As we come to that time of year when we ask the congregation to nominate elder and deacon candidates, I thought it would be helpful to remind you of a few things. The PCA understands that the right to nominate ruling elders and deacons is in the hands of the members of the church. It’s an important function you perform when you nominate men to serve in these offices. Those you nominate will be approached and encouraged to begin the process of considering whether or not they are called and equipped to serve in one of these offices. It might be helpful, then, to be reminded of the qualifications.

Paul provides explicit qualifications in two places in his letters. In 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, Paul describes the qualities of an elder and in 1 Timothy 3:8–13, those of a deacon. I would encourage you to read these passages before making a nomination, and consider whether or not the men you want to nominate meet these qualifications. No one is perfect, but an officer in the church should be an example to follow and gifted for the work to which he is called.

Often we ask ourselves if a man could do or be these things. Instead, we should ask if he is already doing the work of an elder or deacon and demonstrating the required character. Who do you know in our church that is quick to help and serve? Who do you know that knows and loves the word of God? Review Paul’s instructions above, and consider who in our congregation might fit those descriptions.

Our denomination’s Book of Church Order also describes the work of each office and does so in more detail than the passage above since it is drawing from all over Scripture. Chapters 8 and 9 describe the offices of elder and deacon, respectively.

We are in need of more elders and deacons to help us in the work of shepherding and serving the church. Will you carefully consider who God might be calling to serve from among us? Will you pray with us that God will make his calling clear to those men? And if there is no one being called now, will you pray that he will send brothers to us that are called?

Shepherding and serving this flock are great privileges! We want to do so faithfully and effectively. Let’s pray together that God will meet our needs in the days to come.

Your fellow servant of Christ,
Pastor Matt