Most small churches approach elder selection one of two ways: they either apply the qualifications so strictly that no one qualifies, or they apply them so loosely that the qualifications become meaningless. Neither serves the church well.

This guide works through the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 one by one, explaining what each means in its original context and how to apply it practically in a small church.

The Purpose of the Qualifications

Before examining the individual qualifications, it is important to understand their purpose. Paul is not describing a perfect person. He is describing a person whose life demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel — someone whose character, relationships, and reputation make them credible as a leader of God’s people.

The qualifications are primarily about character, not competence. A person can be highly competent and fail the character qualifications. A person can be less naturally gifted and meet them fully. Character is the foundation; competence can be developed.

Working Through the Qualifications

“Above Reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)

This is the summary qualification from which all others flow. “Above reproach” does not mean without sin — no one qualifies on that standard. It means that there is no legitimate, unresolved accusation against the person’s character that would disqualify them from leadership. Their life, taken as a whole, is not open to credible criticism.

“Husband of One Wife” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)

This phrase has generated significant debate. The most natural reading is that the elder should be a “one-woman man” — a person whose sexual and relational faithfulness is beyond question. This does not necessarily exclude widowers who have remarried, but it does exclude those with a pattern of sexual unfaithfulness or relational instability.

“Sober-Minded” and “Self-Controlled” (1 Timothy 3:2)

These qualifications describe a person who thinks clearly, acts deliberately, and is not driven by impulse or emotion. In a small church context, this is the person who does not make rash decisions, who thinks before speaking, and who can be trusted to handle difficult situations with composure.

“Respectable” (1 Timothy 3:2)

The elder’s life should be orderly and well-arranged — not chaotic or disorganized. This is not about social status but about the kind of life that others can look at and say, “That is a person who has their life together in a way that reflects their faith.”

“Hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)

Hospitality in the ancient world was a significant virtue — it meant opening your home to strangers and travelers. In a small church context, this qualification describes a person who is genuinely welcoming, who opens their home and their life to others, and who creates space for community.

“Able to Teach” (1 Timothy 3:2)

This is the one competency qualification in the list. The elder must be able to teach — to explain and apply Scripture in a way that builds up the congregation. This does not require formal training or exceptional oratory. It requires the ability to handle Scripture faithfully and communicate it clearly.

“Not a Drunkard” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)

The elder should not be controlled by alcohol or any other substance. This is not a prohibition on moderate drinking but on the kind of relationship with alcohol that compromises judgment and character.

“Not Violent but Gentle” (1 Timothy 3:3)

The elder should not be quick-tempered or physically aggressive. He should be gentle — able to handle conflict and difficult people with patience and grace rather than force or intimidation.

“Not Quarrelsome” (1 Timothy 3:3)

The elder should not be contentious or argumentative. This does not mean he avoids conflict — elders must sometimes confront sin and defend truth. But he should not be the kind of person who creates conflict, who enjoys argument for its own sake, or who cannot let things go.

“Not a Lover of Money” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)

The elder’s relationship with money should be healthy. He should not be greedy, not motivated by financial gain, and not making decisions based primarily on financial self-interest. In a small church context, this is the person who gives generously and handles the church’s finances with integrity.

“Managing His Own Household Well” (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

Paul’s logic here is explicit: if a person cannot lead his own family, how can he lead the church? This qualification looks at the elder’s home life — his marriage, his parenting, his relationships with his children. It does not require perfect children, but it does require a home that reflects the elder’s genuine leadership and care.

“Not a Recent Convert” (1 Timothy 3:6)

Spiritual maturity takes time. A new believer, however gifted, has not had the time to develop the character and wisdom that elder leadership requires. The qualification protects both the church and the new believer from the dangers of premature leadership.

“Well Thought of by Outsiders” (1 Timothy 3:7)

The elder’s reputation in the broader community matters. This is particularly significant in a small town, where everyone knows everyone. The elder should be known in the community as a person of integrity — someone whose faith is visible in their daily life and relationships.

Applying the Qualifications in a Small Church

In a small church, the pool of potential elders is limited. The temptation is to lower the standards to fill the positions. Resist this temptation. An elder who does not meet the qualifications will cause more harm than an unfilled position.

When evaluating a candidate:

• Look at the whole life, not individual moments. Everyone has failures. The question is whether the pattern of life reflects the qualifications.
• Talk to people who know the candidate in different contexts — at work, in the community, in the home.
• Give the candidate time. The qualifications describe a mature Christian. Maturity takes time.
• Be honest about disqualifying patterns. A pattern of financial dishonesty, relational instability, or anger does not disappear when someone is given a title.