Qualifications for Elders

Opening Questions

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1. Paul calls the office of overseer a “noble task” (v. 1). What makes church leadership a “noble” or good work?

Questions on character

1 Timothy 3:2-3

2. An overseer must be “above reproach” (v. 2). What does this mean in a practical sense? Is it about being perfect, or something else entirely?
3. Paul states an overseer should be “the husband of one wife” (v. 2). What does this phrase tell us about an overseer’s sexual integrity and marital commitment, both then and now?
4. The list includes qualities like being “temperate,” “self-controlled,” and “gentle,” contrasting with behaviors like being a “drunkard” or “violent” (vv. 2-3). Why is personal discipline so crucial for those in leadership?

Questions on Family Life

1 Timothy 3:4-5

5. Paul says an overseer must “manage his own household well” (v. 4). Why is a man’s ability to lead his family a primary test of his readiness for church leadership?
6. How can a church discern if a potential leader is managing his household well? What would this look like in practice?

Questions on Reputation and Maturity

1 Timothy 3:6-7

7. Why must an overseer not be a “recent convert”? What danger does Paul warn about here, and why is spiritual maturity so important for leaders?
8. An overseer must also “be well thought of by outsiders” (v. 7). Why is a leader’s reputation outside the church so important? How does this protect both the leader and the congregation from the “snare of the devil”?

Concluding and Application Questions

9. While this passage is about church leadership, which of these character qualities should all Christians seek to develop in their own lives?
10. In what ways can we, as a small group and as individuals, support and encourage our church leaders to meet these high standards?
11. Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Which of these qualifications do you feel strongest in? Which areas are a challenge, and what steps can you take to grow in them?