Appendix to Church Bylaws:

APPENDIX A:

Elder qualifications are summarized in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

• ABOVE REPROACH.
  An Elder must lead by example and demonstrate a lifestyle free of patterns of sin.
• HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE.
  An Elder, if married, must be faithful to his wife.
• TEMPERATE.
  An Elder must be self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses.
• PRUDENT.
  An Elder must be sober, sensible, wise, balanced in judgment, not given to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking.
• RESPECTABLE.
  An Elder must demonstrate a well-ordered life and honorable behavior.
• HOSPITABLE.
  An Elder must enjoy having guests in his home and be unselfish with his personal resources.
• ABLE TO TEACH .
  An Elder must be able to communicate truth and sound doctrine.
• NOT ADDICTED TO WINE (or similar temptations of indulgence).
  An Elder must be free from addictions and willing to limit his liberty for the sake of others.
• NOT PUGNACIOUS OR QUICK TEMPERED.
  An Elder must be gentle, patient, and able to exercise self-control in difficult situations.
• UNCONTENTIOUS.
  An Elder must not be given to quarreling or selfish argumentation.
• FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY.
  An Elder must not be stingy, greedy, or preoccupied with amassing material things.
• MANAGE OWN HOUSEHOLD WELL.
  An Elder must have a well ordered household, and if married, a healthy family life. An elder¹s children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious.
• NOT A NEW CONVERT.
  An Elder must not be a new believer. He must have been a Christian for long enough to demonstrate the reality of his conversion and depth of his spirituality.
• GOOD REPUTATION WITH OUTSIDERS.
  An Elder must be well respected by unbelievers and free from hypocrisy.
• NOT SELF-WILLED.
  An Elder must desire to serve, but must serve without self interest and must not abuse authority.
• LOVING WHAT IS GOOD.
  An Elder must desire the will of God in every decision.
• JUST.
  An Elder must desire to be fair and impartial. His judgments must be based on scriptural principle.
• DEVOUT.
  An Elder must be a devoted follower of Christ, seeking to be conformed to Christ¹s image. He must be committed to prayer, worship, the study of Scripture, and to guarding his own walk.
• HOLDING FAST TO THE WORD.
  An Elder must be stable in the faith, obedient to the Word of God, continually seeking to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.