Elder’s Qualifications: Family

Titus 1:5-9

False Ideas

Results– Unqualified men are appointed

– Qualified men are not appointed

– Only God’s qualifications matter

General Information

First Timothy: 16 qualifications

Titus: 15 qualifications

Seven found only in First Timothy

First Timothy Only

Desire the office

Respectable

Able to teach

Gentle

Not contentious

Not a new convert

Good reputation from without

General Information

First Timothy: 16 qualifications

Titus: 15 qualifications

Seven found only in First Timothy

Six found only in Titus

Titus Only

Having faithful children

Holding fast the faithful Word

Not self-willed

Loving what is good

Just

Devout

General Information

First Timothy: 16 qualifications

Titus: 15 qualifications

Seven found in First Timothy

Six found only in Titus

Total of 22 when combined

Must Be A Man

A time when this was not questioned– Both passages (1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:6)

– “Elder” means older man

– Women appointed to serve in some denominations

Must Be A Man

Men seek to corrupt the church– Leadership placed in men’s hands by

God (Genesis 3:16)

– Not changed His mind (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:8-15)

– Note: Has to do with role not importance

Must Be A Man

Not required of all Christians– Important point to begin to consider

– Meet certain qualifications but not “perfect” men

Must Be A Husband of One Wife

Unmistakably clear– Literally means “a one woman man”

(1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)

– Married to one

– Rules out polygamy

– A Scriptural marriage (Matthew 19:9)

Must Be A Husband of One Wife

Corruption– Women placed in leadership roles in

denominations

– Mormons send out young, single men called “elders”

– Some brethren say women can serve as song leaders, ushers, etc.

Must Be A Husband of One Wife

Not required of all Christians– Men not required to be married to be a

faithful Christian

– However, such men cannot serve as elders

Must Be A Father

Found in both passages– Rules out men who are husbands but

not fathers

– Qualification in place to demonstrate ability to lead

– Elders lead the church as fathers lead in the home

Must Be A Father

Erroneous positions– Man thought he was qualified after

marrying a widow with faithful children

– Mormon concept fails this test as well

– Does not demand an elder’s children to be “perfect”

Must Be A Father

Not required of all Christians– Married men can be faithful Christians

without being a father

– However, those who desire to serve as elders must also be fathers

Conclusion

Never water down God’s qualifications

Don’t make it impossible for men to be appointed