Elder Qualifications – Not Addicted to Wine

…not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
1 Timothy 3:3

For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, …
Titus 1:7
(emphases mine)

An elder must always be ready to engage in ministry. This includes sharing the gospel, ministering to his flock in the midst of trials, demonstrating hospitality, protecting the flock, teaching, etc. His mind must always be clear so that he can serve the Lord responsibly.

Paul reminds us that all Christians must be careful in this regard.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:18–21

Dissipation is characteristic of a person who is reckless and irresponsible. Rather than being controlled by alcohol, Paul reminds believers that they are to be controlled by the Spirit of God. The result of such control is appropriate ministry to one another and thankfulness to God.

Peter emphasizes the need for believers to be of sober spirit.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8

Carelessness in regard to alcohol can result in very serious implications. If an elder cannot think with biblical clarity, he cannot serve with biblical precision. Additionally, an elder must live a life that sets a pattern for others to follow.

…nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:3

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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