The New Hope session periodically reminds the congregation to be on the lookout for men whom the Lord might be calling to serve as an elder or a deacon. The apostles told the believers in Jerusalem, “pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:3 ESV) With that in mind, consider the biblical qualifications for elder and deacon:
Elder: “An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive…he must not be a recent convert…he must be well thought of by outsiders….”(1 Timothy 3:2-7)
Deacon: “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience…Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.” (1 Timothy 3:8-12)
If you recognize men in our congregation who meet these qualifications, please consider asking them whether they would be willing to serve as an elder or deacon if elected. If so, you may nominate that man by giving his name in writing to any of the elders.