Qualifications to be and serve as an Elder

Qualifications according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9

General qualification:

1. Above reproach

Personal qualifications:

2. Temperate

8. Not fond of sordid gain

3. Prudent

9. Loves what is good

4. Respectable

10. Sensible

5. Not addicted to wine

11. Devout

6. Free from the love of money

12. Self controlled

7. Not accused of dissipation or

rebellion

Marriage and family qualifications:

13. Husband of one wife (see Appendix A for explanation of this qualification)

14. One who manages his own household well, keeping his children under

control with all dignity

15. Has children who believe

Interpersonal qualifications:

16. Not pugnacious

19. Has a good reputation with

17. Gentle

those outside the church

18. Uncontentious

20. Not quick tempered

Ministry qualifications:

21. Hospitable

26. Able to exhort in sound

22. Able to teach

doctrine and refute those

23. Not a new convert

who contradict

24. Not self willed

25. Just

Additional qualifications:

27. Has been a Ministry Partner at BACC for at least two years at the time their

nomination to be an Elder has been received by the Elder Board.

28. Has a heartfelt enthusiasm for the mission and vision of BACC

29. Agrees with the doctrine of the church and the church’s philosophy of ministry

30. Is actively engaged in the life of the church

31. Is already functioning as an Elder in the church by shepherding or teaching

32. Is a lay member (i.e., not a staff member, other than the Lead Pastor)

33. If married, his wife supports his decision to serve as an Elder

34. Has a combination of leadership and shepherding abilities

Qualifications to be and serve as an Deacon

Biblical qualifications (as stated in 1 Timothy 3:8-12)

For male Deacons (as stated in v.8):

1. Men of dignity

2. Not double-tongued

3. Does not indulge in much wine

4. Does not pursue dishonest gain

For female Deacons (as stated in v.11):

1. Dignified

2. Not malicious gossips

3. Temperate

4. Faithful in all things

Additional Biblical qualifications for males (as stated in vv. 9, 10 and 12):

• Holds onto the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience

• Has been tested (and found to have nothing against him)

• Husband of one wife (see Appendix A for explanation of this qualification)

• Manages his children and his household well

Additional BACC qualifications

For both male and female Deacons:

1. Has been a Ministry Partner at BACC for at least two years at the time their

nomination to be a Deacon has been received by the Deacon Board

2. Has a heartfelt enthusiasm for the mission and vision of BACC

3. Agrees with the doctrine of the church and the church’s philosophy of ministry

4. Is actively engaged in the life of the church

5. Is already functioning as a Deacon in the church by serving others

6. Is a lay member (i.e., not a staff member)

For female Deacons (added for practical reasons to align with some of the additional

Biblical qualifications for males; qualifications that are consistent with the “faithful in all

things” Biblical qualification for female Deacons):

• Holds onto the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience

• Has been tested (and found to have nothing against her)

• Maintains a faithful relationship with her husband

• Manages her children and household well