Leadership Resources

Elder Qualifications Test

1 Timothy 3 & Titus 1

The following survey is a tool designed to help evaluate a man's qualification for eldership. It is intended to be completed by a number of people who are close to the candidate and have good insight into his faith and character. The questions are shaped around the elder qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Please answer as honestly as possible. For the sake of both the man and the church, a thorough assessment of his fitness for eldership is critically important. Weaknesses that are exposed through this tool may not disqualify the man. Rather, they may bring important understanding that will make his eldership much more healthy and fruitful.

Answer each question Yes, No, or Unsure. Results are emailed to the address you enter below as soon as you submit.

Most likely your current elder’s email.
1 Above Reproach (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6)

Definition/Synonyms: not open to censure, irreproachable, unrebukable, irreprehensible, blameless, unquestioned integrity, unimpeachable virtue.

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 about his personal life?

2 Husband of One Wife (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6)

Is it true that neither he nor his wife (if he is married) have been divorced? Note: if a divorce in question was Biblically based, answer yes.

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 and watches?

3 Sober-minded (1 Timothy 3:2)

Greek word "nephalios" means "sober, clear-thinking, mentally alert, able to make sound judgments."

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?

4 Self-controlled (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8)

Greek word "sophron" means "discreet, reasonable, sensible, serious, sound mind, self-controlled." Implies sound judgment and a disciplined state of mind which is not characterized by impulsiveness or given to extremes.

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 (not including a house, car or school loan)?

5 Respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)

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?

6 Hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8)

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.

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?

7 Able to Teach (1 Timothy 3:2)

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?

8 Not a Drunkard (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

Greek word "paroinos" means "a man who sits too long at his wine, given to wine, drunken."

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?

9 Not Violent (1 Timothy 3:3)

Greek word "plektes" means "excessively inclined to quarrel or fight, a bully, striker, quarreler."

Is he able to maintain a concern for a person though personally offended by that person?

Is he diligent to not 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?

10 Gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)

Greek word "epieidis" means "gracious, encouraging, considerate, kind, yielding, seemly, equitable."

Is he flexible to change his positions on minor issues?

Is he a good and empathetic listener to people?

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?

11 Not Quarrelsome (1 Timothy 3:3)

Greek word "amakos" means "peaceable, not quarrelsom, 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."

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)?

12 Not a Lover of Money (1 Timothy 3:3), Not Greedy for Gain (Titus 1:7)

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?

13 Manages His Household Well (1 Timothy 3:4)

Greek word "kalos" proistamenon" means "to direct, be at the head, rule well, be concerned about, care for, give aid."

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?

14 Leads Children (1 Timothy 3:4, Titus 1:6)

"...with all dignity keeping his children submissive" (1 Timothy 3:4) and "his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination." (Titus 1:6)

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?

15 Not a Recent Convert (1 Timothy 3:6)

Greek word for new, "neophutos," means "newly planted." Not a recently saved or younger believer, one who has had little opportunity to test his own faith or demonstrate faithfulness.

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 see them fulfilled?

Has he shown proven character in serving in a church ministry?

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

Do fellow employees and 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?

17 Not Arrogant (Titus 1:7)

Greek word "authades" means "self-willed, stubborn, arrogant, self-pleasing, self-centered, own authority, headstrong."

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?

18 Not Quick Tempered (Titus 1:7)

Greek word "orgilos" means "inclined to anger, passionate, cross, irritable, sharp-tongued, short fuse."

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?

19 A Lover of Good (Titus 1:8)

Greek word "philagothos" literally means "to love (phileo) good (agathos), loving that which is good, a lover of good."

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?

20 Upright (Titus 1:8)

Greek word "dikaios" means "just, righteous in human relationships, upright, able to make proper judgments and act accordingly, correct, innocent."

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?

21 Holy (Titus 1:8)

Greek word "hosios" means "holy, pleasing to God, observable practical holiness, being undefiled, innocent, righteous, pious."

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?

22 Disciplined (Titus 1:8)

Greek word "egkrates" means "disciplined, in full control of oneself, strong, master of, to have power over oneself."

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?

23 Sound Doctrine (Titus 1:9)

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9)

Is he able to mobilize a small group or ministry team to serve Christ?

Is he able to boldly refute someone who is teaching wrong doctrine?

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 major doctrine?