Elder

In the New Testament, the terms “Elder,” “Bishop,” and “Overseer” all refer to the same role in the church order and are essentially synonyms. The primary and most prominent role of an elder is to guide and teach the “flock” of Christ. The New Testament gives us many different prerequisites for the eligibility of eldership in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:5-9. An elder must:

• Be above reproach

• Be the husband of one wife (this refers to both morally and sexually)

• Be temperate

• Be sensible

• Be respectable

• Be hospitable (this term refers to the love of strangers)

• Be able to teach

• Not be addicted to wine

• Not be quarrelsome

• Be considerate

• Be peaceable

• Not be a lover of money

• Be able to lead his own household well

• Keep submissive, faithful, non-rebellious children

• Not be a new convert

• Have a good reputation inside and outside the church

• Love what is good

• Be righteous

• Be holy

• Be self-controlled

The position of elder belongs exclusively to men. This is made clear in multiple verses, including 1 Timothy 2:12, which states, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” This directive of male eldership is not born out of the culture or a hatred of women but rather is born out of the order of creation and the fall (1 Timothy 2:13-14). The New Testament also says that the elders who lead well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the teaching and preaching of the Word. It is also made clear that they have the right to reap financially from the flock they are laboring to oversee.

Christ is called the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls in 1 Peter 2:25.