A Critical Look At Some Scriptural Qualifications of Elders

A Critical Look At Some Scriptural Qualifications of Elders
 - by Gbenga Fabunmi
Theme: The Scriptural Organization of the Local Church.

Introduction:
1. By adding together all the qualities given in both Timothy and Titus, we have the full picture of what an elder must be. In one list a more full and complete quality may be given than in the other, yet in either list the general qualifications are complete (1Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9).
2. We must keep well in mind that these are the qualifications given by the Holy Spirit, and no man can change them in any form to suit his own motion (1Tim. 3:1; Jn. 17:17)
3. Taking a critical look at 3 out of about 24 qualifications in both Timothy and Titus must, therefore, be done with a great caution because each of the qualifications is as important and essential as the others.
4. With the above facts well settled in our mind, we want to take a critical look at: * Plurality if children versus single child (1Tim. 3:4; Tit. 1:6). * An elder being without reproach versus sinless perfection (1Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6-7). * Desiring the office and motivation by the brethren (1Tim. 3:1; Heb. 10:24).
I. Plurality of Children versus Single Child.
1. Honestly speaking, the complexity woven around this qualification is man-made! I sincerely believe that language cannot be plainer than this - "One who rules his own house well, having his children (emphasis mine, GF), in submission with all reverence"(1Tim. 3:4). Or, ".. having faithful children (emphasis mine, GF) not accused of dissipation or insubordination"(Tit. 1:6).
2. A notable Bible scholar and author, H. E. Phillips, in his book - "Scriptural Elders and Deacons "(1959), in his attempt to disown what he had believed to be true and even published in 1948, on this qualification, used 9 pages of *his* new book to *show* his academic prowess and knowledge of the Greek language rather than *real* conviction!
And *having* gone back and forth, he concludes thus: "There is a safe course to pursue in every questionable issue of Christianity. We have always contended for that safe course in all matters pertaining to the remission of sins and worship and work in the church. Why not in the question of the qualifications of the elders?
Will anyone say that it is wrong in any sense to appoint men who have a Plurality of faithful children, and who are qualified in all other respects?"
"Since this course is always safe we encourage it in all places where the question of a single child prevails..."(H E. Phillips).
Let's be careful, there should be no divisions in the body of Christ (1Cor. 1:10-13; Rom. 16:17-18).

II. An Elder Being Without Reproach versus Sinless Perfection(1Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6).
A. The word 'reproach' has some other synonyms which are clearer in meaning and helpful to have a clear understanding of what this qualification is all about. The words are: blamelessness, censure, rebuke, disgrace, reproof, shame, stigma, condemnation, accuse etc. 
We like to submit that none of the above describes a sinless situation. Blamelessness, for example, in the absolute, is impossible with man in any period of human history on earth since the fall of man (Gen. 3:1ff; cf. 1Jn. 2:15-17; Matt. 4:1-11). The word is better understood in a relative sense to mean - an elder must not be open to any charges of ungodliness and unrighteousness. He must be a man who is walking in the light of God's word so as to have the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ (1Jn. 1:5-7; cf. 1Tim. 3:2; 3:10; 5:7; 6:14; 1Cor. 1:8; Col. 1:22).
B. Other Bible passages which show that being without reproach does not mean sinless perfection:
#1John 1:8-10; cf. Acts 3:19; *see* *1Pet* . *5:1* ; *Matt* . *26:69-75* .
#1Kings 8:46; cf. Rom. 3:23.
#Ps. 130:3-4; cf. 32:1-2).
Note: Since all Christians must be blameless before God, and this doesn't mean sinless perfection, so elders must be blameless to the high degree that their maturity would require.

III. Desiring the office and motivation by brethren (Heb. 10:24).
a). The desire for the office of an elder is very important (1Tim. 3:1). And it should be seen as the very first qualification a man must have. Truly yours, "no man will do a job as he should who has been forced into it" against his wishes!
B. But once the desire for the work of a bishop with the other required qualities are noticed in a brother, the brethren have the heavenly mandate to rally round such a one and give him the necessary motivation (Heb. 10:24; 13:7, 17).

Conclusion: It is the will of God that every local church of Christ be organized but the scriptural qualifications must be strictly applied.
©26th July, 2026.
Delivered at Oke-Onitii, Oshogbo, Osun State.
Gbenga Fabunmi - 08056048210 or 08120437761. Email: gbenga61fabunmi@gmail.com

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