The Apostle Paul teaches us that the desire to serve as an officer in the church is a worthy ambition. He heartily endorses it, while he also explains in 1 Timothy 3 the demanding requirements of being an elder or deacon. The desire to be a spiritual leader in the church is a good thing, yet not everyone is qualified to serve as an officer. Those who aspire to office in the church must meet the highest standards and must be examined and tested (1 Timothy 3:10).
Paul describes the church as the “household of God … the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Those are strong statements, expressing a high view of the church and requiring that we seek only the most qualified men to lead her. Officer nominations and elections have little to do with popularity and everything to do with a person’s consistent and deepening love for God and a growing love and service of one’s neighbor. In the kingdom of God leadership is about loving God and neighbor, worshipping God and serving one’s neighbor.
Paul describes the church as the “household of God … the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Those are strong statements, expressing a high view of the church and requiring that we seek only the most qualified men to lead her. Officer nominations and elections have little to do with popularity and everything to do with a person’s consistent and deepening love for God and a growing love and service of one’s neighbor. In the kingdom of God leadership is about loving God and neighbor, worshipping God and serving one’s neighbor.
The Offices of Elder and Deacon
Elder – The office of elder is one of spiritual oversight and government of the church (Titus 1:5ff, 1 Tim. 3:1-7). In the NT elders are sometimes referred to as shepherds (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-3) because they are charged with the care and nurture of the church just as a shepherd cares for his flock. Elders are also responsible for the teaching ministry of the church (1 Tim. 5:17-18). Elders must both understand the truths of God’s word and be able to minster effectively in the body as one who encourages, edifies, and when needed, confronts and rebukes.
Deacon – The office of deacon is one of service, extending mercy and sympathy to those in need, especially to those within the church. Deacons are first mentioned in Acts 6:1-6 as those chosen to minister to the physical needs within the church. The spiritual nature of the deacon’s service of mercy is no less vital than the elder’s rule; the health of the church is inseparably tied to both offices.
The duty of the office of deacon is threefold: 1) To assist the elders; 2) To minister to those in need and distress; and 3) To care for the church’s property.
Any man assuming the office of elder or deacon must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 (elder) and Timothy 3:8-13 (deacon).
Deacon – The office of deacon is one of service, extending mercy and sympathy to those in need, especially to those within the church. Deacons are first mentioned in Acts 6:1-6 as those chosen to minister to the physical needs within the church. The spiritual nature of the deacon’s service of mercy is no less vital than the elder’s rule; the health of the church is inseparably tied to both offices.
The duty of the office of deacon is threefold: 1) To assist the elders; 2) To minister to those in need and distress; and 3) To care for the church’s property.
Any man assuming the office of elder or deacon must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 (elder) and Timothy 3:8-13 (deacon).
Qualifications for Church Office
Below is a composite list of the Scriptural qualifications required for elders and
deacons drawn primarily from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Use this list as you
prayerfully make your recommendations.
for women in 1 Timothy 5:9. The idea is that of faithfulness and purity in one’s
conduct. Unmarried candidates are not excluded by this criterion, as Paul’s own
example plainly shows.
argumentative.
deacons drawn primarily from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Use this list as you
prayerfully make your recommendations.
- Above reproach – Exhibiting high moral integrity in all attitudes, actions, and
- The husband of one wife – This Greek idiom does not mean “married only
for women in 1 Timothy 5:9. The idea is that of faithfulness and purity in one’s
conduct. Unmarried candidates are not excluded by this criterion, as Paul’s own
example plainly shows.
- Temperate – Does not act irrationally or impulsively; has appetites under
- Prudent – Exhibits wise judgment at home, at work and in the church; applies
- Hospitable – Welcoming to others, especially strangers; makes others feel
- Not addicted to wine – Exhibits self-control concerning food, drink, etc.
- Not pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious – Has temper under control; not
argumentative.
- Free from the love of money – Actions not motivated by financial gain; gives
- Manages his household well – Keeps family priorities well, and treats wife and
- Not a new convert – Is mature in faith and knowledge, and has demonstrated a
- A good reputation outside the church – Respected by those outside the church
- Devout – Evidences a personal knowledge of Christ through personal Bible
- Shepherding – Practices love for God’s people in caring and helpful ways; looks
- Apt to teach (Elders nominees only) – Able to instruct in sound doctrine and
The Offices of Elder and Deacon
The Scriptural Description of an Elder :
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires
a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one
wife, sober-minded, self- controlled,respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not
a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He
must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children
submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household,
how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he
may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the
devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not
fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7; See also Titus 1:5-9)
The Scriptural Description of a Deacon:
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much
wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith
with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve
as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be
dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons
each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own
households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for
themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 3:8-13)
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires
a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one
wife, sober-minded, self- controlled,respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not
a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He
must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children
submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household,
how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he
may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the
devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not
fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7; See also Titus 1:5-9)
The Scriptural Description of a Deacon:
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much
wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith
with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve
as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be
dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons
each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own
households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for
themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 3:8-13)
Trustees
Trustees are not officers per se. They are faithful members of the congregation
who are assigned the responsibility of managing the secular assets of the church.
who are assigned the responsibility of managing the secular assets of the church.
All candidates are expected to have demonstrated their love for the church and regular attendance at morning and evening worship services.
Procedure for Election of Officers & Trustees
- Recommendations – A candidate must be recommended by a member of the congregation. Recommendations may be made until the last day in July.
- Training and Examination – Candidates for elder and deacon are required to attend Officer Training Classes. The purpose of the class is to instruct and examine nominees in the areas of Christian Experience and call to the office, Theology, Church Government, and Church History. Since the class is offered every other year, a candidate must have completed the course in a previous year.
- Session Nominations – The Session has the responsibility of evaluating all candidates’ fitness for service, and nominating those who are qualified.
- Election – Nominees are presented to the church at a congregational meeting in November. Simple majority vote is required for election.
- Installation and Ordination – Newly elected officers are ordained and/or installed according to the procedures in the PCA Book of Church Order, Chapter 24; trustees are commissioned separately.
- Term of Service – Elders serve for a period of six years, beginning the year of their election, deacons for a term of four years, trustees for a term of five years.
Your Responsibility
Each member should be aware of his responsibility prayerfully to recommend men to serve who demonstrate the biblical qualifications.