stephen R Harrison

• Not a Lover of Money

Paul told Timothy that an elder should not be greedy. Paul told Titus not to pursue dishonest gain. Peter said that an elder should serve eagerly, not for money. The message is clear that an elder does not lead the church for financial gain. Elders should be generous, a mark of those in the early church who demonstrated generosity by selling possessions to give to those in need (Acts 2:45). If those who lead the church are lovers of money, they will eventually stop caring for the poor, widows, orphans, missions, and giving into other biblical ministries like pro-life pregnancy centers and food pantries. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10a). Loving money can even pierce you with many sorrows and draw you away from the faith (1 Timothy 6:10b).

Discussion Questions:    

1. How (if ever) have you struggled with giving to the Lord’s work?
2. Do you have a consistent history of generosity in your local church?
3. Are you ever tempted to give with a wrong motive or unbiblical expectations?

• Not a Recent Convert

A new believer or a young disciple in the faith should not be considered for eldership. New believers can be zealous in their faith, highly evangelistic, and bold in their walk. This is good! These qualities should remain in believers as they mature in the faith. We should allow energetic Christians to serve as examples that motivate others toward good works, spiritual growth, and evangelism. We should not allow new believers to become leaders in the church until they have proven themselves faithful and genuine in their walk with Christ and commitment to the mission and purpose of the church. Maturity in Christ is only gained one way: by maturing in Christ. This takes time. Character is built and proven over time. God uses times of adversity, grief, tragedy, disappointment, and other setbacks to foster dependency, trust, and growth in Christ. Paul warns Timothy that a new convert can develop pride and fall under the same judgment as the devil. One must make sure a man is saved and maturing in their walk with Christ before considering and installing them as an elder. Unbelievers and spiritual infants should not lead a local church. 

Discussion Questions:

1. How long have you been saved? Share your testimony of salvation.
2. What adversity, tragedy, or disappointment in life have you weathered with the help of Christ? 
3. Explain how you have matured in Christ by contrasting life before and after salvation.