- The very heart of theocracy is a recognition of the as the final authority. - In a normal New Testament Church there are only two offices and.

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1 The Need for Proper Church Government: Forms of Church Government: - Church history shows the various forms of Church Government which have been tried by the people of God. 5 Types of human Government: 1. Oligarchy the government by an elite few. 2. Monarchy government by one man or woman. 3. Gerontocracy government by the old men. 4. Democracy government by a large portion of the people, usually through some form of representation. 5. Theocracy government by God through appointed authorities. The Government of the church: - God s government in the church is called a. - God chooses, calls, and equips certain persons to be leaders and rulers over His people, investing and delegating them with degrees of authority according to His will. Ephesians 1: 22-23; Colossians 2:9 - Jesus said, I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. - In order for a theocracy to work both the leaders and the church need to submit to the leading of the. - The very heart of theocracy is a recognition of the as the final authority. - In a normal New Testament Church there are only two offices and. Page 1 of 15

2 - In the church, Jesus delegates and appoints to be head over the church. [Ephesians 4: 8, 11-13] - The elders are God s provision for the spiritual government of the local church. [Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5: 1-2] - They take the oversight over God s flock. - The Deacons are God s provision for oversight in the realms that must be part of every local church. - In Acts 6: 3-6 the deacons were to help the elders in meeting the practical needs of the church at Jerusalem. What is an elder? - The word translated elder is the Greek word presbuteros. - This word simply means senior or elderly and at times simply refers to a person who is advanced in years. - Two words that are commonly confused with the word elder are the words bishop or overseer and pastor. - The word bishop or overseer is a word that is descriptive of an or position which an elder receives. - Acts 1:20 His office let another man take. - g1984. ἐπισκοπή episkopē; from 1980 ; inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian episcopate : the office of a bishop, bishoprick, visitation. B.oversight 1.overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder 2.the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church - Office bishopric K.J. - This word is translated overseer, superintendent, guardian. - The word pastor which means shepherd or feeder is descriptive is descriptive of the which an elder in the office of a bishop performs. - ********The three words elder or presbyter ; bishop ; and pastor are words describing the man, the office, and work, respectively. - These words are used together in the same verses to describe the same men. There is not a hierarchy consisting of bishops, over elders etc. - Ex. Acts 20: 17, 28 "From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among Page 2 of 15

3 which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." - note elders; overseers [bishops]; shepherd [feed], [pastor] - elders refer to the man and the qualifications of an elder, overseers refers to the office and shepherd refers to the work that an elder does. - 1Pet. 5: 1-2 "Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;" - 1Pet. 2: 25 "For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." - Guardian bishop - Titus 1: 5-7 "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain," - elder overseer or bishop Origin of the Office: How are Elders Produced? 1. An elder is made Galatians 1:1 - The Holy Spirit begins the preparation when he is born affecting the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of his life in various degrees. - Ephesians 4: Christ gave gifts Page 3 of 15

4 - 1Timothy 1:12 - Call this is something that is very necessary in order to have the confidence and faith to function as a leader. - Victory in the ministry hinges on this call. - Ex. Timothy fight a good warfare 1Tim. 1: Example of Calls: - Jeremiah Jeremiah. 1: Moses Exodus 3:4 - Samuel 1Sam. 3: 4, 18 - James and John Matt. 4:21 - Paul Rom. 1:1 - There are cases in the Scripture where men have entered the ministry without ever receiving a Divine call. - Ex. Jeremiah. 23: 21, 32 I sent them not, neither commanded them, therefore they shall not prosper this people at all.. - Jeremiah. 28: 15, - Jeremiah. 29: 9, 31 - Ezek. 13:6 - There are three ways that a person can be appointed to an office: [a] can appoint him. [b] can appoint him. [c] A person can appoint. 2. An elder is trained and raised up within the. Plurality of Elders: Jerusalem: - The first church we see was not established on one apostle but on the twelve. Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42; Acts 4:35 - Though it is not recorded exactly when or how, we see that later the Jerusalem church had other elders associated with them in the ministry. - 7 times these elders are referred to in the book of Acts. Page 4 of 15

5 - Acts 15: 2, 4, 6, 22,23; 16: 4; 21:18 - Besides these references to elders we also have several of them actually called by name: Stephan, Philip, Procoras, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas, Barnabus, James the Lord s brother, Judas, Silas, Agabus the prophet etc. - Some of these were initially appointed as deacons but then moved into eldership ministries. - [Note that these elders had five-fold ministry gifts] Antioch: - Acts 11: "So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius." - Barnabus assumes leadership sends to Tarsus for Saul formed a core of two elders. - Acts 11:27 ministry from Jerusalem ministers in Antioch - - Acts 13: 1-3 "Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which Page 5 of 15

