Biblical "Requirements" or "Characteristics" ?

[WesWoodell]

I'm curious what your opinion is of elders and deacons. I hear people cite Scripture and then lay out "requirements" for elders and deacons. What is your view of this? Are these really requirements, or are they characteristics?

Just curious what you all think. :)

[iwasbornforbattle]

The same characterisitics as all others that serve the Lord. They must understand the reason they serve and be able to make sound decisions with said knowledge. They must also realize they are called to a higher standard because people will hold them in a different light than other Christ Followers.

[Mrs. Enigma]

I think they are characteristics and requirements.

To OP, the name you are using sounds slightly familiar. Is it your real name?

[WesWoodell]

I think they are characteristics and requirements.

To OP, the name you are using sounds slightly familiar. Is it your real name?
Yes, it is.

[Frame1520]

I agree they are both requirements and characteristics. Some people may have the requirements, but may not be leadership material. They may be qualified to be an elder, but more suited for the role of deacon. It all depends on the person. There are people who are born leaders in this world, and others who are good people, but couldn't lead if their life depended on it.

Each situation is different, but I think it is easy to recognize who is best for what role in the church. You must have a desire to lead, but yet not be consumed with the thought of being in control. From personal experience, I've known leaders who craved power, and led churches to their deaths. I've also known leaders who lead by both example and by making tough decisions. Yet the whole time, they are humble and realize that its not about them, but about God. Doing God's will and not their own. Unfortunately, there are many that fall into Satan's trap, and loose focus of what a leadership purpose is all about.

I'll give you an example, (because I like to type!) We had an elder who believed that we should only reach people within a 5 mile radius of the church. He also thought that we should only go for a certain age and financial demographic, which was 35-50 year old men who were successful business men. Kind of sad when you think about what the Great Commission really says. He was more concerned about the church cofers than the spiritual growth of the church and the community as a whole.

Leaders must be prayerful, and more importantly, have put all their faith in God to move things, not the actions of men.

Kind of got off topic, but thought it was worth mentioning!

[Mrs. Enigma]

Yes, it is.

Well, I am curious as to why it sounds familiar. Have you written coC literature? Is your family church pillars? Dad an elder? Were you ever in a college, traveling to other states, or is my brain just weird in thinking you sound familiar.

[WesWoodell]

I'll give you an example, (because I like to type!) We had an elder who believed that we should only reach people within a 5 mile radius of the church. He also thought that we should only go for a certain age and financial demographic, which was 35-50 year old men who were successful business men. Kind of sad when you think about what the Great Commission really says. He was more concerned about the church cofers than the spiritual growth of the church and the community as a whole.

Leaders must be prayerful, and more importantly, have put all their faith in God to move things, not the actions of men.

Kind of got off topic, but thought it was worth mentioning!

Interesting story ... your elder sounds like he reads a lot.

Well, I am curious as to why it sounds familiar. Have you written coC literature? Is your family church pillars? Dad an elder? Were you ever in a college, traveling to other states, or is my brain just weird in thinking you sound familiar.

Well, let's see. Dad (Jim Woodell) has been a minister/preacher for over 35 years, is currently an elder at the Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, AR, and is the executive director of River City Ministry (a ministry to the homeless) in North Little Rock, AR. Mom (Geraldine Woodell) writes for the local newspaper here in Searcy, and has had quite a few articles published in various Christian publications. Dad has written some things here and there as well.

I just became a Christian a couple of years ago - I was a drug addict for about half of my life. I'm currently enrolled at the School of Biblical Studies at Harding University in Searcy, and Lord willing will move along with my wife to San Francisco to establish a campus ministry to SFSU when I'm done here.

Where are you from?

[youngministers]

I think these are characteristics. If they were requirements, like a checklist, who could fulfill them and then serve?

Obviously, in Christ, we are made whole and the places where we fall short are forgiven. But these are characteristics that should be strived for and evident (for the most part) in the lives of the church leaders.

My $.02

[constance]

I agree that they are characteristics and requirements, although I think it is hard to find someone who fits all of the requirements.

I have been asked to be an elder on several occasions - and I always say no. I don't think I fit the profile.

Constance

[ParsonJefferson]

I believe that the apostle Paul clearly sets out what are both characteristics AND requirements of Elders and Deacons.

I can say, from years of personal experience, that your church leadership is what will make or break the church. It is VITALLY important that Elders be true men of God.

[Frame1520]

I believe that the apostle Paul clearly sets out what are both characteristics AND requirements of Elders and Deacons.

I can say, from years of personal experience, that your church leadership is what will make or break the church. It is VITALLY important that Elders be true men of God.

