THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING (PART 2) – THE CALLING AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS AND DEACONS

Dear Members in Christ,

The Annual Congregational Meeting (Part 2) – The calling and qualifications of Elders and Deacons

In an earlier article, we discussed the spiritual purpose of the Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM). In this article we examine the calling and qualification of servants who hold office in the church. These are the Elders and Deacons of the church.

Knowing that these office holders are to be faithful stewards, what spiritual qualities are required of the persons holding the office of an Elder or a Deacon? Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-16 gives the scriptural qualification of a candidate for the office of an Elder or a Deacon. As an example, we have Paul’s instruction to Titus to ordain elders based on certain qualifications,

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” Titus 1:5-6

This and other passages of the Bible (including 1 Timothy 3:1-16) lays the foundation of the qualification for a servant holding office in the church, the Body of Christ. One observation is that these are the character and virtues of a person who is born again, whose soul is mature in the faith. It is a description one who is nurtured by the indwelling Holy Spirit of Christ.

A. The Blessing of one called to take upon the office of an Elder or a Deacon

Firstly, the Bible describes the office of an Elder or a Deacon as a blessing. This is true, for God is no debtor to man, God will bless the person who takes up the burden of serving Him. So we have recorded in 1 Timothy 3:1 & 13, words of praise for the office held by an elder or a deacon.

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” 1 Timothy 3:1 

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13

In these passages, we read phrases such as “a good work”, or “a good degree”, or “great boldness in the faith”. These descriptions are highly complimentary of the office held by the servant in the church of God. Indeed it is, for the Word of God describes the praise and blessing for one who is called to hold the office of an elder or a deacon. That does not mean that the office of an Elder or a Deacon is an invitation like a job vacancy sign which says, “applicants, enquire within.” The candidate must have a sense of being called, coupled with a desire and willingness to serve. This is attested by two aspects of calling. There is an external calling which is urged upon by leaders of the church or by fellow Christians who are spiritually mature. These are people who have observed the zeal and suitability of the candidate. Then there is another, the internal calling which is the stirring of the Holy Spirit which indwells every believer. The Holy Spirit reminds the believer by the Word of God, urging him to answer his call to service. In such cases, the person must prayerfully examine himself as to his call, and earnestly seek God’s will concerning his call to service.

The person may be willing to serve, but somehow he feels “unworthy” to take up office. We caution such a person not to confuse the sense of “unworthiness” with unwillingness. In reality who among us can claim “worthiness” to serve the Lord? We are all unworthy servants, but we must be willing servants, ready to take up the burden and office when called upon.

Beloved, this is not a call to take a worldly office, there is spiritual blessing in the service. It is as the Word of God says, a “good work”, and a “good degree”. Dearly beloved, know that it is a blessing to answer the call to serve God’s church as an Elder or a Deacon. Please pray for your Elders and Deacons in the church. That God will grant them faith and perseverance to continue to bear the burden of their service.

B. The Qualification of Elders and Deacons

The qualifications of Elders are given in the Bible in 1 Timothy 3. Note that these scriptural qualities relate to the person’s character and Christian virtues, not secular competencies or functional skills.

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.” 1 Timothy 3:2-3

Further qualifications for Elders are given in Titus 1:5-9. Similarly, qualifications for a Deacon are given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These qualifications have been treated with some detail in a series of sermons on the qualifications and role of the Elders and Deacons preached in February and March this year. Please re-visit the sermons for a more detailed look at the qualifications and roles of these office bearers. Bear in mind, these qualifications are character virtues which every Christian should possess. Let us not say, “these qualifications are for Session members” and they do not apply to me. These virtues of godliness and holiness should be in every Christian. 

Dearly beloved, let every church member exercise godly wisdom in the ACM. At the same time, let us be aware that these qualifications apply to all Christians. Let us be Christ-like, living a holy and righteous life for God, according to His Word. Let us know that the qualifications for Elders and Deacons apply also to us. Most of all let us pray that Elders and Deacons in Calvary Jaya will be faithful to their calling and live pleasing to God and bringing Glory to our Lord Jesus. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor