Throughout the centuries, God used leaders to accomplish His will and mission. When Moses was leading the people through the wilderness, his father-in-law Jethro was concerned about his welfare and gave him this advice in Exodus 18:19-21:
“Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be
Exodus 18:19-21 (NIV)
the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them the
decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But
select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate
dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (NIV)
In Numbers 11:16 these men are referred to as “elders”. Both this title and form of ministry were adopted by the first century church. The elders were responsible for leading, feeding, loving and protecting the church. In the New Testament, Paul gives practical insight for elders in I Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-5 and Acts 20:28-31.
As we look for elders at Central Christian Church, we consider the Scriptures and understand that these men must be qualified. It is apparent that they must have both spiritual qualifications and personal character of the highest measure. They are to be the very best candidates the church has to offer.
THE ROLE OF AN ELDER
The elders at Central Christian Church shepherd (pastor) the flock of God (I Peter 5:1,2). They are responsible for the spiritual condition of the church both short and long term. They help set policy and direction for this congregation. They are involved in the recruiting and development of the staff, purity of teaching, congregational life, as well as carrying out the church’s mission (Matthew 28:19,20).
PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
A potential elder must be an immersed believer; a male member of Central Christian Church; and believe in and be willing to defend the Scriptural doctrine reflected in our published Core Beliefs and sign a statement of faith.
Be sure to carefully read the Biblical requirements for an elder, and give prayerful consideration to your nominations.
| Self-controlled | 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 | Husband of one wife | 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 |
| Hospitable | 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 | Temperate | 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7 |
| Able to teach | 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:9 | Respectable | 1 Timothy 3:2 |
| Not violent but gentle | 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7 | Not given to drunkenness | 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7 |
| Not quarrelsome | 1 Timothy 3:3 | Manage his own family well | 1 Timothy 3:4 |
| Not a lover of money | 1 Timothy 3:3 | Sees that his children obey him | 1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6 |
| Not a recent convert | 1 Timothy 3:6 | Does not pursue dishonest gain | Titus 1:7 |
| Has a good reputation with outsiders | 1 Timothy 3:7 | Holds to the truth, sound in doctrine | Titus 1:9 |
| Not overbearing | Titus 1:7 | Not quick tempered | Titus 1:7 |
| Upright, holy | Titus 1:8 | Loves what is good | Titus 1:8 |
| Disciplined | Titus 1:8 | Above reproach (blameless) | 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 |
After prayerful consideration, I give the following nomination(s) for elder(s) and Biblical reasons why I would like them to be part of the leadership at Central Christian Church.