage wolves. Without elders, new disciples and young churches rapidly degrade, hence the work of church planting is not complete until local elders are appointed. (Acts 14:21-23; 20:29; John 10:10-15; 1 Cor. 4:15)

8. Elders bring lost sheep: into the fold and make them partakers of the glory to be revealed. Soon there will be one flock and one Shepherd. (John 10:16; 1Pet. 5:1)

9. Eldersare accountable to God : Preferably only local people should be Elders, not outsiders, who after birthing the movement must move on. They are appointed with fasting, prayer and laying on of hands. We must submit to their authority willingly as they are accountable to God for our souls. (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Hebrew 13:17)

10. It is a good thing to desire Eldership : Not all old men nor a novice can be Elders but only those who are mature in faith and fruitful. Women and youth like Lydia and Titus can also be Elders and even appoint Elders. (1 Tim. 3:1, 6; 4:12; Titus 1:5; 2:2-3; 2 John :1)