D.A. Carson has rightly pointed out that the list of qualifications for elders is “remarkable for being unremarkable.” Why? Because “the criteria mentioned are demanded of all Christians everywhere. Which is another way of saying, elders are first of all to be exemplars of the Christian graces that are presupposed as mandated on all Christians.” Every church is meant to be full of men and women who display these traits. And if every Christian is meant to display to display them, every Christian should pray for them.

Of all that is unique about the Christian faith, this aspect stands apart: Its leaders are not called to their positions because of rare skill, raw talent, or overwhelming desire. They are not qualified by the charismatic personality, the ability to draw a crowd, or skilled rhetoric. Rather, Christian leaders are called and qualified by godly character. In passages like 1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-3 we read what a man must be if he is to serve as pastor (or elder, if you prefer).

But D.A. Carson has rightly pointed out that the list of qualifications for elders is “remarkable for being unremarkable.” Why? Because “the criteria mentioned are demanded of all Christians everywhere. Which is another way of saying, elders are first of all to be exemplars of the Christian graces that are presupposed as mandated on all Christians.” Every church is meant to be full of men and women who display these traits. And if every Christian is meant to display to display them, every Christian should pray for them. This little guide lists each of those qualifications and suggests a few prayers related to each one. Personally, I pray for one of these traits each day, using the bullet points as a guide. Perhaps you will find it helpful to do something similar.

(Note: I have a booklet on this topic meant for individual or group study.)

Above Reproach

I pray…

• … that I would have an unquestionable character
• … that I would maintain a credible reputation and be an example worthy of following
• … that my life would be so consistent that there are no opportunities for blame or disgrace to be attached to it
• … that I would be free from any blight of character or conduct so my life will remain irreproachable in the eyes of others.
• … that through the power of the Holy Spirit I would identify, battle, and kill sin wherever it exists in my life

A One-Woman Man (or a One-Man Woman)

I pray…

• … that I would be a one-woman kind of man (or one-man kind of woman), exemplary in love and faithfulness to my wife (or husband)
• … that I would not have wandering eyes or a fantasizing mind
• … that I would regard older women as mothers and younger women as sisters, in all purity (or older men as fathers and younger men as brothers, in all purity)
• … that I would be appropriately discreet in my relationships with members of the opposite sex and that I would never be flirtatious, promiscuous, or involved in any questionable relationship
• … that I would be devoted to my wife, nurturing and cherishing her as Christ does the church (or devoted to my husband, joyfully submitting to his leadership as the church does to Christ)

Sober-Minded

I pray…

• … that I would be well-balanced, moderate, and free from excesses in my ideas and convictions
• … that I would be watchful and observant of what goes on around me
• … that I would not be the kind of person who misses what is crucial while focusing on what is of little importance

Self-Controlled

I pray…

• … that I would be a sound, reasonable thinker
• … that the pride remaining in me would be tempered by a sobering awareness of remaining sin and personal frailty
• … that I would demonstrate a thoughtful restraint and modesty in all areas of my life

Respectable

I pray…

• … that my life would be disciplined and orderly rather than slipshod, scattered, or disorganized
• … that I would be responsible, completing all my tasks and finishing what I begin
• … that I would be wise and level-headed in all my dealings
• … that I would practice prudence, recognizing and applying biblical principles when making decisions
• … that I would display a sanctified common sense
• … that there would be an appropriate kind of dignity about me

Hospitable

I pray…

• … that I would be warm, friendly, and welcoming
• … that I would open my home to friends and strangers alike
• … that I would sacrificially offer help to those in need
• … that I would show a willingness to share with others whatever God has given me

Temperate

I pray…

• … that I would develop and maintain biblical convictions around alcohol and any other substance for which there is even the least possibility of abuse or addiction
• … that I would never violate my conscience, pass judgment on others, or flaunt my freedom
• … that I would be moderate and self-controlled in my consumption of alcohol or any other substances that may threaten addiction
• … that I would be able to enjoy God’s good gifts without becoming enslaved to them

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