Philippians 1:1
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1: Character
A man must possess the character of the man described above in order to qualify to be an elder. He must be the kind of man elders are required to be.
1 Timothy 3
This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
2: Competence
A man must be capable of executing the duties of the office and assuming its responsibilities. He must be able to do things elders are required to do.
Titus 1:5-9
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
3: Calling
A man must be called to the office by the Holy Spirit, not by the constraint of the felt needs of family, friend, or a local congregation. He must desire to be an elder as much as he is desired by others to be one.
1 Peter 5:1-4
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
4: Chemistry
A man must mesh with a local congregation in order to be one of its elders. He can meet all of the C's above and not be a good elder at any good church. A man can have the character, the competence, and the call, but lack chemistry with a local church's distinctives or emphasis on thereof. He could be a good and godly man without being a good fit for a particular congregation just like he could be a good husband to a particular woman and not necessarily be a good match for every other Christian woman.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
5: Calendar
A man must have the time to be an elder. He can meet all the 4 C's above and not be in a position to be an elder due to his season of life. He may not have the time in his current schedule to execute the office or fulfill the responsibilities thereof. He can be of good character, competent, and in concert with his church and community, yet not have room in his calendar to fulfill the responsibilities.
James 5:14
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the
Summary:
A man may not be qualified to be an elder because he isn't who it takes, doesn't have what it takes or how to take it, isn't ready to take it on or agree with why he's being asked, can't take it where it's needed, or doesn't have the time to take it on when it is needed.
Hebrews 13:7, 17
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith... Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
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