Introduction and Overview
Elder Qualifications Test
(2nd Edition) John Hopler An evaluation designed to help determine a man’s maturity, measured by the standards set forth in Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:2-7.
Elder Qualifications Test
(2nd Edition) John Hopler Acknowledgments Most of the original information in this booklet was derived from a discussion by the elders of Valley Brook Community Church in Columbia, Maryland, compiled in writing by Steve Huhta. The author extends his gratitude to them for their service and contribution to this work. In addition, I want to thank fellow pastors Tom Schroeder, Jim Zuber, and Mike Keator for their input and suggestions to me in developing the 1st Edition, and to Rick Whitney and Brent Knox in developing this 2nd Edition.
43062. No part of this booklet may be reproduced without the written consent of the author. However, the Test Questions, the Qualifications Key, and the Answer Sheet may be reproduced for the purpose of allowing a man’s wife, pastors, or associates to take the test in evaluating his life, as long as one booklet is purchased for each man being evaluated.
How To Use This Test
This is a tool to help discern whether (or how closely) a man is qualified to be an elder. For any man who is seriously being considered for appointment, the test should be taken by:
- The man himself.
- All the elders (locally and regionally) who know him.
- His wife (or roommate).
- Other leaders who are close to him.
For those aspiring to leadership but not close to being appointed, the test should be taken by:
- The man himself.
- The elder who knows him best.
- His wife (or roommate).
After this test is taken, the results should be discussed by the leadership and shared with the man whose life is being scrutinized. After taking the test, you will read on page 16 further instructions on how to use the results.
Test Questions
and Qualifications Descriptions Person being evaluated: ______________________________________________________ Person who is doing evaluation: ________________________________________________ If the answer to the question is Yes, put a “1” in the space provided. Write a “0” if it is No. Record a “1” if the question does not apply (e.g., a question as to children and the person has none). Then add the four answers for a total and insert that number on the Summary Sheet on page 15.
- Above Reproach (NASB, NIV) Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2 Definition: Greek word “anepileptos” means “not to lay hold of.” That which cannot be laid hold of. Not open to censure, irreproachable, irreprehensible.
Phillips translation: of blameless reputation. Amplified Bible: give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach. Blameless (NIV) Verse: Titus 1:6,7 Definition: Greek word “anegkleilous” means “not open to censure, irreproachable, unrebukable, irreprehensible.” Phillips translation: unquestioned integrity, of unimpeachable virtue. Amplified Bible: men who are of unquestionable integrity and are irreproachable.
Is it true that no one has an unresolved justifiable complaint against him? _____
Do those closest to him (wife, other church members) believe _____ he is qualified to be an elder?
Does he believe he is qualified to be an elder? _____
Is he open and vulnerable with others as to his personal life? _____ Total for A _____
B. Husband of One Wife (NASB, NIV)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6
Is it true that neither he nor his wife (if he is married) have been _____ divorced? Note: write down “1” if it was a biblically based divorce.
Is he faithful to his wife physically? (If single, does he have _____ control of his sexual desires?)
Is he pure in his relationships with other women in the church? _____
Does he have a high moral standard as to what he reads, _____ or watches (theaters, videos, T.V. or the Internet)? Total for B _____
C. Temperate (NASB, NIV)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2 Definition: Greek word “nephalios” means “sober, clear-thinking, mentally alert, able to make sound judgments.” Thayer translation: a state untouched by any slumberous or beclouding influence. Phillips translation: a man of self-control. Amplified Bible: circumspect and temperate and self-controlled.
Does he regularly deny himself liberties, for the sake of _____ benefiting others? (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8 & 10)
Does he control his weight? _____
Does he respond well when confronted with discouraging circumstances? _____
Is he free from significant and uncontrolled financial debts _____ (excluding a house, car or school loan)? Total for C _____
Additional Comments: ___________________________________________________
E. Respectable (NASB, NIV)
- Prudent or Sensible (NASB) Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 Definition: Greek word “sophron” means “discreet, reasonable, sensible, serious, sound mind, self-controlled.” Implies sound judgment and a disciplined state of mind not
characterized by impulsiveness or given to extremes. New International Version: self-controlled. Phillips translation: a man of discretion. Amplified Bible: sensible and well behaved, sober-minded (discreet).
Does he generally display good common sense, particularly _____ in financial areas?
Can he give good counsel on matters dealing with _____ personal relationships?
Does he consistently go to the Word of God when making _____ important decisions?
