"Following John Stott, I would like to point out the candidate for church office must display a solid character in five main areas. First, in relation to himself, he must be mature and self-controlled in the areas of alcohol, money, temper, and tongue. With regard to his relation to his family, he must be faithful to his wife and an effective and loving leader of his kids. With regard to his relation to others generally, he must be hospitable and gentle. With regard to his relation to outsiders, he must be highly esteemed. And last, with regard to his relation to the faith, he must have a strong hold on it, and gifted in teaching it." -- Douglas Wilson, Deacons and the Women
Any candidate for the offices of elder or deacon must have FIVE areas of governance under control in order to qualify for consideration. He must be in good and godly relation:
1. TO HIMSELF
2. TO HIS FAMILY
3. TO OTHERS GENERALLY
4. TO OUTSIDERS
5. TO THE FAITH
God has given men governance and they must exercise it over themselves, over their wives and children, over those to whom they are given responsibility, in front of those whom they have no responsibility and under God. If a man is not a good citizen of each of these spheres, he cannot be given leadership in the sphere of church governance.
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