Elder Qualifications – Devout

…but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled…
Titus 1:8 (emphasis mine)

To be devout is to be holy, pious, pleasing to God.

Paul uses this same word when instructing men to pray:

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
1 Timothy 2:8

The idea is that the elder, and all Christians, ought to have an inward purity that is demonstrated by outward actions. The Pharisees were able to give appropriate instructions to others, but they were unwilling to live out the very truths they taught.

…therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.
Matthew 23:3

Paul reminds Timothy that his doctrine and life must match. This is absolutely essential for those who serve as elders.

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:16

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Rocky Wyatt

Rocky Wyatt came to know the Lord as a young teenager and began working in youth ministry when in college. After serving in churches in Utah, California and Colorado, Rocky moved to Texas to serve as Youth Pastor at Countryside Bible Church. He served there for 26 years where he eventually moved from youth ministry to serve as an Associate Pastor.

Over the course of his ministry, Rocky has always had a desire to train men for pastoral ministry in the context of the local church. In 1992 he started XL Ministries, an organization that is committed to helping churches establish intensive internships for pastoral training. In 2020 he left his position at Countryside Bible Church to become the Executive Director of XL Ministries and now works full time assisting churches in training men for ministry.

He is co-author of The Youth Ministry Training Manual, a textbook for training youth pastors, and has also written multiple other resources for use in various local church ministries. He is currently working on a book to encourage churches to take the primary responsibility to train pastors.

Rocky is married to Pamela, has two sons and daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.1 Corinthians 15:58