Elder Qualifications – Not Self-willed

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 (emphasis mine)

To be self-willed is to be arrogant, stubborn, primarily concerned about one’s own interests or preferences.

Scripture requires that churches have a plurality of eldership so the church can benefit from the shared wisdom of godly men.

Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 11:14

Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22

For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 24:6

On the other hand, the Scriptures warn us about the one who always thinks he is right!

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:7

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
Proverbs 12:15

A biblical elder must desire, first and foremost, to honor God in his own life as well as in the church. He will also desire to benefit from the wisdom of other godly men. His focus will not be on getting his own way. He will gladly yield his will to the collective wisdom of his fellow elders.

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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