Is he able to think creatively on how to see the church make progress? _____ Total for D _____
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2 Definition: Greek word “kosmios” means, “modest, honorable, decent, orderly, proper, trim, adorned, decorated, organized, attractive, beautiful.” Webster’s Dictionary: worthy of respect, decent or correct in character or behavior, proper. Wuest translation: one whose life is in accord with the position he holds and which is an adornment to it. Phillips translation: a man of disciplined life. Amplified Bible: dignified and orderly (disciplined) life.
Do others take his words to heart? _____
Does his external appearance measure up to what is considered _____ proper both biblically and culturally?
Does he spend time regularly in planning out his time? _____
Does he keep his priorities? _____
Total for E _____
F. Hospitable (NASB, NIV)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 Definition: Greek word “philoxenos” means “lover of strangers, hospitable.” Webster’s Dictionary: given to generous and cordial reception or guests, offering a pleasant or sustaining environment, readily receptive. Amplified Bible: hospitable, showing love for and being a friend to believers, especially strangers or foreigners.
Does he often use his home to minister to people? _____
At church meetings, does he go out of his way to meet visitors _____
or people he doesn’t know?
Does he generally have a cheerful countenance? _____
Does he regularly invite people to church? _____ Total for F _____
G. Able to Teach (NASB, NIV)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:2 Definition: Greek word “didaktikos” means “apt to teach.” Phillips translation: have the gift of teaching. Amplified Bible: be a capable and qualified teacher.
Is he able to share the Word of God in a public group and have _____ a good effect?
Is there clear growth in the lives of those people with whom _____ he shares the word?
Has he led people to Christ? _____
Have there been people who have joined the church because of _____ his sharing the word of God with them? Total for G _____
H. Not Addicted to Wine (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7 Definition: Greek word “paroinos” means “a man who sits too long at his wine, given to wine, drunken.” New International Version: not given to drunkenness. Phillips translation: not intemperate, not overly fond of wine. Amplified Bible: not given to wine, not given to drink.
Is it true that there are no sins that have mastered him? _____
Does he make sure to do nothing that is causing a weaker _____ Christian to stumble?
Is he sober emotionally? _____
Does he refrain from excessive drinking or taking addictive drugs? _____ Total for H _____
I. Not Pugnacious (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:3 Definition: Greek word “plektes” means “excessively inclined to quarrel or fight, a bully, striker, quarreler.” New International Version: not violent. Phillips translation: not violent. Amplified Bible: not combative.
Is he able to maintain a concern for a person though personally _____ offended by that person?
Is he diligent not to receive accusations against other people _____ except on the basis of two or three witnesses?
Does he consistently abandon potential quarrels? _____
Does he handle criticism well? _____
Total for I _____
J. Gentle (NASB, NIV)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:3 Definition: Greek word “epieidis” means “gracious, encouraging, considerate, kind, yielding, seemly, equitable.” Amplified Bible: gentle and considerate.
Is he flexible to change his positions on minor issues? _____
Is he a good and empathetic listener? _____
Is he kind and respectful towards those who are lowly _____ or financially poor?
Is he able to secure the discipline of others without a show of authority? _____ Total for J _____
K. Uncontentious (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:3 Definition: Greek word “amakos” means “peaceable, not quarrelsome, not apt to contend, not given to angry debate, abstaining from fighting or strife, not struggling or fighting or giving a violent effort to obtain something, not disputing.” New International Version: not quarrelsome. Phillips translation: not a controversialist. Amplified Bible: not quarrelsome, but forbearing and peaceable.
Does he avoid foolish controversies or arguments about _____ nonessential matters?
Does he promote peace, harmony, and unity rather than _____ division when doctrinal issues are discussed?
Does he see the good points in the views of other Christians _____ with whom he generally disagrees?
Is he a man under authority (in the church, in business, _____ and in society)? Total for K _____
L. Free From the Love of Money (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:3 Definition: Greek word “aphilarguros” means “not greedy, without love of money.” Phillips translation: not greedy for money. Amplified Bible: not a lover of money — insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means. Not Fond of Sordid Gain (NASB) Verse: Titus 1:7 Definition: Greek word “aiskrokerdei” means “greedy, of base gain.” New International Version: not pursuing dishonest gain. Phillips translation: not greedy for financial gain. Amplified Bible: not grasping and greedy for filthy lucre (financial gain).
