Consider First What The Word of God Says

"It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (1 Tim. 3: 1-7)

"For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict." (Titus 1:5-9)

What Are Some of the Duties of Our Elders?

A.  Leadership

                As an "overseer" the task of administering the overall organization of the church falls to the elders.  Prayerful decisions are made on the Session level for the common good and direction of the church at large and not for any partisan interests.  Elders are often called upon to create, design or maintain necessary organizational structures and programs to the benefit of the entire body.  They will often seek assistance in the actual administration and execution of specific programs by soliciting information and expertise from those appropriately gifted or qualified.

B.  Pastoral Care

                Elders are to be involved in feeding (tending) the flock (1 Pet. 5:2; Ac 20:28).  They are to protect the flock from unbiblical influences (Ac. 20:29).  Their guidance and care is accomplished through the ministry of the Word (Ac. 20:27).  They are to admonish those in error and take the lead in the difficult and often misunderstood area of church discipline (1 Th. 5:12-14).  They are to be involved in helping the weak, and ministering to those who are hurting or vulnerable and who need support (Ac. 20:35).

At GSC our elders are to be the pacesetters (or models) for the entire church in terms of a prayer ministry, interpersonal relationships, counseling, care and support ministries, visitation and discipline.  They are our chief lay pastors to the flock.

C.  Instruction

                The elders are to be men able to communicate the truth of God's Word (1 Tim. 3:2).  Though not all the elders need be called to a public pastor-teacher role, all should nevertheless be able to teach and lead from God's Word in some setting with others.  Elders are to be skilled in the Word so that they might "exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict."  (Titus 1:9).

At GSC we specify four main functions of those aspiring to eldership.  They must be actively involved in Prayer, Exercising Sound Wisdom, Shepherding and Tithing.  To that end, you will always find our elders involved in our prayer ministries, both public and private, in the decision-making process on the board level, and in leadership in our interactive small group shepherding network

What Are The Biblical Qualifications

for Our Elders at GSC?

1.  Above Reproach - means that there is no ground for continual, justifiable accusation.  Not that the person has been sinless, but that he is now above reproach, and gives every prospect of living a Godly life well into the future.

2.  Husband of One Wife - A "one woman man;" physically and mentally, the deacon-candidate should be someone who is "sold-out" to his wife.  We want an individual who is a good model of manly love toward his spouse.  This should be someone whose marriage is admirable.  It is this church's position that it is possible for the deacon-candidate to have had a divorce in his past and still evidence this quality.

3.  Temperate - Cool and calm in spirit.  Not one who is prone to great swings in his spiritual life.

4.  Prudent - Sensible, sane and sober-minded.  The elder candidate should be one that you might characterize as wise, certainly not foolish.

5.  Respectable - Orderly, well-behaved.  In social circles, this person is not an embarrassment, nor would he be defensive if asked to modify his behavior in order to remove stumbling blocks for younger and less mature folks.

6.  Hospitable - Opens home to others.  Has the elder candidate welcomed you or others into his home?

7.  Able to Teach - Able and willing to communicate God's Word to others.  The elder candidate is often one who is almost always communicating God's truths in some setting.

8.  Not Addicted to Wine - Nor to anything else.  Is not participating in intoxicants of any kind on any regular basis.

9.  Not Pugnacious - Not a likely person to lash out and hit someone; not a striker.

10.  Gentle - Fair, reasonable, kind.

11.  Noncontentious - Not likely to be characterized as a quarrelsome individual.  Is not someone who is walking around with a chip on his shoulder.

12.  Free from Love of Money - Not someone who would violate or stretch God's standards in order to "make a buck."  The elder candidate must be one who is not characterized as being driven by a temporal value system.  Have you known him to be unselfish and generous?

13.  Manages Own Household Well - (Please note:  Perhaps this, more than any other qualification should be the major disqualifier of individuals in our day and age!)  Does the elder-candidate have the respect and Godly submission of his family?  Have you known him to be a true Godly leader in his own home?

14.  Not a New Convert - Must be one who is maturing in both doctrine and experience.  He is likely to be known by you as an avid Bible reader and doer.  We are not emphasizing years, so much as the wisdom that time often brings.  "Maturity of spirit" might be a synonym for this quality.

15.  Good Reputation Outside the Church - An individual respected by Non-Christians and others in the surrounding community.  He is fair and acts with integrity in all surroundings.  He pays his bills, and goes the extra mile to get along with his neighbors and business contacts.

16.  Having Children who Believe -  Children who are Christians, not rebellious and unruly.  It must be remembered that no one can force another person into heaven.  While the child is in the home, if he/she gives evidence of being a Christian, this is what is emphasized.  We cannot peer into hearts to know true professions from false ones.

17.  Not Accused of Dissipation - Simply not an individual who would be characterized by excesses; not overindulgent.  The elder candidate should not be one that "goes overboard" or who reflects obvious imbalances in his life.

18.  Not Accused of Rebellion - Not one who is unruly or unteachable.  Perhaps it would be best stated as one who is known to have altered his position for the good of others.

19.  Not Self-Willed - Not one who is a self-pleaser or is arrogant or haughty in his dealings with others.

20.  Not Quick-Tempered - Does not flare up at the "drop of a hat."  His temper is controlled.  It is not that he is passive, his temper is simply well in control.  You are not fearful of feeling the "wrath" of his temper.

21.  Loving What is Good - A man who has an obvious desire to do good.  Not someone who is driven to please everyone, but rather someone who has an internal urge to reflect Christ in service to others.

22.  Just - He is righteous and upright and a supporter of what is correct.  No man can support every "good" cause that comes along.  Yet he can sympathize with the supporters of many, while focusing his energies on the ones he is best qualified to make an impact through.

23.  Devout - One who is very careful in fulfilling his responsibilities to God.  The elder candidate should be a church supporter in his attendance, philosophy and resources, both human and monetary.  His spiritual walk should be known by you as being dear to him.  You should know that he has regular quiet times.  You should already know him to be a man who prays.

24.  Self-Controlled - Restrained, under control.  and not prone to "fly off the handle."

25.  Holding Fast the Word - One who is committed to the authoritative nature of God's Word.  Perhaps you have known of "opportunities" that he has forsaken because of his desire to follow God's Word.  This type of action might be indicative of just such an elder candidate.

Pastor Jan Paul Sattem