Elder Qualifications — A Question
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesA querist asks, “There is a man in our congregation under consideration for the office of elder. In my opinion he would do an excellent job in this capacity. He is well-versed in the Scripture and would stand for the truth. My only question is concerning his children.
He has several children, all adults and all but one living far away. As far as I know, 2 or 3 are faithful to the Lord. One of the ones that are faithful is an adult but still lives with him. One has fallen away, but I believe will return soon. One never obeyed the Lord, and there is one more child who was so rebellious and did some things that are irreversible, that he was disowned by the family. Should this man even be considered for the office?”
1) Given the above facts regarding this man’s adult children, his consideration as an elder would depend upon the degree of godly influence this man would have within the congregation if he were an elder. If the congregation would not willingly submit to his leadership or “rule” (Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17) because of his unfaithful and rebellious children, he should not be considered as a potential elder.
2) The congregation must also consider 1 Timothy 3:7 which states:
“Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.“
Not only must this man possess a good report within the congregation he is serving, but must also possess a good report with those without the congregation as well. Given the above facts regarding this man’s adult children, would he have this “good report” both within and without?
If after a study of the Scriptures, there is any reasonable doubt at all regarding the two above issues, this man would not qualify to serve as an elder.
With the above thoughts in mind, the following article by Brother Wayne Jackson is provided for further study and consideration: