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                  The Biblical Qualifications For Elders and Deacons


 


Introduction                                                                                                                                       

The only two local church offices mentioned in the NT are those of Elder (overseer) and Deacon (servant or minister). Included in these qualifications is a man’s heartfelt desire for the care and oversight of God’s people (1Timothy 3:1).  The desire for power, authority, or spiritual status is nowhere listed or promised in any part of the New Testament!  Consider the following verses carefully and you will find they speak of selfless Christian servants who desire to humbly and sacrificially care for the people Christ died to save.


"Those who are choosing elders in churches today would do well to look carefully at candidates in the light of these qualifications, and to look for those character traits and patterns of godly living rather than worldly achievement, fame, or success.  Especially in churches in western industrial societies, there seems to be a tendency to think that success in the world of business (or law, or medicine, or government) is an indication of suitability for the office of elder, but this is not the teaching of the New Testament." -Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, p.916
 

Biblical Qualification(s)

Office

Scriptural Reference(s)

 

 

 

Must be Above Reproach (blameless)

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6 / 1Tim. 3:9-10

Must be The Husband Of One Wife

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6 / 1Tim. 3:12

Must be Temperate (sober minded)

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7 / 1Tim. 3:8  

Must be Prudent (self-controlled)

Elder         

1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8

Must be Respectable

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:2 / 1Tim. 3:8

Must be Hospitable

Elder

1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8

Must be Able To Teach

Elder

1Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9

Not Addicted to Wine (drunkenness)

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7 / 1Tim. 3:8

Not Pugnacious (violent), but Gentle

Elder

1Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7

Not Quarrelsome (uncontentious)

Elder

1Tim. 3:3

Not A Lover Of Money (not greedy)

Elder

1Tim. 3:3

Manages His Own Household Well

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:4 / 1Tim. 3:12

His Children Obey Him

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:4-5; Titus 1:6 / 1Tim. 3:12

Not A Recent Convert

Elder

1Tim. 3:6

A Good Reputation With Outsiders

Elder          

1Tim. 3:7

Does Not Pursue Dishonest Gain

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:8 / Titus 1:7

Not Two-Tongued  (must be sincere)

           Deacon

1Tim. 3:8

Must Have Children Who Believe

Elder

Titus 1:6

Not Overbearing

Elder  

Titus 1:7

Not Quick-Tempered

Elder

Titus 1:7

Loves What Is Good

Elder

Titus 1:8

Must Be Upright, Holy

Elder

Titus 1:8

Must Be Disciplined

Elder

Titus 1:8

Must Be Tested

           Deacon

1Tim. 3:10

Likewise…Wives Must be Dignified

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:11

Wives Must Not be Malicious Gossips

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:11

Wives Must be Temperate

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:11

Wives Must be Faithful in All Things

Elder / Deacon

1Tim. 3:11


A Brief Note on Deacons

The Greek word for deacon is (diakonos). In its pre-technical usage, this word simply meant "one who serves."  The seven men chosen to serve in this capacity in Acts 6:1-6 were likely the first deacons ever to be appointed in the church. Generally, their attention to the physical needs of the flock was meant to allow the elders to give full attention to prayer and the teaching of the word of God (Acts 6:2, 4).  However, Acts 6:8-8:1 clearly shows that even gifted deacons may preach and teach boldly at times!


Bibliography

Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Wayne Grudem, Zondervan, © 2000
Biblical Eldership, An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, Alexander Strauch, Lewis & Roth Publishers,
© 1995
The Team Concept, Paul's Church Leadership Patterns or Ours?, Bruce Stabbert, Hegg Brothers Printing, © 1982
Sacred Cows Make Gourmet Burgers, Ministry Anytime, Anywhere, By Anyone, William M. Easum, Abingdon Press, © 1995
The New Testament Order For Church and Missionary, 4th Revised Ed., Alex Rattray Hay, © 1947
The Church at the End of the 20th Century, Francis A. Schaeffer, Intervarsity Press, © 1970

 


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