Does he trust God when tested financially? _____
Is he generous with his money? _____
Does he value ministering to people more than having a job _____ on staff with the church?
Does he tithe? _____
Total for L _____
M. Manages His Household Well (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:4 Definition: Greek word “kalos proistamenon” means “to direct, be at the head, rule well, be concerned about, care for, give aid.” Also “to stand before; hence to lead, attend to, indicating care and diligence.” Wuest translation: preside over his own household. Phillips translation: must have proper authority in his own household. Amplified Bible: rule his own household well.
Does he lead out spiritually in his family? _____
Does he take the lead in training his children in character? _____
Is his house clean? _____
Does he maintain a budget of his finances? _____ Total for M _____
N. Keeping His Children Under Control With All Dignity (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:4 Definition: Greek word for control is “hupotage,” meaning “subjection.” Also, “primarily a military term, to rank under.” Greek word for dignity is “semnotes,” meaning “seriousness.” New International Version: see that his children obey him with proper respect. Phillips translation: able to control and command the respect of his children. Amplified Bible: keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful. Having Children... Not Accused of Rebellion or Dissipation (NASB) Verse: Titus 1:6 Definition: Greek word for dissipation, “asotia,” means “debauchery, wild, wastefulness.” The word for rebellion, “anupotaktuos,” means, “not made subject, disobedient, undisciplined.”
New International Version: not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Phillips translation: not likely to be accused of loose living or lawbreaking. Amplified Bible: not open to the accusation of being loose in morals and conduct or unruly and disorderly. Having Children Who Believe (NASB) Verse: Titus 1:6 Definition: Greek word for believe, “pistos,” means “faithful, reliable, dependable, trustworthy, inspiring trust, confidence or faith.” Phillips translation: with children brought up as Christians. Amplified Bible: whose children are (well-trained and are) believers.
Are his children consistently well behaved in public? _____
Does he have a good, healthy relationship with his children? _____
Do his children respect him and his words? _____
Do his children respect other adults? _____
Total For N _____
O. Not A New Convert (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:6 Definition: Greek word for new, “neophutos,” means, “newly planted.” Not a recently saved or a younger believer, one who has had little opportunity to test his own faith or demonstrate faithfulness. Phillips translation: he must not be a beginner in the faith. Amplified Bible: he must not be a new convert.
Has he been a believer for a significant period of time? _____
Has he faced trying circumstances and succeeded? _____
Has he learned how to claim God’s promises over a period _____ of time and seen them fulfilled?
Has he shown proven character in serving in a church ministry? _____ Total for O _____
P. Good Reputation With Those Outside The Church (NASB)
Verse: 1 Timothy 3:7 Definition: The Greek words for good reputation, “kalos marturia,” means, “beautiful or good testimony.” Phillips translation: he should have a good reputation with the outside world. Amplified Bible: he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside (the church).
Do fellow employees or workers who are unbelievers appreciate and value him?_____
Is he honest, demonstrating integrity in business and personal dealings? _____
Is his social life a good testimony before non-Christians? _____
Do his neighbors respect him? _____
Total for P _____
Q. Not Self-Willed (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:7 Definition: Greek word “authades” means “self-willed, stubborn, arrogant, self-pleasing, self-centered, own authority, headstrong.” New International Version: not overbearing. Phillips translation: not aggressive. Amplified Bible: not self-willed or arrogant or presumptuous.
Has he surrendered his will to Jesus Christ in all areas of his life? _____
Is he a “team player” as to the goals and plans laid out by the _____ leaders of the church?
Does he generally wait on the Holy Spirit’s leading before making decisions? _____
Does he often ask for advice when making decisions? _____ Total for Q _____
R. Not Quick Tempered (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:7 Definition: Greek word “orgilos” means, “inclined to anger, passionate, cross, irritable, sharp-tongued, short fuse.” Phillips translation: hot-tempered.
Does he hold his temper well? _____
Is he quick to forgive others who have wronged him? _____
Does he generally rejoice in trials? _____
Does he generally refrain from correcting his children in anger? _____ Total for R _____
S. Loving What Is Good (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:8 Definition: Greek word “philagothos” literally means, “to love (phileo) good (agathos), loving that which is good, a lover of good.” Amplified Bible: a lover of goodness — of good people and good things.
