The Vine is entering the season of nominating Elders and Deacons to serve as officers in our church.  We should take some time to reflect on this privilege and responsiblity.  What qualifies a man to be a faithful officer of God’s church?  How do we know what to look for as we prayerfully consider men whom God would have us nominate to these roles of Elder and Deacon?

Elder and Deacon Qualifications

If we are being honest, when we study passages like 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-5, the qualifications we are to look for in a man seem overwhelming.  If we are expecting perfection, they will even seem unrealistic.  In fact, if we take this as a list of rules or a checklist, we may be discouraged by the failure of every man we see. However, I challenge us all to be, on the contrary, encouraged by this list.

As we mentioned in the sermon yesterday, this list of characteristics describes the character of Christ.  So, when we look at God’s people, we should see these characteristics as fruit in the life of someone who is united to Jesus through His work.  They will find strength in the power of the Holy Spirit within them.  They will live more and more in surrender to God’s rule and reign in their lives. This is the call of the Christian life.  It is not just for Elders and Deacons.  It is what we are each responsible for growing in day by day. Elders and Deacons are simply men in whom these characteristics might be clearly seen and who have been called by God to serve in this way.

What to Look For

So, as we prayerfully consider whom God might have us nominate, consider men who have grown in Christian maturity to a place where no one can legitimately question that they are men who desire to serve others and are consistently prioritizing God’s kingdom in their lives. 

The following are some of the areas where this character is visible to others and are, therefore, things to consider as you pray about nominations.

  • Practices regular Sunday worship.
  • Prays and shares his life and faith openly.
  • Serves his wife if he is married.
  • Leads a healthy home. Leads his children by pointing them to Jesus.
  • Maintains a good reputation in the church and community.
  • Exhibits godly values—is not selfish or greedy, but generous.
  • Displays self-control.
  • Faithfully fulfills current responsibilities.
  • Does nothing for personal or shameful gain.
  • Sets an example to the flock—is not domineering over his family or the church.
  • Loves others from the heart—shows hospitality and gentleness towards others.
  • Is able to teach (for Elders), and humble enough to be taught.

What Happens After I Nominate?

  • When a man is nominated by two or more members of the congregation, he is considered for the office.  The Session (Elders together) will discuss among themselves and with the nominee, when necessary, to determine the readiness of the nominee to serve in this way at this time.
  • If a man is nominated for both offices, the Session will determine the office to which he should be nominated.
  • The Session assigns a mentor to any prospective Elder and Deacon. The mentor meets with the prospective Elder or Deacon throughout the remainder of the process.
  • Prospective Elder or prospective Deacon attends Theological Foundations for Leaders.  This is to ensure understanding of our reading of God’s Word and submission to our system of doctrine and government. (January – May 2026)
  • The prospective Elder or Deacon takes a written exam. (June 2026)
  • Pastors have conversations with the prospective Elder or Deacon and his wife, including discussion on the candidate’s willingness to submit to the Session as a whole and to support the worship and work of the church/Session as laid out in the job description of Elders/Deacons at The Vine.
  • The congregation elects Elder and Deacon Candidates. (August 2026)
  • Officers are ordained and installed. (September 2026)

As God lays on your heart to nominate those He is clearly working in, I am thankful for you joining us in this very important process of nomination. 

Grateful to be in it with you,

Tim