When a candidate for the office of elder is being examined, it’s necessary for the examiner (likely the senior pastor, or another designated pastor) to have a series of talking points and questions to ask.
Normally an elder candidate will have to do some type of theological project, most likely an exegetical or theological essay which shows his ability to discern biblical truths and articulate them clearly. He would also have to be able to defend his conclusion against other positions and especially false doctrine.
Assuming that the potential candidate has been in a discipling process, having been tested in different ways, these talking points could be used to apply to a potential candidate. They are given as suggestions for a way to further discover the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and all the rest of the biblical characteristics for elders.
Below are six areas to consider in examining the potential candidate.
1. Personal
- Share Testimony
- Used Alcohol or Illegal Drugs; Any anti-depressants?
- Viewed Pornography [_____]
- Marriage:
- Honest, objective pastoral assessment of your marriage.
- What is your wife’s view of your calling to ministry?
- How does your wife’s ministry in the church potentially relate to being married to a pastor (Eg. is she active in women’s ministry; or faithful church member; etc).
- What is the spiritual maturity of your wife compared to yourself?
- What is your temperament?
- What are the scenarios when you are most easily tempted to be angry?
- What are the scenarios when you are most easily tempted to be depressed?
- Briefly describe your personal prayer life.
- Briefly describe your practice of family worship, couple’s devotion or other spiritual leadership in your home.
- Is there anything you haven’t told us that could be revealed about you that would be scandalous or potentially disqualifying?
2. Doctrinal
- Statement of Faith
- Compatibility.
- What are the points of the Statement of Faith which you are
- More newly convinced of,
- Have had a lesser amount of reflection upon?
- How different is this church in doctrine, compared with a previous church, and the most influential church your wife has come from?
- What are the points of the Statement of Faith which you are
- Influences
- Identify the major influences on your theological development (both positively and negatively).
- What are the areas of theological study you have given a lot of attention to, and less attention to?
- Possible Doctrinal Questions (These can be expanded depending on the candidate, the length of the examination, and the prerequisites completed):
- How many wills does the Incarnate Son of God have?
- How many wills does God have?
- What does divine simplicity mean?
- State briefly your view of the sign gifts.
- What is your view on divorce and remarriage?
- Explain the difference between the Reformed view of sanctification and the Keswick view.
- [____________]
- Compatibility.
3. Ecclesiastical
- Compatibility
- What are the areas of practice in this church (philosophy of ministry, worship/liturgy, cultural context, etc) which differ compared with a previous church, and the most influential church your wife has come from?
- Elder Role
- What is your understanding of the application of the elder’s role:
- Ideally according to Scripture
- In practical application at your local church.
- What is your understanding of the application of the elder’s role:
- Is your potential role as an elder interchangeable with the role of the current pastor? Explain.
4. Practical
- What would the scenario of “serving this church” look like? What would the scenario of “using or exploiting this church” look like?
- What are the areas of ministry in which you are likely to be tempted?
- When your youth is ‘disregarded’, what is a) your fleshly style of response, b) your Spirit-filled response?
- When you have received feedback about the manner of your liturgical leadership or preaching, how have you felt when you received that feedback, and what have you done in response?
- How willing are you to adapt your personal preferences in order to promote the mission of the church and the unity of the church? Give examples.
- Who have you personally discipled or mentored?
- Who has discipled or mentored you?
- Explain the ways you are doing the work of an evangelist.
5. Logistical
- Capacity
- Do you have the realistic physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual capacity for you to undertake the work of a presbyter/bishop/pastor, recognizing your other roles/priorities:
- As a husband
- As a father
- As an employee
- Within your church context
- Do you have the realistic physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual capacity for you to undertake the work of a presbyter/bishop/pastor, recognizing your other roles/priorities:
6. Prayerful
- Describe the life and ministry that you are asking God to cultivate in you.
