Template for a Potential Elder Vetting Questionnaire

Name: ___________________________________

Please answer the following questions in detail, supplying scriptural support when appropriate.

Statements of Faith, Belief and Doctrine

1. Briefly share how you came to be a Christian.

2. What do you believe about the person and nature of Jesus Christ?

3. What is your understanding about the nature and purpose of the Bible, of Scripture?

4. Give a brief explanation of your beliefs as to how a person is saved, as well as what the word “saved” means.

5. What are your beliefs regarding the purpose of the Church?

Philosophy of Elder Leadership

1. What is the role of an elder?

2. Where are you currently serving in the ministry of the church and will you continue to serve out of faithfulness to God and as an example to the congregation?

3. What are your current patterns of worship attendance?  What, if anything, would hinder your availability to be regularly present in our weekly worship services as model of faithfulness and accessibility?

4. How have you processed the commitment of time and energy that is required to faithfully serve as an elder?  What concerns do you have related to this commitment?

5. As a “shepherd” (1 Peter 5:1-4), do you understand that you carry the responsibility of seeing to the spiritual needs of those in the church. Is there anything in your personality that would hinder you from making personal contact with individuals for the purpose of teaching, discipline, encouragement, prayer, etc?

6. In keeping with 1 Timothy 3:2, an elder is able to teach. Describe ministry experiences which demonstrate that you have such ability.

7. Elders practice the principle of unanimity (“having become of one mind” – Acts 15:25; Romans 15:5-6). How do you understand this teaching of Scripture?  Are you willing and able to abide by this principle?

8. Are you willing to submit to and support other spiritual leaders of the church (elders and staff) so long as their walk and witness is faithful to the Word of God?

9. Do you understand that all elders are annually evaluated by their elder peers, and are you willing to accept such evaluation and submit to any correction that may be deemed necessary? Will you voluntarily step off from the elder team at the request of your fellow elders if such an action was deemed necessary for your own personal well-being or that of the church, particularly in the event of heresy, infidelity, immorality, or inactivity?

10. What do you know about the Stone-Campbell Movement, also known as the Restoration Movement or Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ?

Personal Life and Growth

1. Based upon 1 Timothy 3:1-7 or Titus 1:6-9, in what ways are you qualified to serve as an elder? In what ways are you not qualified?

2. Do you have any history of addictive behaviors or habits that would diminish your ability to lead or your Christian witness in the church and community? Explain.

3. What behaviors in your life demonstrate that you are you free from the love of money?

4. Do you understand the principle of tithing and are you regularly practicing that behavior of an elder?

5. Are you known to have a temper?  How well do you control your anger?

6. How do you respond when you are criticized?

7. In what ministries have you served in the past and how are you currently serving?

8. What are your spiritual gifts, and how do these gifts enable you to serve as a spiritual leader?

9. What is your personality type (i.e. “loner” “people-person” “out-going” “task-oriented” etc.)?  What impact would this have on your ability to serve as an elder?

10. Briefly describe the past and present effectiveness of your ministry opportunities based upon your own assessment. What feedback have you received from those with and to whom you have served.

11. Describe the current nature of your personal patterns of Bible study and prayer. What are you currently studying and what applications have you found for your personal and spiritual life?

12. Where are you currently focusing in your prayers and in what ways do you receive answers to such prayers?

13. How long have you been a member of this local church/congregation?  How did you come to be here?

Marriage and Family

1. Are you married?  If “yes,” for how long and how would you describe the nature of your relationship with your spouse?

2. If you are married, does your spouse understand the implications of your role as an elder and is she supportive of that role?

3. If you are married, how does your spouse reflect the characteristics of a godly wife as mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:11?

4. Have you ever been divorced? If “yes,” please provide an explanation of the circumstances and the current implications for your life.

5. Do you have any children? If so, what are their names and ages?

6. How are you fulfilling your responsibility to train up your children in the ways of the Lord? How are your children accepting of and following your example of Christian devotion?

General Information

1. Do you strongly desire to serve as an elder of this church? In what ways do you sense that God is calling you to this arena of ministry?

2. Why do you want to be an elder? What is it that you hope to achieve in serving the church through this role?