GIVE US ELDERS, LORD

When I go through the scripture of how an ‘elder’ is described it is an obvious high calling. The descriptions are of course for any disciple, but they are a mandate for an elder. An elder is a pastor. A pastor is a shepherd. This is a function, not a title. It is something that someone does by gift and calling.

This is the described list of the traits of a shepherd (elder: male or female).

An elder is Blameless (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
An elder must be of Good Behavior (1 Timothy 3:2)
An elder must be Vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
An elder must be Temperate (Titus 1:8)
An elder must be Sober (Titus 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2)
An elder must be Just (Titus 1:8)
An elder must be Holy (Titus 1:8)
An elder must be a Lover of Good (Titus 1:8)
An elder must be Hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
An elder must be Patient (1 Timothy 3:3)
An elder must not be a Brawler (1 Timothy 3:3)
An elder must not quickly get Angry (Titus 1:7)
An elder must not be a Striker (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
An elder must not be Greedy (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
An elder must not be Covetous (1 Timothy 3:3)
An elder must not be Self-Willed (Titus 1:7)
An elder must not be a Drunkard (1 Timothy 3:3)
An elder must be of Good Report (1 Timothy 3:7)
An elder must be Grave (honest) (1 Timothy 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2)
An elder must not be Double-tongued (1 Timothy 3:8)
An elder must not be a Slanderer (1Timothy 311)
An elder must be Faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11)
An elder must be a Steward (manager of household) of God (Titus 1:7)
An elder must desire this Function (1 Timothy 3:1)
An elder must not be a lord (domineering) over God’s people (1 Peter 5:1-3)
An elder must be an Example to the flock of God (1 Peter 5:3)

This is a shepherd. This is an elder. This is a Christian.

Jesus, give elders to your people.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.” Jesus (Amplified Bible)