In this concluding lesson before we begin the selection process, there are few matters which remain.

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In this concluding lesson before we begin the
selection process, there are few matters which
remain.

• The Elders Wife
• The Difference Between Selecting and
  Appointing Elders
• Possible Processes of Selection

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The Elders Wife

• 1Tim.311 lists what I believe to be
  qualifications for the wife of an Elder or a
  Deacon
• Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious
  gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
• Considerable disparity exists as to exactly what
  this verse means- what follows is what I (PCS)
  think.

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Why is this not just a Deacons Wife, or even a
Deaconess?

• Some believe it to be either of these- I dont.
• First, what sense would it make for there to be
  qualifications for a Deacons Wife, but none for
  the Elders Wife? None.
• Second, it doesnt fit with 1Tim.212 and Acts
  63b.
• The first forbids women from exercising
  authority over a man in the church the
  second makes it clear that deacons have
  charge over the area to which they are
  assigned. (see also 1Tim.312)

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So what does 1Tim.311 mean?

• The word translated as women (NASV) is a
  generic term which means a female. Thus it can
  refer to simply a woman, or a wife.
• For the reasons previously given, I think
  wife/wives are intended.
• If so, why does it say likewise ?
• gtNote v.4 gt v.8 gt v.11.
• gtThe wives of the Elders and Deacons should
  likewise be dignified just as required of
  their husbands!

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So what does 1Tim.311 mean?

• For any man to be fit to serve in the capacity of
  Shepherd or Deacon, his wife must be of a
  character and quality so as to enable his
  service, rather than to hinder it.
• Therefore, her qualifications are given
• gtdignified (commanding respect)
• gtnot a malicious gossip (no other kind)
• gttemperate (exercising self-control)
• gtfaithful in all things. (to God and family)

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The Difference between Selecting and Appointing
Elders

• Selecting is the process of choosing based upon
  the qualifications, cf. Acts 63a,5a
• Appointing is the act of official ordination, cf.
  Acts 63b,6.
• Point?
• gtThe congregation selected the men based upon
  the qualifications given.
• gtThen, the Twelve Apostles appointed those who
  had been selected.

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But, wait a minute.

• these were Deacons, not Elders. Elders were
  appointed by Paul and Barnabas (Acts 1423),
  Timothy (1Tim.31ff), Titus (Titus 15).
• Very True. Questions
• -Any of those men around now? (1Cor.1310)
• -Does God still expect us to have Elders?
• -So then, men without miraculous
  spiritual gifts can still read understand the
  qualifications given by the Spirit and select
  men who meet them! cf. Eph.33-5

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So, should the Elders we already have select and
appoint additional Elders?

• I suppose they could without harm to the text
  because no direct process is given.
• But consider this
• -In Acts 6, when there was a need for
  deacons, why didnt the Twelve Apostles select
  them?
• -Surely they were more qualified to choose-
• but they didnt.
• They gave the qualifications and told the people
  to select from among you. Why?

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So, should the Elders we already have select and
appoint additional Elders?

• My answer is that these men were going to serve
  the congregation- not the Apostles.
• Therefore it was important that the Congregation
  select those who would serve.
• It was not a top down decision. The congregation
  was required to select the men themselves. This
  would involve the congregation and help to
  eliminate future complaints and problems when
  these men administered their duties, cf. Acts
  61.

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Now...

• Isnt that similarly a good reason for a
  congregation today to select from among you
  those to whom they will be required to submit?
• Does this eliminate current Elders from the
  process? Let me ask a question
• What do you think the Apostles would have done if
  the congregation in Jerusalem had selected men
  who did not meet the qualifications given through
  the Spirit?
• They would have intervened. And so should
  current Elders today in similar cases!

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How then do we go about selecting qualified men
to serve us in this capacity?

• First, pray for understanding and guidance,
  Acts 124.
• Second, do your best to comprehend the
  qualifications and what they mean.
• Third, begin to look out among yourselves for men
  who meet the qualifications and desire the
  office.
• But how do we do select them?
• What process do we use?
• Understand that no specific process is given- but
  we must meet the principles.

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Suggestions (not a complete list)

• Everyone can suggest men they think may be
  qualified.
• To do so in writing would probably be best- and
  signed nominations would be better.
• A list can then be compiled of those suggested.
• Each of the men should be asked if they desire
  the office and feel themselves to be qualified.
  If not, they can remove their name from
  consideration.
• After each man is contacted, a final list can be
  compiled and presented to the congregation.
• Time should be allowed for members to visit with
  each man concerning potential objections to his
  qualification- if the objector will not talk to
  the man, he/she should not talk at all!
• When all objections are resolved either by
  clarification or by the man removing his name,
  those remaining on the list can be appointed.

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Suggestions (not a complete list)

• Make a list of all male members.
• Each of the men should be asked if they desire
  the office and feel themselves to be qualified.
  If not, they can remove their name from the list
  of those in consideration.
• After each man is contacted, a final list can be
  compiled and presented to the congregation.
• Time should be allowed for members to visit with
  each man concerning potential objections to his
  qualification- if the objector will not talk to
  the man, he/she should not talk at all!
• Though not stated before, obviously the current
  Elders can be of great assistance in questions of
  qualification.
• When all objections are resolved either by
  clarification or by the man removing his name,
  those remaining on the list can be appointed.

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Suggestions (not a complete list)

• Current Elders can compile a list men they feel
  are qualified to serve with them. cf. Acts
  115-23
• Each of the men should be asked if they desire
  the office and feel themselves to be qualified.
  If not, they can remove their name from the list
  of those in consideration.
• After each man is contacted, a final list can be
  compiled and presented to the congregation.
• Time should be allowed for members to visit with
  each man concerning potential objections to his
  qualification- if the objector will not talk to
  the man, he/she should not talk at all!
• When all objections are resolved either by
  clarification or by the man removing his name,
  those remaining on the list can be appointed.

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Obviously

• These are only suggestions.
• There are likely others, and perhaps better ideas
  about the how to of selecting.
• Through whatever means selected, the men can then
  be appointed.
• But who appoints them?
• Since no inspired evangelists such as Paul,
  Barnabas, Timothy, or Titus is available, the
  current Elders or Evangelist will have to suffice.

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A few final words

• This is serious business.
• We are selecting men for the highest calling
  there is upon the earth in Gods kingdom.
• We must trust them to help watch for our souls.
• We must submit to their leadership and judgment.
• We should select men whom we can appreciate and
  esteem highly in love, cf.1Thess.512-13.
• If none are found qualified- none should be
  chosen!
• If a dozen are found qualified- appoint them all
  because its a big job!
• May God help us to choose wisely!

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