What Is an Elder?
1. One of two offices in the local church (Phil. 1:1)
2. Elder, overseer/bishop, pastor/shepherd are one and the same (Titus 1:5-7; 1 Tim. 3:1f, 5:17; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:1-2; Acts 20:17-28)
Why Do We Have Multiple Elders? (Phil. 1:1; Tit. 1:5; Acts 20:17-28; Acts 14:23; James 5:14)
What Are the Qualifications for Elders?
1. Elders are men (1 Tim. 2:8-3:7; Tit. 1:6. See also 1 Cor. 11:3-16; 14:34-35)
2. Elders are above reproach (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:6-9)
  1. Above reproach in family management
    1. “one-woman man” (1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6)
    2. “manages his house well (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Tit. 1:6)
  2. Above reproach in personal behavior
    1. Not “self-willed”/“arrogant” (Tit. 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:6)
    2. Not “quick tempered” (Tit. 1:7)
    3. Not “a drunkard” (Tit. 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3)
    4. Not “violent” (Tit. 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:3)
    5. Not “greedy for gain” (Tit. 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:3)
    6. Are “hospitable” (Tit. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:2)
    7. Are “lovers of good” (Tit. 1:8)
    8. Are “self-controlled (Tit 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:2)
    9. Are “upright” (Titus 1:8)
    10. Are “holy” (Tit. 1:8)
    11. Are “disciplined” (Tit. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:2)
    12. Are “respectable” (1 Tim. 3:2, 7)
  3. Above reproach in gospel fidelity
    1. Are “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Tit. 1:9)
What Do Elders Do?
1. a) Lead (1 Tim. 3:4-5; 5:17; Acts 20:28; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb.13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-5)
2. b) Teach (1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Tit. 1:9; Eph 4:11-12)

The Leadership of the Local Church