Are his closest associates godly people? _____
Does he quickly claim the grace of Christ when he sins or fails? _____
Does he believe the best about others? _____
Does he have a hopeful and optimistic view of life, based on _____ the Scriptures? Total for S _____
T. Just (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:8 Definition: Greek word “dikaios” means “just, righteous in human relationships, upright, able to make proper judgments and act accordingly, correct, innocent.” New International Version: upright. Phillips translation: fair-minded. Amplified Bible: upright and fair-minded.
Is he fair and honest in his relationships with other people? _____
Does he listen to both sides of a discussion before coming to a conclusion? _____
Do others seek him out as a fair counselor? _____
Could he confidently and righteously lead in putting out of the _____ church someone who deserved to be removed from fellowship? Total for T _____
U. Devout (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:8 Definition: Greek word “hosios” means “holy, pleasing to God, observable practical holiness, being undefiled, innocent, righteous, pious.” New International Version: holy. Amplified Bible: a devout man and religiously right.
Does he desire to please God more than men? _____
Does he have a strong prayer life? _____
Is he committed to obeying God and His word regardless of _____ pressures or trials he goes through?
Does he regularly schedule extra time with the Lord? _____ Total for U _____
V. Self-Controlled (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:8 Definition: Greek word “egkrates” means “disciplined, in full control of oneself, strong, master of, to have power over oneself.” New International Version: disciplined. Amplified Bible: temperate and keeping himself in hand.
Does he usually accomplish tasks on time? _____
Does he get to meetings on time? _____
Is his appearance neat and orderly? _____
Does he control his eating? _____
Total for V _____
W. Holding Fast the Faithful Word (NASB)
Verse: Titus 1:9 Definition: Greek word for holding fast is “antekomenon,” which means, “clinging to, devoted to, paying attention to, holding firmly to.” New International Version: hold firmly to the trustworthy message. Phillips translation: a man who takes his stand on the true faith. Amplified Bible: he must hold fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God. Able to exhort (NASB) Verse: Titus 1:9 Definition: Greek word “parakaleo” means “encourage, appeal, request, comfort, console, to call to or for.” New International Version: can encourage. Phillips translation: stimulate faith. Amplified Bible: to give stimulating instruction and encouragement.
Sound doctrine (NASB, NIV) Verse: Titus 1:9 Definition: Greek word for sound is “hugianino,” meaning, “to be sound, healthy.” Phillips translation: sound teaching. Amplified Bible: in sound (wholesome) doctrine. Able... to refute those who contradict (NASB) Verse: Titus 1:9 Definition: Greek word for refute, “elegkein,” means “convince, convict, expose, point out, reprove, correct, set forth.” Phillips translation: confute opposition. Amplified Bible: to refute and convict those who contradict and oppose it — showing the wayward their error.
Is he able to mobilize a small group or ministry team to serve Christ? _____
Isheabletoboldlyrefutesomeonewhoisteachingwrongdoctrine? _____
Does he have a good grasp of a wide variety of biblical doctrines? _____
Is he united with the other church leaders on all areas of majordoctrine? _____ Total for W _____
Summary Sheet
Totals A Above Reproach/Blameless B Husband of One Wife C Temperate D Prudent or Sensible E Respectable F Hospitable G Able to Teach H Not Addicted to Wine I Not Pugnacious J Gentle K Uncontentious L Free from the Love of Money/Not Fond of Sordid Gain M Manages His Household Well N Keeping His Children Under Control With All Dignity O Not a New Convert P Good Reputation with Those Outside the Church Q Not Self-Willed R Not Quick Tempered S Loving What Is Good T Just U Devout V Self-Controlled W Able to Exhort in Sound Doctrine and Refute Those Who
Contradict
How To Evaluate The Test Results
- First and foremost, understand that this is only a tool to help you evaluate if a man is qualified to be an elder. Reliance on the Holy Spirit and much prayer is needed when considering a man’s qualifications.
The following is a scale to determine a man’s qualifications based on the number in the “Total” column on the answer sheet: 0: Not qualified 1-2: Probably not qualified 3: Perhaps qualified 4: Qualified
- The best way for the man being considered to use the results of this test is to take the one area of qualification in which there was the lowest rating and to devote himself to growing in that one area.
This ministry resource is provided by:
Great Commission Association of Churches
621 East Broad Street, Suite 2F
Pataskala, OH 43062 740-964-1002 www.gcachurches.org GCAC is a fellowship of churches and ministries devoted to Jesus Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission. Presently there are over 150 GCAC churches and ministries throughout the U.S. and the world.