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Elders are spiritual leaders of a local Church and they need special qualifications. In Acts 20:28, Elders are appointed by the Holy Spirit as “episkopos” (overseers) to “poimaino”(pastor and shepherd) the Church. Such a holy undertaking is noble and honourable and not to be assumed lightly.The role of watching over the congregation (Heb. 13:17) is like that of a family man caring for his wife and children.
In 1 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul outlined to Timothy a list of character qualities crucial of an Elder. These are:
- Above reproach (blameless),
- Faithful – as husband of one wife,
- Temperate (not quick tempered),
- Self-controlled (not over-bearing),
- Respectable (good, upright and not dishonest),
- Hospitable,
- Not drunk,
- Not violent but gentle,
- Not quarrelsome,
- Not a lover of money,
- Manages his household well,
- Able to teach,
- Good reputation, and
- Not a recent convert but mature.
From this comprehensive list, it is obvious and unmistakable that the Apostle Paul places tremendous weight on the character of the Church Elder rather than on his functions or abilities. It is not what he is able to do but rather who he is. His personal traits are paramount in equipping him for this calling by God to shepherd and pastor the local Church. A shepherd’sduty is to care for his sheep and watch over them as the LORD “watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Ps. 121:4). A shepherd leads the flock on the right path and guides those wandering “through the barren of wilderness, through a land of deserts and rifts, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives.” (Jer. 2:6)
The Church Elder has a pastoral heart that cares, watches and guides the congregation. He needs to possess these characterqualities in order that he is able to perform the work worthy of God’s calling and for His praise and glory. Let us pray this for our Church Elders: “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling,and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, accordingto the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:11-12).
