This Sunday we pause our study of John to celebrate a special moment in the life of OBC.

As 1 Peter 5, 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1 indicate, elders/overseers/pastors (three terms for the same office) play a crucial role in the life of the church. This is why multiple books in the Bible give elder qualifications—so that local churches can properly recognize and install biblical elders.

In our case, OBC has enjoyed the service of our seven current elders for the last seven years. For some of these elders, the service goes back much longer. But since Pastor David came to OBC in 2015, we have not recognized or added a new elder.

This Sunday, by God’s grace, that will change, as we recognize and install Sean Oxford to the role of elder at OBC. For those who know Sean, you know he has already been ‘shepherding.’ In our children’s ministry and in many other aspects of OBC life, Sean has demonstrated the qualities of overseer, and in so doing he has blessed our church and built up the saints.

This is what elders do. They equip the saints for the work of service (Eph. 4:12), they oversee the flock (1 Pet. 5:1–4), and they multiply ministry (Eph. 4:11–16). And this Sunday we will consider both the role that elders play in the life of the church and the way that healthy churches recognize and install elders. To do that we will look at Titus 1:5–9.

In these five verses we find qualifications for elders. Yet, these verses are not for elders only, but for the whole church. As we will see, churches must know the qualifications of an elder, because local churches play the role of appointing elders to service. Moreover, as elders playing the role of modeling the faith, local churches need godly examples of faith. To that end, we will consider the wisdom and goodness of God in having local church appoint elders.

To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Titus 1–3. Pray for our service and for Sean as he prepares to receive the call to be an elder at OBC. We, the elders, are thankful to God for him and for all the faithful servants of Christ who call OBC their home. God has been exceedingly good to our church. And on Sunday we look forward to giving him praise and receiving from him the gift of this elder.

In prayer for Sunday,
The Elders of OBC
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Discussion & Response Questions: Titus 1:5-9
In reading Titus 1:5-9, what reasons are given for these elder qualifications?
Why are these qualities prerequisite for being appointed to the office of elder, and essential for those who serve as elders?
To what end do these character qualifications serve? What happens to a congregation when these qualities are absent?
How are elders made and unmade?
Are these character qualities that should be unique to elders? Should members seek these qualities? Why or why not? What is it that sets an elder apart from the rest of the congregation?
What is the relationship between the titles of pastor, elder, and overseer?
What are an elder’s duties to the congregation? What does the Bible and our Statement of Faith teach?
What are the congregation’s duties to the elders?
How does the wisdom of God’s design for the church serve the ministry of the gospel?
How ought we to respond to these truths?