Eldership - Leaders of the Ekklesia

Elders in the Church: Appointment, Qualifications, and Setting Things Right

In Acts 14:23 we read that in every church, elders were appointed, and after prayer and fasting they were commended to the Lord in whom they had believed. Paul left Titus in Crete so that he could "set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you." (Titus 1:5)

The Problems They Faced

The early churches faced real problems. Paul describes "many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole households by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach." (Titus 1:10-11)

Paul even quotes a prophet of Crete, "One of their own prophets said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.'" and he affirms that this testimony is true. (Titus 1:12-13) These problems needed to be set right, and the elders' role was not merely a title. It was about correction and stability.

Qualifications of Elders (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

1. Character: He must be blameless, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and free from the love of money. (Titus 1:6-7; 1 Timothy 3:2-3)

2. Family: His children must be believers and under control, not open to charges of loose living. (Titus 1:6)

3. Hospitality: He must be hospitable and a person of peace, opening his home to others. (Titus 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2)

4. Integrity with money: He must be an honest steward of God's resources, never pursuing dishonest gain. (Titus 1:7)

5. Ability to teach: He must be able to teach and hold firmly to the trustworthy word, so that he can encourage others in sound doctrine. (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:2)

6. Ability to convince and correct opponents: He must be able to refute those who oppose the truth. This ability to convince and convict is a sign of spiritual maturity. (Titus 1:9)

Our Experience

In our fellowship, we never had to formally appoint an elder in any church. Over time, the life of the church itself raised up natural leaders. These are people who understand church growth and multiplication, and who have a passion for reaching the lost. Most of them are trainers, mentors, mobilizers, and problem solvers. Many travel widely to lead teaching seminars.

Among converts from Islam, the question of polygamy has rarely arisen, since most now have only one wife. In some cases, even that wife turned away during the difficult process of conversion. In this natural process, neither age nor gender was a barrier to leadership, just as Priscilla, Lydia, Phoebe, and young Timothy all served in important ways. (Acts 18:26; Acts 16:14; Romans 16:1; 1 Timothy 4:12)

Women Elders: A Question of Translation

The Greek word presbuteros is translated "elder" when it refers to men. However, the feminine form presbuteras is usually rendered "older women" (Titus 2:3). It could just as easily be translated "woman elder," "elderess," or even "wife of an elder" (as in 1 Timothy 5:2 where the same root appears). Such translation choices shaped how the church understood women's leadership for centuries. Where leadership is visible, it is not hard to see who is guiding the flock.

This section draws on the author's book, Greet the Ekklesia in Your House.

When the Structure Goes Wrong

The problem arises when a newly trained seminary graduate appoints himself as leader, or when a local leader begins to call himself "Pastor" and takes over the basic privileges of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), such as discipling, baptizing, and breaking bread. The focus then shifts from making disciples to building a church building and setting up formal structures. The church becomes a center for income generation, with programs taking priority over multiplication.

That is why the role of an elder or elderess is so crucial. Scripture calls for leaders who keep the church centered on Christ, on making disciples, and on faithful multiplication, so that the church stays true to its calling.

Let us close in prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the elders You have raised up in every generation to set things right in Your church. Give us wisdom to recognize those who are faithful, humility to serve, and hearts that keep our eyes on making disciples rather than building structures. Let Your Word stand firm in our lives and in our churches, and help us to finish the work You have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shalom,