Who are “the women” in 1 Timothy 3:11?

This lesson examines the Scriptures that describe the role and function of deacons in the New Testament church.

1 Peter 5 provides great exhortation and encouragement to elders to “shepherd the flock…with eagerness…being examples to the flock” with the hope of great reward from the Chief Shepherd.

This passage has much to say concerning the way in which the local church is to relate to her elders.

In this lesson, we review the qualifications for elders in Titus 1 and treat the subject of the process of examination, testing, and qualification of elders.

The list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 continues with “not pugnacious,” “considerate,” “peaceable,” “free from the love of money,” “leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity,” “not a new convert,” and having “a good reputation with those outside the church.”

Examination of the Biblical qualifications of elders continues with “temperate,” “sensible,” “respectable,” “hospitable,” “able to teach,” and “not addicted to wine.”

Of all the specific topics around eldership discussed in scripture, the Spirit gives the vast majority of His attention to the issue of qualification.

In this lesson, we begin a detailed survey of the qualifications for elders, first from 1 Timothy 3. What does it mean to aspire to and desire the work and office of an elder? Is this the first qualification? What if an elder loses that desire?

Why is there so little written to (and about) elders in the general epistles? How should believers relate to their elders?