THE ELDERSHIP

Some observations

1.     Qualifications are set out – 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1

2.     They are not voted into office

3.     Unqualified men will be a source of trouble for the church

4.     Elders can go bad – Acts 20:28-31

5.     Some are selected for wrong reasons

a.     Rich

b.     Influence

c.     Business man

d.     Good man

e.     Long time member here

6.     Some claim to Holy Spirit appointed them

a.     Acts 20:28

b.     1 Corinthians 12:13

The term – Elder

1.     Genesis 10:21

2.     Genesis 50:7

3.     Acts 15:6

4.     Acts 11:30

5.     Titus 1:5

6.     Acts 14:23

Other titles

1.     Elder – older, mature

2.     Bishop – Titus 1:5, 7

3.     Pastor – Ephesians 4:11

4.     1 Peter 5:2

POSITIVE QUALIFICATIONS

1.     MUST – none can be eliminated

2.     Husband of one wife

3.     Faithful children

a.     Faithful to God?

b.     Faithful to their father

4.     Vigilant

5.     Sober

6.     Of good behavior

7.     Given to hospitality

8.     Apt to teach

9.     Patient

10. Rule well his own house

11. Of good report from without

12. Lover of good men

13. Just

14. Holy

15. Temperate

16. Holding fast the faithful Word

Some qualifications for elders – not apply to all Christians

1.     Not a novice

2.     Husband of one wife

3.     Children