Qualifications of elders
This resource presents a letter-and-response exchange on the qualifications of elders, with particular emphasis on the primacy of love and spiritual character over technical knowledge. The contributor argues for a balanced view of elder qualifications that recognizes both the necessity of scriptural knowledge and the importance of humility, compassion, and knowing when to defer to specialized Christian counselors in sensitive pastoral situations. The piece addresses the tension between Reformed doctrinal rigor and the pastoral virtues required for effective church leadership.
Knowledge of Scripture is essential, but without wisdom and love it could be ineffective, harmful, or even dangerous. Unless a man loves God, loves the people of God, and has a heart to serve them, he will never be a good elder. He must serve in love (Gal 5:13). He must, with all of us, have what Paul desired for the Ephesians: "strength in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts." An elder should be gentle and kind, humble and learning, trustworthy, friendly, a man of prayer....
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org