Church Leadership: Who Leads and How They Are Qualified

What does the Bible teach about church leaders—who are they, and what qualifies them to serve? Many churches today have adopted leadership models that reflect corporate or political structures rather than biblical directives. Positions are often filled through denominational appointments, where academic credentials—such as seminary degrees—take precedence, and favoritism is frequently shown to those with wealth or social influence. Yet, the New Testament paints a starkly different picture—one in which church leaders are called to serve rather than climb the ranks, and where spiritual maturity and the wisdom that comes with age are valued above worldly accolades.

This article will explore the biblical model of church leadership, with particular emphasis on the pastoral role, the qualifications required for those who serve, and the emergence of unbiblical titles and positions—such as arch-bishop, senior pastor, associate pastor, and youth pastor. Additionally, we will examine the contentious issue of women pastors, considering what Scripture truly teaches about their role in the church.

The Body of Christ: A Fellowship of Servants

According to Luke 17:10, the Body of Christ is made up entirely of servants. The Greek word for servant is diakonos, from which we get the English word “deacon.” Within the Church, some servants are older, and some are younger, but all are servants. Elders represent the older, more seasoned servants, entrusted with the responsibility of oversight and, as such, are worthy of greater honor (1 Tim 5:1, 17). These elders also serve as the pastors of the Church, chosen based on their godly character and well-ordered households (1 Tim 3; Tit 1).

Elders

The New Testament uses two Greek words that correspond to the English word for elder, namely presbuteros and episkopoi. Both W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (1940) and Strong’s Concordance define these Greek terms as follows:

• Presbuteros: “An adjective, the comparative degree of presbus, an old man, an elder, is used of age, whether of the elder of two persons (Lk 15:25) or of a person advanced in life, a senior (Act 2:17)...”

  
  

• Episkopoi: “Or overseer, is applied to the work of a presbus, to their spiritual maturity or experience (1 Tim 3:1-7, 5:17; Tit 1:5)…”

Thus, Scripture defines an elder as a spiritually mature, older man who serves as both pastor and overseer of the Church. However, this crucial qualification is often overlooked, leading to the appointment of younger men who are not properly qualified for the role. Much of the confusion over this matter stems from the interchangeability of the titles used to describe the same office. For instance, the elder is also referred to as a bishop, pastor, overseer, and shepherd. This is evident in the following passages:

Acts 20:17-18, 28 — "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church… And when they were come to him, he said unto them… Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

1 Peter 2:25 — "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

1 Peter 5:1-5 — "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

Titus 1:5-9 — "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee… For a bishop must be blameless…"

Notice that the elders in Ephesus were tasked with feeding the Church of God by serving as overseers, a role synonymous with that of a shepherd or pastor (from the Greek poimen, meaning shepherd). Scripture consistently instructs elders to care for God’s flock, take oversight, and serve as bishops or overseers. Additionally, the title "Chief Shepherd" (1 Pet 5:4), referring to Jesus Christ, establishes a precedent: elders are subordinate to Christ and may only function as shepherds with limited authority. Furthermore, 1 Peter 5:5 makes it clear that "elder" is not just a title but a descriptor of the individual holding the office—specifically, an older man: "Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder."

Unbiblical Titles and Positions

If the above is true—that bishops, pastors, and elders are synonymous and interchangeable titles—then it effectively dismantles the unbiblical hierarchy found in many churches today. The common structure of bishops overseeing pastors, senior pastors outranking associate pastors, and youth pastors operating as a separate office has no scriptural foundation. Instead of adhering to man-made leadership models, the church should remain faithful to the biblical pattern of governance, where authority is rooted in God’s appointed roles rather than human inventions. When churches abandon this framework in favor of corporate-style leadership or hierarchical traditions, they stray dangerously outside of God’s established design, replacing servant-leadership with institutional authority. True biblical leadership is not about titles, status, or climbing the ranks—it is about shepherding the flock with humility, wisdom, and obedience to God’s Word.

