Our church is going through an elder search process. I honestly didn’t think much about it all until a few weeks ago when I decided that I really needed to start thinking about who I would like to see serve as an elder in our church.

But before I could do that, before I could come up with any names, I found that I needed to take a step back and really think about what I thought were the characteristics of an elder for me.  What kind of person would I throw my support behind?  What kind of person would I trust and feel like I could go to when I needed help?  What kind of person would I really trust to shepherd myself and my family?

I am a list-maker, so I decided I would make a list and see what happened.  So, on the way to work in my van (where I do all of my great thinking), I started my list.  I’d love to hear what you would add to the list.

• Notice people
• Interested in the lives of others
• Pray for others
• Approachable
• Keep confidentiality
• Ask others how they are doing
• Listen – REALLY listen
• Open about their lives
• Honest
• Appreciative
• Open heart
• Generous
• Encouraging – Uplifts others (positive thinker)

This is not an extensive list, and others probably disagree with my list.  But for me, these are the things that I looked for in an elder. And after I created my list, choosing names was easy and fun. 

What is on your list?