Spiritual Maturity Is Not Just For Elders

How should churches use these lists?  How would you advise new churches on the mission field?

The lists of Elder qualifications, (which can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1), are not just for those aspiring to the church office.  These lists contain indicators of spiritual maturity that give definition to every Christian’s personal goal.  Elders must be examples of each of these indicators in their personal relationships, character and family management.  How so?

Seven Notes on Using the Lists

1. These spiritual maturity indicators are not to be ignored, or gone over lightly, in order to be expedient in a selection process. Laying on hands hastily can end up being a costly and damaging mistake for a congregation.
2. They are not to be used in a manner that imposes additional standards (often by means of unusual definitions) that are not really in Scripture. The list is not to be redefined in terms so that only an elite few pass the test.
3. Be careful of personality preferences. We can rationalize a man’s qualification because we are partial to his personality. We can likewise exclude a man from qualification because we are prejudicial against his personality. Stick to the list.
4. Remember that the lists are there to guide observation of how a man stands at present, not in his past. People change--sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Take time to focus consideration on the present.
5. Take note that these qualification are going to be somewhat relative to a church’s maturity. Think of the hundreds of new church plants of the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys and his practice of establishing leadership early on in them (Acts 14:23). And yet, as churches matured the standards likely increased, not only in spirituality but in quality of leadership. 
6. Realize that these lists are not exhaustive lists of spirituality. Together the lists contain selected items that deserved special attention, and are still deserving of special attention. Think through all of Scripture when thinking about spiritual maturity.
7. Be gracious.  Elders need not be perfect; nor will they ever even be near perfect. But they do need to be examples of each of these items even while they are still growing in them. Thank God for the gifted leaders He has given to His churches!

More than Maturity is Required

It is important to note that this list is not all that is required to be an Elder.  These are basics and specifics necessary in the realm of spiritual maturity.  Again every Christian ought to, indeed many Christians do, attain to this level of spiritual maturity.

Just because a man is spiritually mature doesn’t mean he should be made an Elder.  He also must be gifted for leadership and teaching.  As an Overseer he needs to “lead well with diligence” (Romans 12:8) and “be able to instruct in sound doctrine and rebuke.” (Titus 1:9)  These cannot be overlooked or only given a cursory assessment either.  

Leadership and leadership structure is vital to the spiritual health and success of every church.  It will effect direction and vision for the long-term; and it will effect quality of ministry and quality of life for many people.  

Being involved in mission work often leads to involvement in church leadership issues.  Sometimes this is direct and hands-on, while at other times it takes the forms of coaching or advising.  Encourage a wise and spiritual use of the lists as intended by God.