Biblical Qualifications for Elders

Having established that elders were those chosen by the early Church to serve as pastors and bishops, it is vital to recognize the biblical criteria for their qualification. Not every older man is fit to lead, which is why Scripture provides explicit instructions on selecting elders:

1 Timothy 3:1-9 — "This is a true saying, If a man desire to serve as a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Titus 1:5-9 — "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

From these passages, we derive six essential qualifications for a Church elder:

1. Impeccable character – Living above reproach in all areas of life.

2. A good reputation – Respected both within and outside the Church.

3. An exemplary family life – Leading a well-ordered household with wisdom and integrity.

4. The husband of one wife – Faithful to one woman, not divorced or polygamous.

5. A strong ability to teach the Word – Sound in doctrine and able to instruct others effectively.

6. A heart of servanthood – Leading with humility, selflessness, and a servant’s spirit.

These qualifications make it clear that eldership is a serious calling, reserved for those who meet God’s standards. Unfortunately, many today pursue positions of authority out of ambition or a love for preeminence rather than genuine service. To guard against unqualified leaders, Believers must evaluate them according to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. If we fail in this duty and end up under corrupt or abusive leadership, the blame is ours.

Hebrews 13:17 & Obedience to Church Authority

Hebrews 13:17 is often misused to justify authoritarian rule in the church. Some leaders manipulate this passage to enforce unquestioning submission. However, authoritarian rule is never endorsed in Scripture but rather condemned in several passages: Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 10:42-45, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 23:8-12, and 3 John 1:1-3. So, let's take a look at Hebrews 13:17 to see if we can make better sense of it: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

It's important to note that just ten verses earlier, we find the key to understanding this passage: "Remember those leading you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; consider the outcome of their behavior and imitate their faith" (Heb 13:7). Biblical authority is not compulsory. Leaders must lead by example, not by force (1 Pet 5:1-5). Elders are not to micromanage or dominate Believers but serve as humble guides. Sadly, many church leaders abuse authority, and some congregants willingly submit to them despite the warning signs.

Church Oversight by a Plurality of Elders (Shared Authority)

Church oversight by a group of elders, or "shared authority," though uncommon, remains the practice of churches that adhere to the biblical doctrine of a plurality of elders. This biblical form of governance has its roots in the Old Testament (Num. 11:16-17; Prov. 11:14) and was a defining characteristic of the early Church. According to the New Testament, churches were consistently overseen by multiple qualified elders rather than a single individual. Consider the following passages:

"And when they had ordained them elders (plural) in every church (singular), and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed" (Act 14:23).

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (plural) of the church" (singular) (Act 20:17).

"Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders (plural) of the church (singular); and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (Jas 5:14-15).

Church governance by a group of elders provides the best form of oversight for several reasons:

• It prevents authoritarian rule by serving as a safeguard against unchecked power (Prov. 11:14).

  
  

• It protects the church from the cult of personality, ensuring leadership is not built around a single individual whose influence, if misused, could harm the congregation for years to come.

• It allows leaders to effectively address the needs of every member, ensuring balanced and comprehensive pastoral care.

• It provides continuity in times of persecution, allowing for the seamless replacement of an elder who may be imprisoned or martyred—an especially crucial safeguard in regions where Christians face intense opposition.

Age Requirement for Elders

What does the Bible say about an elder’s age, and how does it affect his ability to serve as an overseer? While this question may seem minor, age is a crucial factor because it serves as an indicator of both wisdom and experience, which increase over time (Job 12:12).

According to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, an elder is an older man whose children are mature adults. His qualifications are tested based on the conduct of his children (1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 1:6). If his grown children are God-fearing and righteous, he is deemed qualified; if not, he is disqualified. Consequently, men with young children are excluded from eldership since their children are not yet old enough to demonstrate the fruit of their upbringing.

The following verses further distinguish between elders and younger men, indicating that an elder must be of sufficient age to have children who are old enough for marriage:

"The elders which are among you I exhort… Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility…" (1 Pet. 5:5).

"Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity" (1 Tim. 5:1-2).

Notice that Timothy, a young man himself, was instructed to entreat an elder as he would a father. This strongly suggests that the term younger men in the passage refers to adult men of marriageable age, reinforcing the idea that an elder must be significantly older—a man of advanced age, a senior.

Perhaps the apostles appointed elders as overseers because age is a natural marker of authority. Generally, people are far more inclined to respect the wisdom of an older person than that of a younger one. It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which elderly men in a church are expected to regard a thirty-year-old “pastor” as a father (1 Tim. 5:1). Yet, this is precisely the dynamic that exists in many churches today.

