The Qualifications of the Office of Elder (1): An Overview
Kuiper examines the biblical qualifications for the office of elder, arguing that careful attention to these scriptural standards reflects a high view of the office, the church, and Scripture itself. The article emphasizes that proper leadership directly affects the spiritual health and doctrinal integrity of the congregation, drawing on Old Testament examples and New Testament texts such as 1 Timothy 3.
Previous article in this series: March 15, 2013, p. 279. God tells His church what kind of men may, and what sort of men may not, hold the office of elder. That He does this is reasonable. Because the office of elder is found in God's church, God may dictate who holds the office. In addition, the office itself is God's institution. And through the body of elders in a congregation, Christ Himself rules the congregation on God's behalf. We do well, then, to pay close attention to the...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org