ELDER & DEACON NOMINATIONS

The classic passages about the character of elders and deacons are 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Please read them before you nominate someone.
             
What’s interesting about the qualifications listed in those passages is most of them should describe everyone who follows Jesus. The functions or duties of the offices are barely mentioned. It’s not that competency doesn’t matter, but that character matters most.
             
All of our officers, including me, will tell you they fail. Don’t think of those character qualifications as a checklist, but rather as a portrait of the men we need. Someone has said those lists are more like a Monet than a photograph, much like Proverbs 31 is not a checklist but an idealized portrait of a godly woman.
             
An officer is first and foremost a mature follower of Christ, whose example you would want to follow. They should embody Christ to our church, as well as to those in our broader community (2 Corinthians 2:15-17). This doesn’t mean that officers do not struggle with sin. It means they consistently live in the light of who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and who we are as a result. Officers should be actively engaged in the ongoing process of repentance and transformation by the grace of Christ.
             
In addition, nominate men of humility who want to serve in whatever way the Lord and his church call, not those who see the office as a status symbol, a right, or a token of their worth. In our Book of Church Order (BCO), the congregation and Session have to agree that a man is ready. We need men who want to serve, but also who want to know that others see them as gifted and ready for the roles. 

For elders, we need men who can teach, shepherd, and govern. Look for men who can explain the things of the faith, who shepherd well in some way (family, small group, ministry team, etc.), and who make wise decisions. I stress to our current elders that they don’t have to be superstars in all three areas. Most likely, they will be one of three in which they excel and are competent in the others.
             
For deacons, we need men with a heart to meet the needs of the least and lost around us. We need men who have an eye for practical needs around them, both in and out of the church, and those who bring others along to serve in these critical areas.
             
Lastly, we need men who are available to complete our yearlong training and apprenticeship. That means Wednesday nights for training, related homework, and availability to attend monthly elder and deacon meetings on the third Monday of each month. 

Understanding our context is critical when considering a candidate. Some men of character and competence may not agree with the values and mission set by current leadership. We don’t want “yes men,” but team players who can point out areas for growth while being excited about our direction and our values.