Ten Questions forProspective Elders (Part 1)

1. Are You Respected in the Community?

• “Above reproach”, literally “not able to be held”

• “Good reputation with outsiders” • An elder with a tarnished reputation hinders

the mission of the church. • We need leaders who are a compelling

commercial for Christ.

2. Are You Committed to Your Wife?

• “Husband of but one wife” (NIV84) is literally “a one-woman man”

• “Faithful to his wife” (NIV)• A man completely devoted to his wife not only

in body, but also in mind and heart. • Not about past history, but present character.

3. Do You Make Wise Decisions?

• “Temperate” means “clear-headed”• “Self-controlled” means “prudent, thoughtful” • A man who has his head on straight. • Elders must often think through thorny

relational, financial, and doctrinal issues• “Elders” suggests significant life experience. • Mature enough to avoid shoot-from-the-hip,

impulsive, or careless decisions.

4. Do You Keep Your Temper in Check?

• “Not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome”• Elders will face volatile situations in which a

soft word will turn away anger, but a harsh word will stir up wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

• When conflict and criticism arise, the man who will make a good elder will have a tough skin, a tender heart, a short memory, and a long fuse.

5. Are You Willing to be Inconvenienced for Others?

• “Hospitable” is not dinner and conversation.• The word pictured someone opening his home

for guests to stay days or even weeks on end. • Hospitality involved sacrifice and cost a great

deal in time, space, money and effort. • Paul’s question is: will this man think of others

before himself?