A few months ago, our son started begging for a pet fish. My philosophy on fish is that they are better fried, smoked, or grilled. But in a moment of parental weakness, we told him that if he memorized all the books of the New Testament we would buy him a fish. A day and a half later, I listened to him wrap up the entire New Testament song with a dramatic “…Jude, and Revelation!”

So we bought two Betta fish, one for each of my older sons. I had never set up an aquarium before, so it was a learning process. I put in the sand, gravel, a little plastic pirate ship, and some fake plants. Then I began to fill it with water, and learned that the water you and I drink straight from the tap is good for us, but not good for fish. It has chemicals that make it a toxic environment for them. I needed what is called conditioner. Not a lot; just a little. I put a few drops of that chemical magic into the aquarium, and the water changed. It conditioned the water, making it safe and habitable for the new creatures. Then I tossed in our fish and pulled out my phone to google, “Just how long do Betta fish live?”

Do you ever have one of those experiences where something trivial like setting up an aquarium makes sense of something more important and meaningful? That’s where I am. I’ve been working on an elder selection process at our church and am struck by a startling truth: appointing elders is just like setting up a fish tank. Every few years, your church will add only a few to the shepherding group. Compared to the larger membership, that’s only a few drops. But those few drops have a considerable influence on the church environment. The reason the water conditioner works is because of what is in it. What’s it made of. It’s made of the right stuff. That right stuff makes the whole environment what it needs to be.

As I reflect on the biblical passages describing the qualities of elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Exod. 18:21; Deut. 1:13-18), I see the biblical writers making the same point: make sure you choose elders who are made of the right stuff! In each passage, the accomplishments of potential elders matter far less than the quality of their character.

There are at least two ways to think about congregational formation. The first is to preach in the direction your church needs to go. I am a firm believer in preaching, because it can be powerfully effective. But the operative word in that last sentence is can. As any preacher will tell you, preaching can work, but sometimes doesn’t. More consistently compelling than any one-time sermon are everyday leaders whose very lives model the change you wish to see in your congregation. Their leavening influence (to use a different metaphor) eventually works through the whole batch. Their character not only rubs off on those around them, it conditions the water the whole church swims in.

I challenge all churches entering an elder selection process to consider the larger picture by first looking at these questions:

1. In what areas do we need to grow as a church?

2. What is God calling us to do in our future to advance the kingdom?

3. What do we want our community to see when they look at our church body?

Answering these questions will lead you to the right elder candidates. You’ll be equipped to pick candidates whose very lives are the answers to these questions. You’ll have eyes for the candidates who are made of the right stuff. Because the right stuff will flavor the water.

And the fish will thank you.