A. The eldership of the Lord's church is set forth in three different Greek words.

1. Presbuteros (Πιμπουτέρος) - translated "elder" Signifies one who is not a novice but is older in the faith having the experience of years. (Acts 14:23; 20:17; I Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5; I Pet. 5:1)
   
2. Episkopos (Επισκόπος) - translated "overseer" or "bishop" Signifies one who oversees, watching over his charge. (Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7)
   
3. Poimen (Ποϊμάν) - translated "pastor" Signifies one who leads the flock of God. (Eph. 4:11) (The associated word "shepherd" is derived from I Pet. 5:2,4.)
   

B. The eldership, therefore, is to be made up of men who are older in the faith, capable of overseeing the affairs of a congregation and able to adequately lead. 


A. The New Testament places certain restrictions on who can hold this office.

B. Qualifications for this position are listed in I Tim. 3:2-7 and Tit. 1:6-9.

1. Both lists were penned by Paul and both were addressed to preachers.
2. Nineteen specific qualifications in all are listed.
3. 'These qualifications are broken down into five categories - character, experience, reputation, domestic relations and intellect.

A. Character (five negative statements and eight positive statements)

1. "not given to wine" (ASV - "no brawler") - not subject to the influence of strong drink (Note: "brawler" [I Tim. 3:3 in the KJV] is a repetition and reinforcement of the restriction on wine.) 

2. "no striker" - not contentious or quarrelsome 

3. "not greedy of filthy lucre" (ASV - "no lover of money") - not longing for 
wealth (Note: "not covetous" [I Tim.3:3 in the KJV] is a repetition and 
reinforcement of the warning about greed over money.) 

4. "not self-willed" - not overbearing, headstrong or arrogant 

5. "not soon angry" - not easily provoked or prone to hatred or hostility 

6. "vigilant" or "temperate" - self control, prudent, discerning 

7. "sober" (ASV -"sober-minded") - of sound mind, sound judgment and 
reasoning 

8. "patient" (ASV - "gentle") - mild, kind, not contentious 

9. "of good behavior" (ASV- "orderly" - lit. "modest") - mannerly, dignified, modest 

10. "given to hospitality" - (a love for strangers, a host, helpful 

11. "lover of good men [things]" (ASV - "a lover of good" - lit. "loving good") - a 
love for all that is good: deeds, words, people 

12. "just" - upright in dealings, treating all alike, fair 

13. "holy" - devout, pious, moral, faithful in spiritual duties 


B. Experience


1. "not a novice" - not new at Christianity, not a babe, spiritually mature
2. Why this qualification? (I Tim. 3:6)

C. Reputation

1. "blameless" (ASV - "without reproach" - lit. "cannot lay hold on") - above 
suspicion, free of false doctrine and unethical, immoral behavior 

2. "good report of them which are without" (ASV - "good testimony...") - a good 
witness from non-Christians 


D. Domestic relations

1. "one wife" - must be a scripturally married man (Note: their wives must also have a good reputation, I Tim. 3:11) 

2. "faithful children" (ASV - "children that believe") - children that are faithful Christians 

3. An elder must exhibit a faithful family - (I Tim. 3:4,5; Tit. 1:6)
   

E. Intellect

1. "Apt to teach" or "holding fast the faithful word" (ASV - "holding to the faithful word") - capable and skilled at teaching 

2. It is essential for an elder to have a good knowledge of God's word. 


1. A. "take heed" (Acts 20:28) - Prosecho (Προσέχο) ("to hold to") - to turn attention to, to carefully watch, to guard

2. "to yourselves" - Elders must first keep a guard on themselves
3. "to all the flock" - Giving careful attention to the congregation is their job 

4. This attention includes protecting the flock against false teaching - (Acts 20:29 
Tit. 1:9-11) (cf. Acts 15:6,13,19)
   
5. This attention also includes "admonition" I Thess. 5:12 - Nouthesteo (Νουθέστειο) ("to put in 
mind") - to call to one's attention to, to remind, to warn 

6. This attention also includes taking the lead in discipline - which would include 
false teachers (Rom. 16:17), the disorderly (II Thess. 3:6,7) and the immoral 
(I Cor. 5:1,2) 


B. "feed the flock" (I Pet. 5:2 Acts 20:28) - Poimaino (Ποϊμαίνο) ("to tend, to feed") - 
to provide for the flock


1. This involves general nourishment for the congregation
2. This is a part of an elder's "oversight" (I Pet. 5:2)
   

C. "support the weak" Acts 20:35 - Antilambano (Αντιλαμπάνο) ("to hold to, to take instead of, to help) - to assist those who cannot adequately provide for themselves


1. Jesus said there would always be those in need (Matt. 26:11) (cf. Gal. 6;10)
2. This help is not limited to physical needs - spiritual encouragement is also 
essential 


D. "ensamples (examples) to the flock" (I Pet. 5:3) - Tupos (Τούπος) ("to strike" [to leave an 
impression], the mark of a blow) - a pattern, a model, an example

1. In contrast to being "lords" over the church (I Pet.5:2) - Katakurieuo (Κατακουριούο) 
("to force down, to lord over") - requiring dominion and demanding rule over 
subjects (cf. Matt. 20:25 -28) 

2. An elder cannot live by the rule: "Do as I say, not as I do." 

3. An elder's example reflects on every aspect of his work 


A. "esteem them" (I Thess. 5:12,13) - Hegeomai (Ηγεωμάι) ("to consider, to account, to 
elevate") - to elevate these men, to esteem and respect them for their work (cf. I 
Tim.5:17) 


B. "obey them" (Heb. 13:17) - Peitho (Πέιθο) "to be persuaded, to listen to") - to take 
their advice and follow it




C. "submit yourselves" (Heb. 13:17) - Hupeiko (Χουπέικο) "to withdraw, to yield to") - 
to be willing to be under them, to submit and consent to their authority