What Is An Elder?

Dating all the way back to the time of the apostles, Christian churches have been led by elders (πρεσβύτερος) or overseers (ἐπίσκοπος). Though the New Testament uses these two different words, the role is one and the same and can be found in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5.

But what are the qualifications for being an elder and what exactly do elders do?

What are the qualifications?

While the Bible doesn’t give an extremely specific job description for elders, one thing it makes abundantly clear - character comes first. Elders are not chosen first and foremest for their great talents, worldly success, popularity, or leadership acumen. The list of qualifications given in Scripture should be enough to make any man reflect carefully before accepting this role.

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

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

— Titus 1:5-9

While we know that all men are sinful and none of our earthly elders are perfect, Scripture does raise a high bar. Elders are to be godly men who walk closely with the Lord and demonstrate it by their words and actions. They must be spiritually mature (1 Timothy 3:6). Their homes should reflect the leadership of a godly man (1 Timothy 3:4-5). They are to have a good reputation in the community beyond the church, such as their neighborhood, town, or workplace (1 Timothy 3:7). They must be able to faithfully teach the truth of God’s Word to others and oppose false teaching (Titus 1:9).

Does an elder have to be married and have children?

While Scripture says that elders must be the husband of one wife and keep their children submissive, this should probably not be taken to mean that an elder must be married and have children. Rather, the phrase “husband of one wife” could also be translated: “one woman man.” The point is to say that married elders should be faithful to their wives. One reason supporting this view is that the Apostle Paul himself was neither married nor had children.

What if an elder’s children walk away from the faith?

The word used for children in these passages typically refers to children still living at home under their father’s authority. While fathers should pray for their children and train them up in the way of the Lord, adult children are responsible for their own actions.

What about divorce?

Scripture provides teaching for rare circumstances when divorce is biblically permissible. When divorce or remarriage occur within those biblical instructions, elders may determine that a man is still a “one woman man” qualified to serve in this role.

Does an elder have to be male?

Scripture teaches that men and women are equal in value, yet distinct in role. God has given men a unique calling to lead in the home (Ephesians 5:22-33) and in the church (1 Timothy 2:12-14). While women can certainly be gifted to lead and teach in certain roles, the role of elder is a unique calling of qualified men.

What does an elder do?

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

— 1 Peter 5:1-4

The primary metaphor for elders found in the Bible is shepherd. Spiritual shepherds lead, teach, care for, pray for, protect, discipline, and set an example for the church. They labor on behalf of the chief shepherd (Jesus) to ensure the flock is healthy.

What is the difference between an elder and a pastor?

In the New Testament, the titles of elder, overseer, shepherd, and pastor seem to be used interchangeably. In Scripture, there is really not a distinction. However, for practical purposes, churches have often used the title of pastor for those elders whose primary calling is to preach or for those that labor as shepherds as their full-time job.

How much teaching should an elder do?

Scripture says that elders must be able to teach, give instruction, and refute false teaching. This does not mean that all elders will be equally gifted in their ability to speak to large groups of people. At Peace Church, where I serve as a pastor, we believe all elders should be able to articulate the truths of Scripture and should regularly be involved in doing so by leading a small group, leading a bible study, mentoring young men, teaching a kids Sunday school class, or a similar ministry.

What is the job description of an elder?

Scripture doesn’t give us a detailed job description for elders or describe their weekly tasks. It paints a picture of shepherds keeping the church healthy. For this reason, local churches have some variation in the structures and tasks given to elders. For one example, you can find linked below the job descriptions for Administrative Elders and Zone Elders at Peace Church.

Administrative Elder Job Description

Zone Elder Job Description

A Final Word

If the church is to remain faithful to the Lord and bear fruit for His glory, then the church must be led by men who are qualified, called, and equipped. As go the leaders, so goes the church. May the Lord continue to raise up godly elders among his flock to lead, feed, and nurture them until He returns.