“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-13).
Though the Lord gives gifts to His people to lead and equip them, there are requirements He has for men. We agree with those who say these qualifications and requirements are not to be taken lightly but are to be the minimum requirements for a man who seeks to minister to the Saints and be used by God.
As you go through the Biblical qualifications for public ministry as they are set forth in Scripture, please mark your answers thoughtfully.
An Elder must be a converted man to Christ. Nicodemus, a religious ruler of the Jews was told by Jesus that he must be born again. “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7)
While the conversion of a minister of the gospel is assumed in Scripture, it is not always the case in life when people consider their spiritual leaders. In 2021, Harvard University selected a self- professed atheist to be a chaplain, and the president of its cadre of chaplains.
Are you a converted man, a born-again Christian?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must be a man. Are you a man?
I am ____ I am not ____
“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:12).
An Elder must be one who desires the office of a spiritual overseer. Do you desire the office of a spiritual overseer?
I do ____ I do not ____
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1).
An Elder must be blameless, or above reproach, in specific areas (1 Tim. 3:2-7).
An Elder must the husband of one wife. Have you ever been divorced? Are you the husband of one woman?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must be a vigilant, or circumspect man. Are you vigilant?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must be a sober man. Are you a sober man, one who is a serious and thoughtful?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder be a man of good report. Do you have a good report from others?
I do ____ I do not ____
An Elder must be given to hospitality Do you enjoy entertaining others? Are you given to hospitality?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must be apt to teach. Are you a capable teacher?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must not be given to wine. Do you drink to excess?
I do ____ I do not ____
An Elder must not be a striker. Are you a violent person?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must not be greedy of filthy lucre. Are you a greedy man? Are you in the ministry for money? Is taking up the offering your favorite part of the service?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must be a patient man. Are you a patient man?
I am ____I am not ____
An Elder must not be a brawler. Are you verbally, or physically abusive?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must not be covetous. Are you a covetous man? Are you satisfied in life?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must be one who rules his own house well. Do your children walk with the Lord? Is your house in order?
It is ____ It is not ____
An Elder must not be a novice. Are you new to the Christian faith?
I am ____ I am not ____
An Elder must have a good report of those outside the Christian community. Do you have a good report among none Christians?
I do ____ I do not ____
Have you told the truth in all of your answers?
I have ____ I have not ____
Would you like to change, or clarify any answer?
I would ____ I would not ____
Please review your answers with someone close to you for confirmation, or to be challenged.