Some may still object, arguing that Timothy and Titus served as overseers since they appointed elders to positions of service. While this argument may seem convincing at first glance, it is as misguided as claiming that because American citizens participate in electing the President of the United States, they are therefore more powerful than him.

While both of Paul’s young co-laborers exercised a measure of oversight, they were not qualified to serve as elders. Instead, their role was primarily that of evangelists and church planters, tasked with helping to establish order and structure within the Church by appointing elders under Paul’s direction. Nevertheless, we can be certain that they remained subordinate to the very elders they appointed, as evidenced by Paul’s command in 1 Timothy 5:1.

The Honor Due to Elders

Scripture makes it clear that elders are to be honored for their age, wisdom, and godly leadership. Here are some verses that highlight this fact:

"You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord" (Lev. 19:32).

"Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days" (Job 12:12).

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching" (Prov. 1:8).

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life" (Prov. 16:31).

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. '“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land”' (Eph. 6:1-4).

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" (1 Tim. 5:17).

(Note: Double honor is bestowed upon elders who rule well—first for their age and second for their godly leadership.)

"Do not rebuke an elder but entreat him as you would a father, younger men as brothers" (1 Tim. 5:1).

Summarizing Church Eldership

Taking all of the above scriptural principles into account, we can define church eldership as the following:

• Patriarchal rather than hierarchical—eldership is rooted in fatherly leadership, not corporate structures.

• Experiential rather than positional—elders lead by the wisdom of their years, not by holding a mere title.

• Exemplary rather than tyrannical—true eldership is marked by godly character and servant-hearted leadership (1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 1:24).

Women Pastors: A Biblical Examination

The role of women in church leadership has become a contentious issue in many Christian circles. While modern culture often pushes for gender inclusivity in all areas, including the church, the Bible provides clear guidance on the matter. The New Testament explicitly forbids women from serving as pastors or exercising authority over men within the church.

Scriptural Basis Against Women Pastors

1 Timothy 2:11-12 – Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Paul makes it clear that women are not to exercise authority over men in the church. The phrase "in silence" does not mean absolute silence but rather a spirit of submission within the gathered assembly.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. This passage reinforces the principle of male headship and highlights the importance of maintaining order in the assembly.

1 Timothy 3:1-2 – This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife… The qualifications for a pastor (bishop/elder) are explicitly male. The phrase "husband of one wife" leaves no room for women to occupy this role.

Titus 1:5-6 – For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. Again, the qualification of "husband of one wife" affirms male-only eldership.

Rebuttals to Common Arguments in Favor of Women Pastors

"Galatians 3:28 teaches that men and women are equal in Christ."

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. This verse speaks of spiritual equality in salvation, not church roles or governance. While men and women share equal worth in Christ, they have distinct roles in the home and church.

"Women were leaders in the Bible, such as Deborah and Phoebe."

Deborah (Judg 4-5) was a judge in Israel, but her role was an exception during a time when men failed to lead. She did not serve as a priest, nor did she oversee the spiritual instruction of Israel in the manner of a New Testament pastor.

Phoebe (Rom 16:1) is called a "servant" (diakonos), which can mean either "deacon" or "minister," but there is no evidence she functioned as a pastor or elder.

"Priscilla taught Apollos, proving women can teach men."

In Acts 18:26, Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, helped explain doctrine to Apollos. However, this was done privately and in partnership with her husband, not as an authoritative teacher over a congregation.

"God calls women into pastoral ministry today."

God does not contradict His Word. If Scripture establishes clear guidelines for church leadership, any "calling" that contradicts them is not from God but rather from human emotions or cultural pressures.

"The Bible’s instructions on women were cultural and no longer apply today."

Paul grounds his argument in creation order (1 Tim 2:13-14), not culture: For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. This demonstrates that the prohibition is based on God’s design, not temporary cultural norms.

While women have valuable roles in the church, Scripture does not permit them to serve as pastors or elders. Upholding God’s design for church leadership is essential for maintaining biblical integrity and spiritual order. As churches navigate modern challenges, they must remain faithful to the authoritative teaching of God’s Word rather than conforming to cultural trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a biblically faithful church adheres to the scriptural model of eldership—one defined by character, wisdom of age, shared authority, and servanthood, not ambition, manipulation, or domination. These qualities are essential for selecting the right spiritual leaders and ensuring that church authority remains within biblical bounds.