Elders, Deacons, Christians

Elders, Deacons, Christians

Jarrod M. Jacobs

The qualities of elders and deacons are explicitly described for us in the books of I Timothy and Titus. When churches reach a certain stage of growth, they will look for elders and deacons to serve in the congregation. This is certainly needed and fitting. We read in the Bible that when churches began, they had no elders, but eventually, they appointed elders and deacons (Acts 14:21-23). In so doing, they went from being “unorganized” to being “organized.” These, of course, are men’s terms. The Bible describes a church without elders and deacons as being “lacking” and needing to be “set in order” (Titus 1:5).

 

            The offices of the eldership and deacons are composed of a plurality of men who are thus qualified (Phil. 1:1 Acts 14:23; I Pet. 5:1), and therefore, once organized, a church would not only be satisfied to have men serving but would also be wise to raise more men who might take the place of those who are serving currently. This is because, due to age, health problems (mental and physical), or other realities of life, some men may cease to be elders or deacons after a time. Rather than return to an “unorganized” (lacking) situation, having more men serve or prepare themselves to serve one day is a wise course of action.

 

            This church is in this situation currently. Having three elders and four deacons, we now look to increase their number. How great it is to be in this situation. Many congregations in the world have no one to serve or have only the bare minimum serving and no prospects for anyone else to serve in the near future. Let us thank God for our blessings here (I Thess. 5:18).

 

            Perhaps some reading this article wonder whether he might make a good elder or deacon. What are the qualifications of elders and deacons? On the following page, I have listed the qualifications of elders and deacons. Please read through these lists with Bible-in-hand.

Qualifications Of Elders

1 Timothy 3:1-7                                                    Titus 1:5-9

Blameless	Blameless
Husband of one wife	Husband of one wife
Temperate	Having faithful children
Sober-minded	Not self-willed
Of good behavior	Not quick-tempered
Hospitable	Not given to wine
Able to teach	Not violent
Not given to wine	Not greedy for money
Not violent	Hospitable
Not greedy for money	Lover of good
Gentle	Sober-minded
Not quarrelsome	Just
Not covetous	Holy
One who rules his own house well	Self-controlled
Having his children in submission	Holding fast the faithful word
Not a novice	Having a good testimony among outsiders

 

Qualifications Of Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Reverent	Not double-tongued
Not given to much wine	Not greedy for money
Holding faith with a pure conscience	Blameless
Husband of one wife	Ruling their children well

 

            Perhaps after reading these lists, one might become intimidated. Sometimes, people treat these qualities as “ideals,” but something that modern man might never reach. I have heard older Christians say that while there used to be qualified men, no one can qualify as an elder now. Is this true? Did God describe qualities for elders and deacons that His children could not attain? If He did, then God set before us an impossible goal and something that would frustrate us as disciples.

 

            To help us understand that the goals of becoming an elder or deacon are attainable by men today, please read the following chart with Bible-in-hand. This chart lists the qualities God expects in elders and deacons again. This time, we compare it to what God expects to see in mature Christians. We will discover that the things named in I Timothy and Titus are qualities that should be seen in all mature male Christians. 

           

Christians Are Instructed To Be

Blameless (Phil. 2:15)	Husband of one wife (Matt. 19:4-6, 9)
Temperate (1 Cor. 9:25)	Sober-minded (1 Pet. 1:13)
Able to teach (2 Tim. 2:24)	Not given to wine (Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3)
Hospitable (1 Pet. 4:9)	Good behavior (Jas. 3:13)
Not violent (Gal. 5:20)	Not greedy for money  (1 Tim. 6:8-10)
Gentle (Gal. 5:23)	Not quarrelsome (2 Tim. 2:24)
Not covetous (Col. 3:5)	Rules his own house well  (Eph. 6:1-4)
Not a novice (Heb. 5:12-14)	Good testimony among outsiders (Matt. 5:16)
Not self-willed (Phil. 2:3-4)	Not quick-tempered (Eph. 4:26)
Lover of good (1 Pet. 3:10-11)	Just (Phil. 4:8)
Holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16)	Self-Controlled (2 Pet. 1:6)
Holding fast the word (Phil. 2:16)	Reverent (1 Pet. 2:12)
Not double-tongued (Jas. 3:9-10)	Holding faith with pure conscience (1 Tim. 1:5)

 

            After reading and studying these passages, can we see a connection between a mature Christian and an elder or deacon? Brethren, this is the point! God did not set the qualities of elder or deacon beyond our reach. He set them as a goal of the mature male Christian. Honestly, with the exception of the characteristics of “male,” “married,” and “children,” we see these are qualities every Christian needs to have!

 

            For this reason, let me hasten to add that our sisters in Christ are also responsible here. A man who is a Christian cannot be qualified as an elder or deacon without you, dear sisters (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6))! The godly wife is essential to having a qualified elder or deacon. If you do not believe this, reread those qualities and see that she is his partner (Prov. 31:10-31), helper (Gen. 2:18), and the “key” to his qualifications. Without a godly wife and mother to help “qualify” these ones through support, encouragement, fulfilling her role in the home, and being a godly Christian with a worthy example, the church will be lacking in this crucial area of leadership.

 

            While the announcement was made last week concerning three brethren to be considered in these roles of elder and deacon, remember the announcement also included the encouragement for other men who felt thus qualified to talk with the elders about adding their names. Brethren, are there men you think should be considered for this vital work at Spencer? If so, then please talk with those people and make sure to speak with our elders so that their names might be added to the current list. Having a larger plurality of elders and deacons will solidify and strengthen us. Having several men whom we might see serving for the foreseeable future (Prov. 27:1; Jas. 4:15) is best. Are there more men willing to serve in addition to the three announced? Read and re-read the qualities and then speak up. I don’t know the future, but I know Who holds it, and trusting in God and His providence, I am excited for what is to come in this congregation.