In 1 Timothy 3, the list of qualifications is given for an elder. Regarding his character, attributes such as: blameless, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, not given to wine, not greedy for money, gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous and humble are all listed. The list is similar in Titus 1. What they describe is an older man who is a mature Christian. One who has developed and practices the type of love and discernment that God requires of all who belong to Him.
There are other lists that are given in the New Testament which describe this kind of Christian. In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul gives us a list he defines as the fruit of the Spirit. The attributes are: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
In 2 Peter 1, Peter has his own list, very similar to that of Paul. The attributes listed in verses 5-7 are: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Peter adds the promise, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8).
All of these passages describe the characteristics that are evident in a disciple who is as God would have him to be. They are the ideal. And, while we may not be perfect in our application of these things, all of them are attainable for every Christian. While not every Christian grows as he should, there are many older men who have developed the “mind of Christ” sufficiently to be described in this way. These are the men who we should encourage to serve as elders in the Lord’s church.
Now, looking at the attributes we have listed, it is obvious that there are certain behaviors that would be antithetical to the character of the man who is qualified to serve as an elder in the Lord’s church. Such a man could not be ill tempered and mercurial in spirit. If he is easily provoked, and volatile in temper, he has no business shepherding the flock of God.
If avarice is found in the heart of an elder, there is opportunity for him to use the position for personal gain. Peter indicated that an elder is not to serve for the purpose of “dishonest gain” (1 Peter 5:2). It is never to be about prestige, advantage or material gain. Rather the intent must be an eager desire to help and serve.
Any man who loves to argue, and exhibits a divisive spirit has no business in the work of shepherding. The duty of an elder is to promote peace and unity in the flock. The concept of “divide and conquer” is not appropriate thinking for any overseer of God’s people.
One reason that men become leaders is that they aspire to greatness. They are proud. They put themselves before men as important and significant. They overtly seek power. In their arrogance, they believe themselves to be better, more capable, necessary. They lack humility. The sad reality is that men often champion these ungodly characteristics as evidence of a capable leader. This should not be among God’s people. When the disciples argued among themselves about who would be the “greatest” in the kingdom, Jesus admonished them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and a servant of all” (Mark 9:35). In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He told them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (13:14-15). Peter said that those who serve as elders should not be “lords over those entrusted to you, but examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).
Too often we fail to see the forest for the trees. We look at the qualifications like: the “husband of one wife”, “having his children in submission”, “able to teach”, “having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination”, and “able to exhort and convict those who contradict.” If a man has these qualifications, sometimes we appoint him, not considering whether he exhibits the patience, kindness and self-control that is needed to be a shepherd.
A Christian who is a good business man may not have developed his character sufficiently to do a good job in overseeing God’s people. A supervisor of men in secular work is not necessarily qualified to be an overseer of the flock. The most outgoing, vocal and opinionated are often unsuited to the work of shepherding. Remember, “…the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
When considering who may be qualified for the office of bishop, the first thing we should consider is a man’s character. How does he interact with you and other Christians? Is he kind to everyone? Is he humble? Does he express his love, not only in word but in deed? Is he reliable? Does he actively involve himself in he lives of others? Is he hospitable? Is he patient? Does he act like a servant?
If this isn’t the case, it matters little whether he is married, or whether he has one child or several, or whether his ability to teach is sufficient. He should not serve, because he is not the mature, established man of God that the Lord expects each of us to be. A man lacking in Christian character is not qualified, no matter his eloquence, wealth or secular prominence. Let’s strive to see as God sees!
