III. We Are Looking for Men Who Have a Pastoral Maturity and Confidence

-  A ship has ballast that keeps it from rocking too much and helps it to cut a steady course.  We want men who have some obvious ballast in their lives.

-  Some of that is what Paul is getting at when he writes in Titus and Timothy, "not a recent convert" and "well thought-of by outsiders."

-  There is a lot we could talk about here. But just a few points:

1.  Has a Compelling Command of Scripture.  People trust you with Scripture and with wisdom.  They trust your counsel.  That doesn't necessarily mean you have to be a master preacher.  But even if your teaching gifts manifest themselves mostly in private, you need to be comfortable and trusted in that role.  And even so, you need to have some ability to instruct the church publicly, too, even if that's not your primary gifting or role.

2.  You're not overly complex in your teaching, but able to apply Scripture helpfully.  Someone once told me that the simplicity of ignorance eventually gives way to the complexity of learning, which then eventually gives way to the simplicity of mastery. We're looking for men who have made it over that hump a bit. 

3.  Has Learned to Keep Things in Good Perspective.  Some people have theological landmines in their heads.  You never know when you are going to hit one.  KJV-only, etc.  We want people who are able to see the relative importance of issues, and how Christian doctrine fits together as a whole.

4.  Knows Largely Where He Stands.  Being an elder is very much about applying theology and biblical knowledge to the church's life.  Learning is good—and we all are and should be constantly learning.  But it is not elder-like to be in a constant mode of questioning, re-conceiving, and testing, especially on the most important matters.  Elders should know where they stand and have a steady hand.

-  All this is about a certain evident pastoral maturity and confidence.  Ballast.