-Elder Nomination Form

Elder Selection Guidelines

I. Introduction

The office of elder (also called overseer or pastor) is a sacred responsibility in the life of the church. Elders are entrusted with the spiritual leadership, care, and oversight of the congregation. As such, their selection must be conducted with prayerful discernment, congregational involvement, and strict adherence to the biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4, and Acts 20:28. This document outlines the biblical criteria and the process by which North Pointe selects elders to lead and shepherd the flock of God.

II. Biblical Qualifications

Drawn from 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4

1. A Man

• God’s design in creation – Paul grounds the male leadership role in the order of creation, not in cultural expectations: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Tim. 2:13). This foundational design reflects God’s intentional structure for leadership in both the home and the church.

• Role distinction, not value distinction – Scripture teaches that men and women are equal in worth (Gen. 1:27; Gal. 3:28) but have distinct roles. Leadership in the church is one of those distinctions. Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet” (1 Tim. 2:12), referring specifically to the authoritative teaching and oversight functions associated with elders. Elders, like husbands, are to love the church and sacrificially give for its well being just as Ephesians 5:25 describes “for husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave his life for her.”

• Pattern of male elders – The qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are given in the masculine (e.g., “husband of one wife”), and throughout the New Testament, elders are always identified as men. Nowhere in Scripture is a woman appointed as an elder or overseer.

• Consistency with household leadership – Paul links the church to the home: “If someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?” (1 Tim. 3:5). The entire New Testament presents a unified voice that teaches male headship in marriage and the family. This principle also extends to the wider church family.

2. Proven Character

• Above reproach – Elders must have an unblemished reputation, marked by moral integrity and godliness. (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6–7)

• Not arrogant or quick-tempered – They should be humble, teachable, and self-controlled. (Titus 1:7)

• Not violent but gentle – Elders must respond to conflict with patience and kindness. (1 Tim. 3:3)

• Not quarrelsome or divisive – They must strive to maintain unity and peace within the body. (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)

• Not a lover of money – They must demonstrate contentment and stewardship, not greed. (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)

• Not a drunkard – Elders must be temperate and self-disciplined in lifestyle. (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)

3. Proven Doctrine and Ability to Teach

• Able to teach – Elders must be biblically knowledgeable and able to teach sound doctrine. (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:24)

• Hold firm to the trustworthy word – They must guard the truth and correct those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9).

4. Proven Leadership and Shepherding Heart

• Shepherd God’s flock – They are to willingly and eagerly oversee the church, not out of compulsion or for personal gain. (1 Pet. 5:2–3; Acts 20:28)

• Lead by example – Elders must model Christlike character, not domineer, but inspire through godliness. (1 Pet. 5:3)

5. Proven Home Life

• Husband of one wife – Faithful in marriage (if married) and sexually pure. (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6)

• Manage household well – Demonstrates leadership and spiritual guidance at home, with children (if they have any) that respect and honor their leadership. (1 Tim. 3:4–5; Titus 1:6)

III. Additional Considerations

• Spiritual maturity: A mature walk with Christ marked by fruitfulness and ongoing growth.

• Shepherd’s heart: A genuine desire to love, care for, and disciple the church.

• Teachability and humility: Willingness to learn, receive counsel, and work as part of a team.

• Relational wisdom: Ability to counsel, encourage, and navigate conflict with grace.

• Commitment to unity: Protect and promote the peace and unity of the church.

IV. Selection Process

• August: Announce need, call for prayer and nominations

  • Inform the church of the need for additional elders and encourage prayerful consideration and nominations.

• September: Receive nominations via planning center

• Members submit nominations via Planning Center form, indicating individuals who meet the biblical criteria.

• September-October: Elders review nominees 

• Current elders will provide an initial assessment of the nominees based on biblical qualifications and active leadership in the church to determine whether or not a candidate meets the criteria. Candidates who meet the criteria will be informed of nomination and be asked to commit to time of prayer in order to discern God’s call to eldership upon his life.

• October-November: Interviews conducted 

• Current elders will interview nominees based on biblical standards and the additional considerations. Interviews will assess spiritual maturity, doctrine, family life, and readiness.

• November-December: Elder-elects presented to church for feedback 

• Elder-elects will be presented to the congregation for three weeks to receive affirmation or concerns. Elders will review all feedback and determine suitability.

• January-December (2026): Mentorship/testing period

• Elder-elects will be mentored by current elders, participate in meetings, and observe shepherding responsibilities.

• January (2027): Appoint as Elder in special service

• Upon successful completion of the testing period and with unanimous elder affirmation, new elders will be installed publicly in a special service.

V. Selection Number

North Pointe Baptist Church shall maintain a plurality of elders. As the church expands, additional elders will be appointed to ensure every member is well-shepherded. In the current selection process being presented, a maximum of three new elders will be integrated to facilitate effective training and onboarding, given the present elder body's capacity for instruction.

VI. Elder Responsibilities

Drawn from 1 Peter 5; 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, Acts 20; Hebrews 13

1. Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:2–3; Acts 20:28)
Elders care for the spiritual well-being of the church as loving shepherds.

Practically speaking they…

• Pray regularly for specific members and families by name.

• Follow up with absent, struggling, or drifting members.

• Visit the sick, grieving, or homebound to offer encouragement and prayer.

• Provide personal spiritual guidance as needs arise.

2. Teach the Word (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
Elders uphold and impart sound doctrine through teaching and correction.

Practically speaking they…

• Lead or assist in teaching Connecting Groups, Bible studies, and/or Sunday preaching.

• Disciple individuals one-on-one, answering questions and guiding growth.

• Evaluate teaching content and curriculum for theological accuracy.

• Address doctrinal confusion or questions in the church with clarity and grace.

3. Model Christlike Character (1 Peter 5:3; 1 Timothy 4:12)
Elders lead by example, demonstrating maturity, humility, and servant leadership.

Practically speaking they…

• Are present consistently at worship, groups, events, and service opportunities.

• Show hospitality, inviting others into their homes and lives.

• Demonstrate godly leadership, conflict resolution, and peacemaking.

• Serve willingly, even in unnoticed or unglamorous roles.

4. Guard the Church (Acts 20:28–31; Titus 1:9; Hebrews 13:17)

Elders protect the church from division, false teaching, and spiritual drift.

Practically speaking they…

• Engage in difficult conversations around discipline or doctrinal correction.

• Discern spiritual trends that could affect the church negatively.

• Mediate interpersonal conflicts in a biblical, peacemaking manner.

• Evaluate ministries and decisions to ensure alignment with Scripture and mission.

• Support the elder body and other leaders in navigating tough decisions.

VII. Other Considerations

Elders who have been inactive for one year or more will undergo reassessment before reinstatement.

Elders transferring from another church must go through the full vetting selection and testing process.

VIII. Conclusion

The calling to the elder ministry is not one of status but of service. By selecting biblically qualified and spiritually mature leaders, North Pointe Baptist Church commits to honoring Christ’s design for church leadership. We trust that through prayerful obedience, our church will be shepherded with wisdom, love, and Christlike care.

By following the Biblical qualifications and embracing their calling to serve alongside the complementary office of deacon, Elders can allow North Pointe to see the same results as that of the early church in Acts 6:7 “the word God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in numbers, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.”

Elder Sermon Series: