Biblical Qualifications

Scripture gives qualifications in I Timothy 3:1-7 

"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.  (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.  He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap."

The Constitution says of the qualifications 

The Elders are the chosen representatives of the congregation and govern, discipline, and oversee the spiritual interests of this church.  According to I Timothy 3:1-7, the Office of Elder shall be occupied by men of maturity, exemplary lives, good reputation, sound judgment, and who rule their own house well.  A candidate for Elder must be a member of this church for at least one year prior to his nomination for this office.

The Constitution says of the duties 

The responsibilities of the Board of Elders include: (1) Directing the affairs of the church; (2) Receiving and dismissing members; (3) Administering the ordinances; (4) Overseeing all organizations and their programs; (5) Making provision for the pulpit supply; (6) Exercising discipline; (7) Praying for and with the people and watching over their spiritual and physical needs; (8) Visiting the membership, giving counsel and comfort to those with special needs; (9) Promoting missions at home and abroad; (10) Executing on behalf of the church deeds, notes, deeds of trust, releases, and any other instruments of contracts as may be necessary to comply with the mandate of the congregation as to real property belonging to, or being acquired, improved or sold by the church; (11) Being responsive to all other matters that affect the well-being of this church.

The Constitution says of the man 

A candidate for nomination to the office of Elder will be examined by at least two current Elders to determine: (1) His personal knowledge and comprehension of the Word of God, especially as it relates to the qualifications for an Elder; (2) His personal philosophy concerning the purpose of the local church, his understanding of his responsibilities as a Christian and as an officer of the church, and his concept of the role of Christian education in the church; (3) His agreement with the constitution of this church, including the doctrinal statement; (4) His ability and willingness to serve and participate actively as an Elder, to attend faithfully the services and programs of the church, and to support the various programs and activities of the church; (5) His ability to teach and his desire to cultivate this ability for the Lord.