First Baptist Church desires to follow the guidance of God the Holy Spirit in the selection of our church elders (Acts 20:28). You can be helpful in discerning the Lord's guidance by prayerfully recommending a prospect to our Elder Search Committee for their consideration.
You may may submit the names of men you would like to recommend by completing the form clicking on the picture above or going to this LINK. All submissions will be reviewed by the Elder Search Committee and kept confidential. Descriptions of each of the biblical qualifications for an elder are listed below.
ELDER QUALIFICATIONS
Preface: Since the Lord places a premium upon the character of prospective elders, we ask that you carefully evaluate the individual(s) you recommended according to the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Acts 20:28 and elsewhere.
The apostle Paul does not intend to provide an exhaustive elder qualification list in either 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1, or in both combined. What he does list however, provides helpful indicators of a potential elder's genuine spiritual maturity and fitness to lead others. Each qualification is a standard that all believers should strive to meet. However, those who are selected for church leadership especially need to meet these character qualities. Paul guides the church to look for those who demonstrate genuineness, maturity, and depth of relationship to Jesus Christ. A person’s somewhat distant past is not the focus if he has been forgiven and has now demonstrated a consistent pattern of godly character in response to the Holy Spirit.
Above Reproach: (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7) This quality seems to be the overarching qualification, which the rest support. He should be a consistent example of one who adorns the gospel with godliness. He should carry no glaring sins in his life that would cause people not to respect his spiritual leadership, counsel, and discipline. In no way does this mean that he is sinless.
Sober-Minded: (1 Tim. 3:2) He shows good judgment in various life situations. Emotionally mature, he does not make quick and superficial decisions that are based on emotion or immature thinking.
Self-controlled (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8): He has control over natural passions and desires by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is self-disciplined and shows restraint.
Respectable: (1 Tim. 3:2) His peers recognize and esteem his consistent character.
Not a drunkard: (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; Eph. 5:18; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 10:23-33) This requirement prohibits the misuse of alcohol. When alcohol rules, God does not. The spirit of this qualification includes all addictive substances or behaviors, for no Christian should allow himself/herself to be dominated or controlled by anything that will harm his/her body, cloud his/her thinking, or hinder his/her testimony for Jesus Christ.
Not a lover of money: (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 6:9-10; Heb. 13:5; 1 Pet. 5:2) A man whose priorities are to "seek first the kingdom of God..." (Mt. 6:19-34) will allow material things to take their proper place under God's direction. Proportionate and generous giving will be an act of joyful service. He is not greedy nor does he set his affections on money. This does not demand that he be poor, but that his life not be dominated and motivated by money. He is the kind of man whose business practices and motives in relation to financial gain never come into question.
Loves what is good: (Titus 1:8) His moral excellence is evident to others. In addition, from within his heart, he earnestly desires those things that are holy and good.
Holy: (Titus 1:8) He is to be a man who is devoted to God and separated from sin.
Not violent or quick-tempered: (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7) He must not be quick-tempered and given to physical violence or verbal abuse. He exhibits restraint during times of volatile emotional upheavals.
Gentle: (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 3:2) He is conciliatory, considerate, reasonable, respectful, and while never compromising truth, is willing to yield his rights for the sake of love.
Not quarrelsome: (1 Tim. 3:3; 2 Tim. 2:23-25) He is not contentious. He does not quarrel and engage in selfish argumentation, but is peaceable. He is not critical, argumentative, or punitive, but tolerant, accepting, patient, and considerate.
Not arrogant: (Titus 1:7) He is not self-willed, forcing his own ideas and opinions on other people. He does not stubbornly insist upon having his own way. Where opinions or methodology varies among secondary issues, he must be willing to yield in a peaceable and respectful manner to the consensus of the total leadership.
Well thought of by outsiders: (1 Tim. 3:7; Col. 4:5-6; 1 Thess. 4:11-12) Unbelievers, as well as believers, are to respect his integrity. He is to be "above reproach" in the world as well as in the church.
Hospitable: (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8) "A friend to strangers" He must be one who shows genuine kindness and hospitality, not only to the members of his church family, but also to people he does not know well.
Upright: (Titus 1:8) This may have reference to his being a righteous man. It is equally probable that it refers to the prospective elder's dealings with others. He is to be fair and impartial. He is able and willing to make honest, objective judgments based upon Scripture's commands and principle.
The husband of one wife: (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6) This means if he is married, he should be purely devoted to his own wife. He should be known literally as a "one woman man". Whether married or single, his reputation in relationships with the opposite sex should be beyond reproach.
Manages his own household well: (1 Tim. 3:4-5) He is to be the leader in his home who effectively oversees and manages his family.
Keeping his children submissive and not accused of rebellion: (1 Tim 3:4; Titus 1:6; Eph. 6:4) As a father, his firmness makes it advisable for his children to obey, his wisdom makes it natural for them to obey, and his love makes it a pleasure for them to obey.
Having children who believe: (Titus 1:6) The Bible does not promise that every child of a believer will become a dedicated follower of Christ. However, an elder must model a genuine godly example within his home and, through his nurturing influence and teaching (Eph. 6:1-4), exercise a sanctifying influence upon his children (1 Cor. 7:14). If so, then one can generally expect to see his children following in the faith of their father.
If someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? (1 Tim. 3:6; 5:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17) The elders are responsible to lead the church as they watch over the souls under their care (Heb. 13:17). The reasoning for examining the man’s leadership in the home is from the "lesser to the greater". If a man fails to evidence a godly leadership within his own family (a lesser sphere of responsibility), then how will he do this with respect to God's family, the church (a greater sphere of responsibility)?
Able to teach: (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9) He must have the proven ability to effectively communicate God's truth in the Bible to others. He must also be able to instruct others in sound doctrine and correct those who espouse doctrinal error.
Holding fast the faithful Word: (Titus 1:9) He is stable in his faith and obedient to the Word of God in all respects. He is not a hypocrite, but earnestly seeks to live what he teaches.
Willing: (1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Tim 3:1; Acts 2:28) A man must serve willingly, or voluntarily, without constraint. He must not feel as though he has to serve; but rather, that God wants him to do so if confirmed by the church. Thus, he readily makes the necessary sacrifices to serve as an elder.
Not a new convert: (1 Tim. 3:6) He must be a mature believer who has been a Christian long enough to demonstrate the reality of his conversion and the depth of his spirituality. Linking a trusting, obedient heart to time produces maturity. A person placed in leadership before he senses the weighty responsibility of Christian service is particularly vulnerable to sinful pride.