The Christian Leader

1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 give us a list of characteristics that elders, or leaders and overseers of the church, should exhibit. While discussing this list with some friends (the high school seniors I am teaching on Sundays), I was challenged with what it meant to be 'blameless'.

Titus 1:6 says, "An elder must be blameless..." 1 Timothy 3:2 says, "Now the overseer must be above reproach,..."

The words blameless and above reproach are words that should describe one's character. A quick word study on the two words revealed much to me.

Anenkletos - from an which means no or not and enkaleo which means to accuse in court. This is what the NIV translates as blameless and means, basically, that the elder should be free from any legal charge. He should not be living or acting in a way that would give reason for someone to bring charges upon him.

Anepilemptos - from an which means no or not and epilambanomai which means to seize. This word is a typical Greek word-picture that describes one who is not guilty of anything which another could seize upon as the basis of an accusation.

Paul uses these two legal terms to describe ones character. The Josephson School of Ethics defines character as "who you are when no one else is around."

While ultimately this could be an issue regarding sin in one's life, Paul is not saying that a Christian leader must be one who will never sin. Rather, this is someone who deals openly and honestly with sin in their life. This is a person who does not have a lifestyle that would cause others to stumble. This is a person who has a distinct calling by God and must always intentionally seek out the moral high ground...even when they are all alone.

There, unfortunately, are numerous examples of elders and church leaders who have chosen to act differently in private than in public. These individuals chose to live a life where others could find blame and reasons to bring accusation.

Fortunately, however, there are many more examples of individuals who live blameless and above reproach. I am proud to serve on staff with such people at Christ's Church.

These two passages have much more to say about the requirements of an elder and I would recommend you read them. 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9