Three Areas of Biblical Qualification: Personal Character Traits, Negative Behaviors and Vices.
Text: 1 Timothy 3:2-7
The Bible is not silent on the question of church government. In both the Old and New Testaments there are a large number of texts that set forth the proper teaching on government within Christ’s Church–and that is one led by a plurality of godly elders and deacons (cf. Exodus 18:13-27; Job 29:7; Psalm 127:5; Mark 3:14-15; Acts 6:1-6, 20:17-38; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17-25; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:13-16; and 1 Peter 5:1-5). This form of church government is called Presbyterianism (Greek presbuteros=elder). Moreover, different functions are noted for elders—they may serve the church as pastors teachers evangelists, or church govenors. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that each elder be qualified according to the standards listed in the Bible, and that he be elected by the local congregation. In this way, Christ’s Church is properly ordered; and this is why we are slowly moving by faith in this area.
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2009/mp3/2009_3_29_gods_plan_for_order_in_the_church_part_6.mp3[/podcast]