The New Testament describes elders as men worthy of Christlike imitation. Church members should “consider the outcome of their [leaders’] life and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7). Likewise, the apostle Paul tells the Thessalonians: “We beseech you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thess 5:12). Paul also tells Timothy to “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching” (1 Tim 4:16).
Why all this focus on elders and their character? Because in the church, God’s glory is displayed and God’s people are edified through qualified elders. For that to happen, godly character is essential. Pastors aren’t perfect men, but they should be holy men (James 3:2).
1. An elder’s character is a non-negotiable.
A survey of texts on eldership reveal the primacy of character for the office (1 Tim 3; Titus 1; 1 Pet 5; Acts 20:18–35; 2 Tim 2:22–26). Pastors should widely and consistently possess Christian qualities:
Sexually/maritally faithful Good manager of household Humble Gentle Peaceable Reasonable Sober-minded Financially responsible Hospitable Self-controlled Upright in character Above reproach Spiritually mature Respectable Exemplary in
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