Friday, September 16, 2011

What to Look for In Someone Who May Become a Deacon or Elder


What are the specific qualifications and characteristics we are looking for in a leader who may become a deacon or elder?

1. A believer in Jesus Christ, who has been a member in good standing at ______________________ at least one year.
2.  He is faithful and shows an above-average commitment to the Lord, his family and the church.
3.  He has substantial character requisites as outlined in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1, etc.)
4.   He is filled-controlled by God the Holy Spirit.
5. He has spiritual gifts that would suit him to the office. He has been and is now demonstrating those gifts in service to God and His church, and the demonstration of those gifts are obvious to many, if not most, of the members in the church.
6. He is mature. Someone who is mature demonstrates it by a sincere concern and care for God and others that is equal to or more than a concern for his own desires.
7.    He exhibits leadership qualities, especially:
o            In taking the initiative.
o            By seeking to serve others.
o    Having a genuine desire and pursues personal growth: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially, and in health.
o   Being humble, and therefore teachable, willing to become more like Christ.
o   In the fact that people recognize him as being a leader to some degree.
o   His relationship with his wife and family (if applicable) - he leads his family.
8.    There is the principle of emergence (see Acts 6), which is to say that a potential elder or deacon rises to the obvious view of others within the church. He is or would be already living and performing as a deacon or an elder in such a way that people would not be surprised at all by the selection of the man.  

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