Northside Community Church

Our Elder Standards

STANDARDS

As the books of I Timothy and Titus instruct us concerning Elder requirements, it is important for us to look more closely at these to see how we all measure up to the standards God has designed for each of us.

In I Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:6-9 we find the following standards listed:

  1. HIS DESIRE TO BE AN ELDER IS A GOOD DESIRE (I Timothy 3:1): It is first and most important that the man who is considering becoming an elder wants to hold this position. It must be a passion within his being to be of service to the church in this capacity.
  2. HE MUST BE ABOVE REPROACH (I Timothy 3:2): This is like an umbrella. It governs all the other standards in the chapter. He must be above reproach with reference to all the other standards set forward. To be above reproach means not able to be taken hold of. The phrase implies not only that the man is of good report, but that he is deservedly so. He is one against whom it is impossible to bring any charge of wrongdoing such as could stand impartial examination.
  3. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE (I Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:6): We believe this to mean that his heart is focused on only one woman. We do not believe this means that he is supposed to be married nor to have only been married one time, but that he is to be committed to one woman and only one woman.
  4. TEMPERATE (I Timothy 3:2): To be sober, sober-minded. It originally meant to be free of alcohol but here means clearheaded.
  5. SELF-CONTROLLED (I Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:8): To be thoughtful and in control of his emotions.
  6. RESPECTABLE (I Timothy 3:2): To be orderly. Implies well-ordered demeanor, but also the orderly fulfillment of all duties and the ordering of the inner life from which these spring.
  7. HOSPITABLE (I Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:8): In his official capacity he has the duty of keeping open house both for delegates traveling from church to church and for a needy member of the congregation.
  8. ABLE TO TEACH (I Timothy 3:2): To be willing to teach God's Word. Not just ready to teach but the spiritual power to do so as the outcome of prayerful meditation in the Word of God and the practical application of its truth to himself.
  9. NOT GIVEN TO DRUNKENNESS (1 Timothy 3:3 & Titus 1:7): This means one who does not sit long at his wine, one who is not a slave to drink.
  10. NOT VIOLENT (I Timothy 3:3 & Titus 1:7): Not a giver of blows, not given to violence.
  11. GENTLE (I Timothy 3:3): Equitable, lenient, kindly, forbearing, gracious, considerate and genial.
  12. NOT QUARRELSOME (I Timothy 3:3): Not a fighter, not contentious.
  13. NOT A LOVER OF MONEY (1 Timothy 3:3): Not obsessed with gaining money or things.
  14. HE MUST MANAGE HIS OWN FAMILY WELL AND SEE THAT HIS CHILDREN OBEY HIM WITH PROPER RESPECT (1 Timothy 3:4): Simply means to be able to rule his family with respect. His children are to be in submission to his leadership, which is in response to his ability to rule with dignity and stateliness.
  15. NOT A RECENT CONVERT (1 Timothy 3:6): An elder should be someone who has deep spiritual roots.
  16. A GOOD REPUTATION WITH THOSE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH (I Timothy 3:7): He must be respected by unbelievers in the community.
  17. HIS CHILDREN BELIEVE (Titus 1:6): His children must not be unruly, insubordinate, wild, self-indulgent and wasteful in their manner of life.
  18. NOT OVERBEARING (Titus 1:7): Not obstinate in one's own opinion, arrogant, or refusing to listen to others. He must not assert his own rights nor be reckless of the rights, feelings and interests of others.
  19. LOVES WHAT IS GOOD (Titus 1:8): Denotes devotion to all that is best.
  20. UPRIGHT (Titus 1:8): To be just, conforming his conduct to right standards.
  21. HOLY (Titus 1:8): Denoting personal piety, an inner attitude of conforming to what is felt to be pleasing to God and consistent with religious practices.
  22. TO HOLD FIRMLY TO THE TRUSTWORTHY MESSAGE HE HAS BEEN TAUGHT (Titus 1:9): He must hold onto the faith of God even in the midst of opposing something hostile.
  23. ABLE TO REFUTE THOSE WHO OPPOSE BIBLICAL TRUTH (Titus 1:9): He must be able to expose their error and try to convince them that they are wrong.
EXPECTATIONS
  1. He is committed to praying for the pastor, church and other board members regularly.
  2. He actively seeks to be involved in the life of the church, many of its activities and plans.
  3. He faithfully attends Elder meetings.
  4. He faithfully attends church services.
  5. He is committed to listening to the church people he has regular contact with and keeps the other board members informed of the thoughts and concerns of the church body.
  6. He is ready to take a position for which he believes he is qualified and has been gifted to excel.
  7. He has personal devotional time on a regular basis.
  8. He models to the community a Godly family life.
  9. He boldly and consistently shares his faith with those outside the church.
  10. He actively recruits people to come to the church.
  11. He speaks highly of the church in private and in public.
  12. He works hard at being creative in the pursuit of answers to issues within the church.
  13. He is prepared to participate in the elder meetings.
  14. He has signed and abides by the Membership Covenant of Northside Community Church.
  15. He will, along with another Elder, be responsible to meet annually with members of the church to discuss their fulfillment of the Membership Covenant.
  16. He is willing to respond to tough questions asked by fellow elders with regard to his fulfillment of these expectations.