The Qualifications Of Elders/Shepherds

The Qualifications of Elders/Shepherds

1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4

Introduction

• A. The Boise Church Needs Strong Leadership to Navigate us Through the Days to Come.
• B. The First Quarter of Every Year as a time of (Re)-Confirmation of Elders and Deacons
• C. Messages on the Work and Qualifications
• D. Today, We will Discuss the Qualifications of Elders.

I. Positive Qualifications:

• A. “Above Reproach”‑”Blameless
• B. “Temperate” ‑ (Showing Moderation/Self-Restraint)
• C. “Self-Controlled” (Sober Minded, Sensible/Prudent)
• D. “Respectable” (Well-Behaved)
• E. “Hospitable“
• F. “Gentle” (Not Violent, Yielding/Kind)
• G. “He Must Manage his own Family Well” (Household)
• H. “Good Reputation with Outsiders“
• I. “One who Loves What is Good”
• J. “Upright” (Righteous with God. Fair with Others)
• K. “Holy” (Devout, Pious, Pure in Heart/Life)
• L. “Disciplined“
• M. “Of a Ready Mind” (Eager to Serve)

II. Negative Qualifications:

• A. “Not Given to Drunkenness” (Not a Heavy Drinker)
• B. “Not Violent” (Not Pugnacious/Combative)
• C. “Not Quarrelsome” (Not Contentious, but Peaceable)
• D. “Not a Lover of Money” (Not Covetous/Greedy), “Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain”
• E. “Not Overbearing” (Not Self-Willed/Arrogant)
• F. “Not Quick-Tempered“

III. Special Qualifications:

• A. “Husband of One Wife” (lit., “A One Woman man;” Faithful to his Wife)
• B. “A Man Whose Children Believe” (lit., “Having Faithful Children”)
• C. “Able to Teach;” “They Must Keep Hold of the Deep Truths of the Faith;” “Hold Firmly to the Trustworthy Message so that he can Encourage Others by Sound Doctrine and Refute those who Oppose it.”
• D. “Not a New Convert” (lit., “A Neophyte;” Novice)

Conclusion (Observations):

• A. These Men are Appointed, Not Elected.
• B. This is Not a Popularity Contest; or Referendum on Ideological, or Methodological Views.
• C. Elders/Shepherds/Bishops are Placed in Leadership by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11). We are to Submit/Obey (Hebrews 13:17).
• D. Please Prayerfully Consider and Participate in this Process of Confirmation and Reconfirmation our Leaders.