Qualifications for Elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7)

Outline: Qualifications for Elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7): 

1. Titles
2. Tasks
3. Tests

Summary:  Last week we considered the role of men and women in the local church (2:8-15). When doing so we heard Paul say that he does not "permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man."  A natural and appropriate question to ask would be this: who then should teach or exercise authority in the local church?  Paul's answer comes in the very next passage (3:1-7) were he describes the qualities that must mark a man if he is to be considered fit to carry out the noble task of shepherding the blood-bought flock of the Good Shepherd.

Main Point: Shepherding God's people is a noble task reserved for qualified men in the local church.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the relationship between 2:8-15 and 3:1-7?
• How should we think about the relationship between the titles pastor, elder, and overseer (cf. Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Peter 5:1-2)?
• What wisdom do you see in the biblical pattern of having multiple elders in each local church? 
• What is meant by the phrase "first among equals"? [Hint: think Peter among the other disciples]
• What is involved in the task of biblical eldership (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Heb. 13:17)?
• What biblical tests or qualifications must be met for one to be considered for eldership?
• Why might the home be a fitting context to test whether or not one is fit for eldership?
• What other conditions must be met in order to proceed with eldership?  What is at stake if such conditions are not taken seriously? 
• How might this passage shape your prayers for yourself and for your leaders?

Application Questions:

• In what areas am I lacking in godly character?  What steps can I take to grow?
• How has this passage helped me see the significance of the elder's role in the church?
• How might I pray for my leaders in light of what I've learned in this passage? 
• How might I respond to/interact with my leaders in a way that would bring joy and not groaning as they seek to care for the church (Heb. 13:17)?

Prayer Points:

• Praise Jesus who met God's qualifications so that we might be qualified through faith in Him
• Thank God for Jesus our Chief Shepherd and for the under-shepherds He has given to you
• Pray that you would personally grow in these biblical qualifications for the glory of God
• Pray for faithfulness and fruitfulness as well as joy and protection for your elders 
• Pray that God would enlarge the shepherding ministry at FBC by raising up more qualified men to help care for the flock