We're going to begin by reading 1 Peter 5:1-4. When Jesus promised to build his church in Matthew 16:18, the word that He used is the Greek word, Ekklesia, translated as the church. The word is generally used to refer to those who are called out of the world, by the gospel.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:14
- Acts 2:47
Those who were being saved are added to the church. They've been called out of the world, who honor the authority of Christ who is the Head of the body, giving Him the preeminence in all matters of authority. They are those who are reconciled in one body, saved by Christ. This is the universal church that belongs to Christ.
- Ephesians 1:22-23
- Colossians 1:18
- Ephesians 2:16
- Ephesians 5:23
This is the universal church that belongs to Christ. We know from a reading of the New Testament that the church was planted throughout the Roman world, throughout the Roman Empire, in local congregations. And organized as such the church worships and serves Christ.
- Philippians 1:1
We see that in a fully organized congregation you have the membership along with elders and deacons. These men, along with the deacons must meet the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1:5-9. Then, there were the saints, that include the other members of the congregation including the preacher or evangelist. This was the extent of the organization as each congregation was autonomous and there was no national or international organization beyond this in the New Testament church. The church was etablished by God according to His standard and His plan. And, in place were put elders to lead the flock.
Understanding the Work of Elders in the Terms Used
- 1 Timothy 3:1
- Titus 1:5
- Acts 20:28
Elder - presbuteros (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Titus 1:5)
- Refers to one older and mature in the Christian faith.
- Elders of the church should develop two things that can come only with age:
- Experience & Wisdom
Bishop/Overseer - episkopos (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 2:25)
- “To watch over, to be near or care for.”
- Elders can be mentors to people in the congregation that help them develop into the image of Christ.
Pastor / Shepherd - poimaino (Acts 20:28)
- Lead the church by providing a vision in how it will accomplish its God-given mission.
- Feed the church through teaching.
Ruler - proistemi (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
- “To stand. Therefore, to be over, to take the lead.”
- Elders are to model the Christian life in every respect.
Leader - hegeomai (Hebrews 13:7, 17)
- “Them which have the rule over you...” Hebrews 13:7, 17
- Meaning: “To lead, guide, or govern.”
- Not as “lords over” but to lead by consent.
In summary elders are to be…
- Mentors
- Counselors
- Shepherds who lead feed and protect
- Models
- Leaders
Let the elders among us be:
- Examples that Inspire
- Shields that Protect
- Guides in All Spiritual Matters
Understanding the Work of Elders in Their Qualifications
- 1 Timothy 3:1-7
- Titus 1:5-9
The Work of an Elder Begins with Self, Acts 20:28
- Domestic Responsibilities
- Faithful husband
- Respected father
- Social Responsibilities
- Good and gentle
- Self-controlled
- Hospitable
- Easy to be entreated
- Just
- Good reputation
- Spiritual Responsibilities.
- Avoid covetousness
- Be sober minded
- Be holy
- Love what is good
- Hold to sound doctrine
- Be a man of God
An elder with these qualifications:
- Is well equipped to do the work assigned by God
- Will communicate well with the church
- The church will gladly follow men with these qualifications
Understanding the Work of Elders in Their Responsibilities
- Acts 20:28
- 1 Peter 5:1-3
“Take heed to all the flock…”
- Every command of God carries the authority to do whatever is necessary to obey that command.
- God commands elders to take the oversight.
- Therefore, they have the authority to do what is necessary to be overseers.
- They have authority over all the work of the church.
What the local church does and what it becomes is the responsibility of the elders.
Application of Principles for the Elders Among Us
- Elders must give an account to God. - Hebrews 13:17
- Many problems can be avoided if the elders expect more of themselves and of the teachers and preachers.
- Elders must protect the church from all harmful threats from without and within.
- Elders must be able to distinguish between truth and error.
- The congregation has responsibilities to the elders.
- Respect and esteem them highly - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
- Honor them - 1 Timothy 5:17
- Obey and submit to them - Hebrews 13:17
- Imitate their faith - Hebrews 13:7
- To do less is to disobey God.
- As men of experience and wisdom elders are to equip themselves to counsel members of the local church.
- How to be good husbands/fathers and wives/mothers
- How to be faithful in the service of Christ
- How to effectively use finances
- How to grow old gracefully
- How to deal with disappointments
We think about elders, the leadership in the church and we think of our responsibility as Christians to follow God. We follow God when we follow the elders. We do as they do and follow His Word and commandments. As they lead us in the right way we strive to follow them. As we begin to follow Christ, we follow the elders as they follow Christ. Just as Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.," 1 Corinthians 11:1
Christ died to save each one of us. He died to save every person who has ever lived, but not all have responded to that great gift of grace. Not all have obeyed the gospel. How do we obey the gospel? We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In believing we repent of our sins, we confess our belief unashamedly, we're baptized to have our sins washed away. As one who is saved, we're added to the body of Christ as one who lives faithfully all the days of our lives.
If we can assist you in coming to understand Christianity and the pattern for the Lord's church, please contact us.
