What does the Bible say about qualifications of an elder?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• 1 Timothy 3:1-7 9 votes

  [1] This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. [2] The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; [3] not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; [4] one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; [5] (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) [6] not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. [7] Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.

• Titus 1:5-9 7 votes

  [5] I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you; [6] if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior. [7] For the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; [8] but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; [9] holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.

• Acts 20:28 6 votes

  Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.

• Hebrews 13:17 6 votes

  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

• 1 Timothy 5:17 5 votes

  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 5 votes

  [12] But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, [13] and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

• 1 Peter 5:1-4 5 votes

  [1] I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. [2] Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; [3] neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. [4] When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away.

• Philippians 1:1 4 votes

  Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

• 1 Peter 5:1-3 3 votes

  [1] I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. [2] Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; [3] neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.

• Titus 2:7-8 3 votes

  [7] in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, [8] and soundness of speech that can't be condemned; that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.

Related topics

• elder abuse
• qualifications of elders