A function, not a title
The term “elder” is a functional term in the Greek New Testament, not a title, as Jesus instructed against. It is used interchangeably in the New Testament with “overseer” (Tit 1:5–7), another functional term. They are the same thing.
There are meant to be a plurality of elders in any given area, never a single person “at the top”.Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1
Elders are mature Christian men with good character and the ability to teach, as required and outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These men are recognised by the local Body.
We recognise elders locally, who are in mutual submission to one another (Eph 5:21) and together fulfill this Scriptural leadership function.
The purpose and work of elders
Together, elders are meant to fulfill this role among God’s people.
- Shepherding
- Operate in a shepherding function, as a steward of what belongs to Jesus (1 Peter 5:2–4), supporting, guiding, encouraging, and helping the local Body become healthy and grow into maturity; spiritually, relationally, and in every way.
- Keeping watch
- Keep watch (Heb 13:17) and look out for wolves (Acts 20:29–31) that seek to destroy the community.
- Holding to the Word
- Hold to the written Word and teach it (Titus 1:9).
- Setting an example
- Be an example of the character and life of Christ to others (1 Pet 5:3).
Elders help us hold the standard set for Body life, as outlined by the New Testament letters, and to navigate the rigours of it. They are not there to control the affairs of the Body.
Our disposition toward elders
The attitude and disposition we should have toward the elders among us is summed up in Hebrews 13 and 1 Thessalonians 5.
Follow them as they lead and yield to them:
Follow those who lead you, and yield to them; for they themselves keep watch over your lives, as those who will have to render an account, so that they may keep that watch with joy and not groaning; for that is no gain to you.
Hebrews 13:17
See translation notes
Acknowledge their work and hold them in the highest regard in love:
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 NIV
Who qualifies
These are the Scriptural requirements for someone to be considered for eldering, along with a wider sense of the Greek words in the New Testament. They are broken up by area.
Character — must haves
- Above reproach 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6–7
- Nothing that can be legitimately charged against him. A man whose public and private life leave no opening for accusation.
- Temperate 1 Tim 3:2
- Sober, clear-headed, free from excess. Not clouded by drink or any other indulgence.
- Prudent / sensible / self-controlled 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8
- Of sound mind, disciplined in desires and reactions. Mastery over impulses rather than being driven by them.
- Respectable 1 Tim 3:2
- Orderly and well-behaved.
- Hospitable 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8
- Literally someone who loves hosting guests.
- Gentle 1 Tim 3:3
- Yielding, reasonable, kind. Strength under control; not harsh or demanding.
- Peaceable / not quarrelsome 1 Tim 3:3
- Not a fighter. Avoids needless conflict; not argumentative by nature.
- Lover of what is good Titus 1:8
- Drawn to what is morally excellent.
- Just / upright Titus 1:8
- Fair and righteous in dealings with people. No favouritism or injustice.
- Devout Titus 1:8
- Set apart toward God. His life shows reverence, not just external morality.
- Good reputation with outsiders 1 Tim 3:7
- Those outside the church should have no legitimate grounds to accuse him.
Character — must not haves
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Not addicted to wine
1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7
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Not pugnacious / not violent
1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7
Not quick with fists or verbal aggression.
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Free from the love of money / not greedy for dishonest gain
1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7
Money does not drive him.
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Not self-willed / not arrogant
Titus 1:7
Not stubbornly self-pleasing, not a man who insists on his own way.
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Not quick-tempered
Titus 1:7
Not prone to anger, not irritable or explosive.
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Not a new believer
1 Tim 3:6
Maturity is required.
Family
- Husband of one wife 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6
- “One woman man” in the Greek text.
- Manages his own household well 1 Tim 3:4–5
- And children who believe (Titus 1:6).
Doctrine & teaching
- Able to teach 1 Tim 3:2
- Capable of instructing others; able to handle and communicate the truth.
- Holds fast the apostolic message Titus 1:9
- Clings tightly to the apostolic message passed down, to strengthen the Body and correct those who oppose it.
Motive matters
According to 1 Peter 5:1–3, those operating as elders must do so voluntarily, willingly and eagerly, not under compulsion, not under pressure, and not for status.
Their motive must not be for money or advantage. Their disposition should not be as lording it over people, but rather as being an example in life and faith to the Body.
The authority, and its limits
There is a different type of practical and real authority that comes with the different aspects of function and gifting in the Body. While Jesus made it clear that authority and power are not organisational or political, and not lorded over people, there is a different type of authority that is present to build up and protect the Body of Christ.
As the only recognised local leadership function in the New Testament, the elder carries a community-recognised, servant-hearted, relational and spiritual authority (Heb 13:17).
This authority is:
- Located
- Tied to a particular area — “the flock among you” (1 Pet 5:2).
- Recognised
- The Body knows who they are (Titus 1:5; Acts 20:28).
- Accountable
- They will give an account to Jesus for their stewardship (Heb 13:17).
- Limited
- They are to be stewards in service to the Body, and not to exercise power over people, not lording it over them (1 Pet 5:3).
A local elder can also operate with an apostolic gifting. While Peter was an apostle, he was also a “fellow elder” to a local congregation (1 Peter 5:1).