- About Us
Ruling Elders
Bob CrutcherSamir Husni
Sidney Johnson
Bill MacKenzie
Joe Paslay
Kevin Patterson
Wayne Prather
Qualifications of an Elder - with Scriptural References
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1. Above Reproach (literally, "blameless")
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Titus 1:7 - 9
Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
2. Husband of one Wife (literally, "a one-woman man")
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Titus 1:6
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
3. Temperate (moderate, not given to excess)
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
4. Sober-minded (a sensible, serious person)
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
5. Of good behavior (respectable, orderly)
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
6. Hospitable (literally, "one who loves strangers")
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
7. A lover of what is good (literally, "one who is inclinded to do good")
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
8. Abel to teach (literally, "skilled in teaching")
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
9. Not given to wine (literally, "not addicted to wine")
- I Timothy 3:3
not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
- Titus 1:7
Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
10. Not violent (literally, "not addicted to wine")
- I Timothy 3:3
not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
- Titus 1:7
Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
11. Gentle (patient, gracious, forgiving)
- I Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- II Timothy 2:24
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
12. Not quick-tempered (he must be slow to anger)
- Titus 1:7
Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
- James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
13. Not quarrelsome (not argumentative)
- >I Timothy 3:3
not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
- II Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
- James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
14. Just (righteous or upright)
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
15. Holy (literally,"devout")
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
16. Self-controlled (or self-disciplined)
- Titus 1:8
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Qualifications of an Elder
College Hill Presbyterian Church
& Presbyterian Church in America
1. In addition to the above, must be a communicant in good standing for at least one year.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the English Bible
3. Regular worship attendance
4. Willingness to continue to learn about the role of the elder
5. Faithful attendance at meetings of the Session
Book of Church Order
The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America is a document outlining certain areas of doctrine and church government of the PCA. It is not inspired, but it is well crafted and a great deal of thought has been put into it.