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  • Writer's pictureJoshua Spatha

Biblical Responsibilities and Duties of Elders

Updated: Nov 3, 2019


A simple list and reference of all the qualifications and duties of a biblical elder. Note that several of these passages are within the context of deacons, but all passages pertaining to deacons also pertain to elders. However the reverse is not true.

Qualifications

  • Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)

  • Full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3-8)

  • Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)

  • Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6)

  • Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)

  • Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8)

  • Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)

  • Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)

  • Men of dignity (1 Timothy 3:8)

  • *Not double tongued (1 Timothy 3:8)

  • Not self-ambitious or fond of selfish gain (1 Timothy 3:8)

  • Have a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)

  • Must be tested (1 Timothy 3:10)

  • Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)

  • Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

  • Not violent, not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

  • Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)

  • Not a brawler; not contentious; not soon angry or quick tempered (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

  • Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

  • Rules his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4, Titus 1:7)

  • Has a good rapport or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)

  • Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)

  • A lover of what is good (Titus 1:7)

  • Just, fair (Titus 1:8)

  • Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)

  • Self-Controlled (Titus 1:8)

Duties

  • Shepherd the flock, setting an example for all (1 Peter 5:1-3)

  • Feed and care for the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12)

  • Teach and preach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:9)

  • Rule and lead (I Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:2,4)

  • Train and ordain others (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; Titus 1:5)

  • Refute and rebuke the insubordinate (Titus 1:9, 13)

  • Keep watch over and give account to God for the spiritual well-being of the church (Hebrews 13:17)

  • Serve clothed in Christ-like humility (1 Peter 5:3-5)


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