Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
August 13, 2023

Profile of an Elder
by Bryan Gibson
It is God’s will that elders be appointed in every local church (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Various passages describe their qualifications and work. The purpose of this article is to pull a lot of that information together to create the following profile.
We’re talking about an elder, so obviously he cannot be a “novice” (NKJ) or a “new convert” (NAS) (1 Timothy 3:6). He has continued in the faith long enough to become “grounded and steadfast” (Colossians 1:23). One danger in appointing someone who is not well grounded is he could “become puffed up with pride” and “fall into the same condemnation as the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6).
He is a steward of God’s flock (Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:3), so he must be trustworthy—one who has shown both the willingness and the ability to handle responsibility (1 Corinthians 4:2; 9:17; Colossians 1:25; Luke 16:10-12), one who understands he will have to give an account of his stewardship (Luke 16:1-2).
He is further described as a bishop or overseer (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2)—one who watches or looks out for the souls of his brethren (Hebrews 13:17); one who looks out for the good of all, and not just himself (Titus 1:7; Philippians 2:3-4). He has a sincere love for his brethren (Philippians 2:20), as evidenced by the hospitality he extends to them (1 Timothy 3:2). He lives by the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
He is also a pastor or shepherd (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2), and so he must have the knowledge and the ability to feed the flock (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 5:2; Jeremiah 3:15). He holds fast to what he has learned, refusing to teach or practice anything that is not according to sound doctrine. He is willing and able to refute those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9-11). He is ever watchful for wolves that might destroy the flock (Acts 20:29-31).
He is a ruler (1 Timothy 5:17), one who will make decisions to which others must submit (Hebrews 13:17), and so he must be decisive, not wishy-washy. At the same, he realizes that he is not a lord over the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3), but a servant. His decisions, then, will be made with the best interests of the flock in mind, not his own.
His ability to lead and care for others is exhibited in his home, where he and his wife have trained their children to be submissive, respectful, and above all, obedient to the Lord (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6).
He is a humble man, one who readily acknowledges his dependence on God and His word (Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 5:5).
He is temperate, sober, self-controlled (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8), and so he is not given to wine (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:3), or to any other vice. His self-control can also been seen in how he deals with others. He doesn’t have to have things his way; he is “willing to yield” (James 3:17). He is strong, even sharp when he needs to be (Titus 1:14), but his general demeanor is one of gentleness (1 Timothy 3:3). He is not quick-tempered, or quarrelsome, and certainly not violent (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). He can be questioned without becoming contentious, and he can disagree without losing his cool (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
He is just and holy (Titus 1:8), so clearly His manner of life is different from the world around him (Romans 12:2). He has learned what the grace of God teaches: “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly...” (Titus 2:11-12). When he does sin, he penitently seeks forgiveness, because his goal is to be blameless—in the sight of others, but especially in the sight of God (Titus 2:11-12; Titus 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 John 1:9).
He has his priorities in order. He does not love money or the things of this world (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:3). He loves what is good (Titus 1:8)—what will endure. He is more concerned with “laying hold” of eternal life than anything else (1 Timothy 6:10-12).
His faithfulness to the Lord is seen on a daily basis, making him a good example to Christians and non-Christians alike (1 Peter 5:3; 1 Timothy 3:7).

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.