The purpose of this section is to evaluate the candidate against the elder qualifications specified in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 - The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
"If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task."
Do you believe the candidate genuinely desires to be an elder? Do you believe the candidate will shepherd the flock of God at Cornerstone willingly and not under compulsion or for shameful gain?
"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach"
This is not saying the candidate must be perfect, but when you think of the candidate, is your first reaction that this is a humble godly man, or do your first thoughts go toward character flaws or sin? Being above reproach means that there are not overt, chronic, unrepentant sins that could bring dishonor to the church and the name of Christ as a leader in this church.
"The husband of one wife"
Do you see the candidate as faithful to his wife? Does he remain pure and wise in his relationships with other women? Does the candidate give the perception of flirting with other women? Do you believe the candidate would be vulnerable to sexual sin if placed in a position of authority within the church?
" Sober-minded"
Do you consider the candidate to be wise in regard to life decisions, wise in situational awareness, wise in how he speaks and acts, etc? Would you go to the candidate for advice about life and how to follow the Lord?
"Self-controlled, not addicted to much wine"
Do you believe the candidate is not chronically giving in to fleshly indulgences like lust, drunkenness, gluttony, or even anger. Does he have the ability to keep his flesh at bay by the Spirit of God.
"Respectable"
Do you respect the candidate? When you first think of the candidate, is a sense of respect what surfaces or is it some other impression? Does he speak and act in such a way that earns the respect of others?
"Hospitable"
Do you see the candidate as welcoming into his life and home and the church? Is the candidate approachable and generally kind such that you feel at home in his presence? Is he welcoming to all people–men, women, and children of different racial, socio-economic, and spiritual backgrounds?
"Able to teach"
Is the candidate able to convey the truths of scripture in a clear way that is understandable and helpful? Does the candidate know the Bible? Do you trust his doctrine and ability to rightly interpret scripture? Would you consider the candidate as a go-to leader in the church to answer questions about Biblical truth/doctrine?
" Not violent but gentle"
Violent or pugnacious means a bully, arrogant or stubborn. Does the candidate persuade with gentleness or coerce with aggressiveness? Does the candidate approach conflict with anger and defensiveness or with humility and truth? Does the candidate generally present as humble and gentle or arrogant and unwilling to listen?
"Not quarrelsome"
Is the candidate a peacemaker? Does the candidate generally attempt to resolve conflict or stir it up?
"Not a lover of money"
Does the candidate seem to devote excessive thought, energy, and time to making more and more money? Or is the candidate’s heart affections and attention captivated by the things God commands? Does the candidate seem to hoard his resources? Does the candidate excessively talk about money and ways to get more of it? Does the candidate give generously, including giving to the ministry of Cornerstone Church?
"He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?"
Does the candidate’s wife and children (if applicable) respect him and generally submit to Him? Are the candidate’s children (if applicable) generally well behaved and respectful to others in the church? How do the candidate’s children respond to his commands? Do you believe, based on how the candidate manages his own family, that he will be able to manage Cornerstone Church well?
"He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil"
Would you consider the candidate to be a new convert? Do you believe the candidate has walked with the Lord and experienced enough seasons of life in his walk with the Lord such that he will not fall into the sin of pride in his knowledge or wisdom or abilities? Would you trust the candidate to remain humble if given a position of authority in the church?
"Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil."
Do you perceive that the people the candidate works with or associates with outside of Cornerstone Church see him as a Godly humble man, above reproach? Have you heard any specific negative comments about the candidate from those outside the church or in?
