The Ellder Board of Scottsdale Bible Church is responsible for the governance and oversight of the affairs of our church. Working in conjunction with the pastors, they are responsible to ensure that the mission and ministries of Scottsdale Bible are consistent with biblical directives and principles. They strive to maintain a distinction between governance and management, delegating management of the day-to-day affairs to the pastors, staff and lay leaders. The Elder Board approves the annual budget and supervises the raising, receiving and disbursement of funds to support the ministries of Scottsdale Bible.
Our bylaws define the process and qualifications necessary to serve as an elder. Each spring an Elder Nominating Committee is voted on by our members. In turn, they prayerfully pore through names—many of whom are recommended by you. Normally, they need to find two or three men who will take the place of those elders whose term is ending. The Nominating Committee interviews each man selected for consideration—when the interviews have concluded, they submit their recommendations to the Elder Board. Each candidate needs at least a 75 percent vote from the sitting Elder Board in order to be presented to the congregation for affirmation.
Only men who are members of Scottsdale Bible, who are of high Christian character and integrity, who maintain an exemplary reputation, who demonstrate leadership in the ministry of the church and who possess the qualifications in Titus 1:6–9 and I Timothy 3:1–7 may be elected as elders. An elder must be above reproach, with his life lived in such a way that it is obvious to those around that he lives out the integrity of his faith. He is also of good reputation, both outside and inside the church. These can be seen in the following 12 qualities of his life:
- The husband of one wife—a one-woman man who is emotionally and sexually faithful to his wife. He exhibits a life of sexual purity and free from the entanglement of lust and pornography.
- Temperate—“wine-less” in the sense of being clear-headed and wise in decisions.
- Prudent—well-disciplined in thought, not rash but cautious and reflective in decisions.
- Respectable—well-disciplined in life, not out of control but lives out well-ordered priorities.
- Hospitable—caring of others.
- Able to teach—knows the Scriptures and does not rely on opinions of others.
- Not addicted to wine—understands the fear of drunkenness and does not engage in excessive drinking.
- Not pugnacious, but gentle—does not react to difficulty with anger and attack.
- Uncontentious—peaceful and not quarrelsome.
- Free from the love of money—understands stewardship and money to him is a gift from God and a means to serve God.
- Manages his own household well—knows how to care for his wife and children with loving headship.
- Not a new convert—an observed spiritual maturity that reflects the humility of Jesus.
