Exodus 18:14-24
First Timothy, in the third chapter and also the first chapter of Titus
Dory Zinkand
Able, experienced students of the Scriptures: Moses was to teach the law of God to all the people and then choose "able men" from among them to be leaders. Paul warns Timothy that an elder should not be a novice, which probably refers to both his biblical scholarship and the maturity of his walk in the faith. He tells Titus that the elder should be "able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."
Male heads of households: Leadership in the home is the training ground for leadership outside the home. Those who distinguish themselves in the leadership of their wives and children are recognized as possible leaders in the church and in the state. "For if a man does not rule his own house, how will he take care of the Church of God?" (I Timothy 3:5) (More on what distinguished leadership of the household looks like in some of the later points.)
Men who fear God: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and men who fear God more than they fear people are less likely to compromise their principles because of intimidation by wicked men.
Truth-tellers: Jethro tells Moses to choose, "men of truth." Paul tells Timothy that deacons should not be, "double-tongued."
Not covetous or greedy: All three of the passages I cited refer in some way to greediness for money and/or covetousness. Men who are covetous or preoccupied with the trappings of this world can be tempted to accept bribes, give favor to the rich, or exert unlawful power for their own gain.
Blameless: To be blameless is not to be without sin. (Or no one would be qualified!) The blameless man is one who has maintained, as long as it depends on him, a good reputation for godly behavior, and against whom no one can make a reasonable charge. Paul says an elder should have a good testimony with those who are outside the church.
A husband of one wife: This is usually considered to mean that a man should demonstrate marital faithfulness, to one wife at a time. A widowed and remarried man, or a man who has divorced an unfaithful wife are usually considered qualified, though some would disqualify any man who has been divorced, even if he was not the party at fault.
Sober-minded: The sober minded man has sound judgment. He is not given to emotional reactions, and is not led by his passions.
Modest: Paul says an elder should not be, "puffed up with pride," lest he fall into the same snare as the devil, a particular temptation for those he describes as "novices."
Temperate: Temperate men are not ruled by the flesh, and will not be lured into irresponsibility by food and drink, sex, leisure, or other self-pleasing pursuits.
Not quarrelsome, quick-tempered, or divisive: Men who are quick to anger, quarrelsome and given to gossip and slander are not able to rule well. It is also interesting to note that the wife of elders and deacons are also to be free from these vices. Perhaps this is a testimony of the godliness of the home and its leadership, or perhaps this is because the wife could become aware of confidential information that could be dangerous in the hands of a gossip or busy-body.
Respectful children: This is another indication of the leadership ability of a head of household. If he has gained the respect of his children, he probably has the skills he needs to gain the respect of those he will lead.
Faithful: Many of the qualities mentioned relate to a man's faithfulness: faithful to sound doctrine, faithful to his wife, and faithful to teach and discipline his children.
Respectful of those who rule him: A man who is insubordinate to those who rule over him is not qualified to rule over others. Perhaps this is because such a man doesn't possess a proper understanding of lawful authority or a proper respect for the authority that is always under Christ. A leader should be willing to be ruled by lawful authorities and by the Word of God.
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