What's An Elder?
02.27.22
Pastor Eric Grenier
Part of Rooted—Book of 1 Timothy
February 27, 2022

What’s an Elder?
1 Timothy 3:1–7 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” 2So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 6An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. (NLT)

A Man Who Desires To Serve

A. The word Elder does NOT mean “older.”
1. Presbuteros — “elder” — of age, not a child
2. Episkopos — “overseer” — manager or encourager
3. Poemen — “shepherd” — protect the sheep (usually a male 16–30 years old)
B. He must desire to serve.

A Man Who Is Qualified to Serve

A. “Above reproach” — accusations do not stick
B. “Faithful to wife” — not an adulterer; loves his wife
C. “Self-controlled” — not quick tempered
D. “Life wisely” — make wise decisions
E. “Good reputation” — people think well of him
F. “Enjoy having guests” — be a people person
G. “Able to teach” — knowledge and ability to teach the Word
H. “Not a heavy drinker” — controlled by Christ, not by substances
I. “Not violent nor quarrelsome” — seeks peace rather than anger
J. “Gentle” — meekness, not weakness
K. “And not love money” — root of all kinds of evil
L. “Manage family well” — how he runs his household
M. “Children respect and obey” — how he disciplines his children
N. “Not be a new believer” — clearly a growing, maturing believer
O. “People outside the church speak well” — connects with non-believers

How An Elder Serves

A. The mistake of congregational rule.
B. Who should rule the church?
1. Christ! He bought the church!
2. The Scripture — it is the authority of the church
3. The Elders — scripture identifies them as the local authority
4. The Body — makes decisions on areas of ministry where they serve.