Could not agree with you more!...And I know from experience. Ungodly leadership will kill a church. I saw a church go from around 200 to less than 10 in the span of a few years. All the time, firing the minister, youth minister, telling people outside of a 5 mile radius of the church that they needed to find a church closer to their home, and not teaching the bible. In fact, making up stuff that was not in the bible!

So yes, you are 100% correct. :thumbsup:

[murple_kitty]

I believe as well that they are both requirements for these men as well as charcteristics.
I think of it this way (I used to be an elder's kid, but my dad had to step down because of heart problems)
I think of them as characteristics because they are all things that are traits of my father but they are also things that the church looks for in potential elders.
I also think they have to look at the man's wife and kids when asessing him for an elder. If he has no control over kids and his wife is an ungodly person, then he doesn't have the characteristics nor the requirments of an elder

[ParsonJefferson]

I believe as well that they are both requirements for these men as well as charcteristics.
I think of it this way (I used to be an elder's kid, but my dad had to step down because of heart problems)
I think of them as characteristics because they are all things that are traits of my father but they are also things that the church looks for in potential elders.
I also think they have to look at the man's wife and kids when asessing him for an elder. If he has no control over kids and his wife is an ungodly person, then he doesn't have the characteristics nor the requirments of an elder

This would be true.
I believe you have to take the "long-view". And deep down, we know what that looks like.


We have a guy in my church (not an elder or deacon) that spends huge amounts of time studying End Times stuff, and minute details - especially obsure ones. You could say that he has a LOT of Biblical knowledge.

But his family is a total mess. I've married all 3 of his daughter, and ALL of them - with tears in their eyes - have (in the pre-marital counseling sessions) cried, "I wish just ONCE my dad would say he loves me and that he's proud of me!" In addition, the guy's wife can't stand him.

He may have a lot of knowledge, but he is in NO way qualified to be in church leadership.

[Frame1520]

Its easier than people would think to discern who would be or not be qualified for the position of Elder. It's a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly. And I agree with the last two posts. Excellent summation, and very good examples.

[murple_kitty]

Its easier than people would think to discern who would be or not be qualified for the position of Elder. It's a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly. And I agree with the last two posts. Excellent summation, and very good examples.

Our preacher said something the other day, that just came to mind. He was telling us about submission and how it didn't mean giving up your rights, it just meant humbling yourself before others, willing to help out when they needed help.
I can't remember at the moment if submission is a part of the elders/deacons chapters (I think it is) but I agree in that it is easy to discern. I mean look at the people who already do this. Then look at thier families. Most people who put these characteristics in practice, will have taught it to thier children. It is actually pretty sad when you look around and see people who are so put together themselves and thier families are a mess. I feel so sorry for them. (Ah well, had to put my two more cents in) ;)

[WesWoodell]

Interesting comments so far.

Now I'd like you guys to think about this ...

According to those of you who believe these to be requirements: are you aware that those requirements would have disqualified Jesus Christ from being a church elder?

Do you see a problem with that?

[ParsonJefferson]

Interesting comments so far.

Now I'd like you guys to think about this ...

According to those of you who believe these to be requirements: are you aware that those requirements would have disqualified Jesus Christ from being a church elder?

Do you see a problem with that?

I can see that point.

But I think it's taking it a little far. Jesus was "in a class by himself".

But additionally, I do believe that a bachelor can certainly be an elder. I had one at the first church I served, and he was a fantastic man - and a good elder.

I really believe - and have experienced - that the qualifications come down to "a Godly man who is leading a Godly family in their pursuit of their relationship with Jesus."

...and we know it when we see that happening! :thumbsup:

[Mrs. Enigma]

Interesting comments so far.

Now I'd like you guys to think about this ...

According to those of you who believe these to be requirements: are you aware that those requirements would have disqualified Jesus Christ from being a church elder?

Do you see a problem with that?


No, it does not bother me. Christ was setting up rules for humans. He is God, so he had the ability to do everything perfect to begin with.

A man ruling his own family well, would be way better than some young single guy who thinks he knows it all, or something like that.

A man who is a husband would probably have a more balanced perspective and realize what the women in the congregation are needing, better than some young single guy.

A guy who raised up strong Christian children... that says something about his character and self-control, discipline, etc.

Christ could have done the job fine, but he was God.

[Frame1520]

Agree with the past two posts. However, I would differ in having a single man as an Elder, even if he was a great leader, and strong christian person. I've been considered for Deacon before, but declined to be nominated, as I do not have any children. I think that someone who has more experience is better suited. It's not wise to elect leaders just for the sake of having leaders.

All good points though from everyone.