6 I have called them." Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." - See the development of plural ministry. - Presbytery of elders sent out Paul and Barnabus. Ephesus: Acts 18: Paul ministering originally in Ephesus with Aquilla and Priscilla - He went back to Antioch but left Aquilla and Priscilla there to minister - No church yet still in the synagogue - Acts 18:23-28 Apollas comes to Ephesus and ministers and is ministered unto. - Acts 19:1-10 establishment of the church - Acts 19:21-22 Paul sends Timothy and Erastus on ahead to Macedonia. He stays in Ephesus a while longer - V. 26 Paul had turned away a considerable number of people - Acts 20:17 called the elders of the church - I Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor. This was written to Timothy while he was ministering in the Ephesian church years later. The Cilician Churches - Acts 14 on Pauls first missionary journey he ministered in six major towns in the province of Cilicia Perga, Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe and Attalia - V. 23 ordained elders in every church. - This clearly tells us that Paul and Barnabas established a plurality of elders in each and every church. The Cretan Churches - Titus 1:4-5 "To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you," The Judean Churches Page 6 of 15

7 - Acts 11:29-30 "And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders." Churches of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia - I Peter 5:12 "Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him ), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!" - Silvanus carried the letter to the various churches - I Peter 5:1-3 "Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock." Headship within the Plurality - Prominence of Peter Acts 1:15; 2:14, 37-38; 3:4-25; 4:8; 5: James Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:17-19; Galatians 2:12 - Paul maintained this position for various periods of time in some churches that he established Corinth 1 ½ years Acts 18:11 - Ephesus worked for over two years Acts 19: New Testament ministers were tutored and apprenticed to older ministers Number of Elders and Lengths of Service: The Work of the Elder 3 main areas 1. - Hebrews 13:17, 24; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 Page 7 of 15

8 - Greek to lead; to go before; to be over; to superintend; to care for; to give attention to 2. charged to shepherd or tend the flock elders ability to see needs and meet them take initiative - Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2 - This responsibility is given in five areas: (a) the flock Acts 20:28 (b) Watch out for Acts 20:29-31 (c) Help the Acts 20:35 (d) Minister to the James 5:14-15 (e) They are to go before the sheep as a good Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9 Qualifications of Elders: - want to combine the lists given us in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1: categories of qualifications not dealing with them in order - wife also considered function as a team A. Moral Qualifications with regard to morals, the New Testament has only one standard not one for elders and another for everyone else but as elders are examples of the flock, they should be walking in them 1. NAS Above reproach 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 - no just cause for blame may be blamed for things but he will not be guilty - literally not to be laid hold on metaphor from boxing or wrestling when a man leaves part of his body exposed to the attack of the adversary 2. NAS temperate 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 - exhibits self-control; not given to excess in any areas of life; a person of balance; free from extremes and excesses - personality; appetites; dress; speech; instinct and passion under reasonable control Page 8 of 15

9 3. NAS Prudent ; Sensible 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 - good discretion and a sound min; wisdom and sound judgment; serious; earnest doesn t mean a sad-sack or that you can t have a sense of humor 4. NAS Respectable 1 Timothy 3:2 - being orderly and modest; above reproach in his activities 5. Not given to I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7 - not being intoxicated leaders have fallen over this very thing 6. No NAS pugnacious 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7 - quick temper, quarrelsome, quick to fight, physical violence - early Apostolic Canons: A bishop, priest or deacon who smites the faithful when they err, or the unbelievers when they commit injury, and desires by such means as this to terrify them, we command to be deposed; for nowhere that the Lord taught us this. When He was reviled, He reviled not again, but the contrary. When He was smitten, He smote not again; when He suffered, He threatened not. 7. Not a NAS uncontentious 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7 - not contentious, quarrelsome, or argumentative, doesn t go around with a chip on his shoulder; not trigger-happy in his relationships with other people; desires peace with his fellow-men 8. Not NAS free from the love of money 1 Timothy 3:3 - not avaricious; no desire for possessions as a ruling motive; not mercenary; doesn t use questionable means of raising money; he will never do anything just for profits sake 9. Not Titus 1:7 - a man who insists on his own way and is not open to God s way; headstrong, arrogant; obstinate, unyielding; self-pleasing; dominated by self-interest - a spiritual person is flexible 10. Lover of Titus 1:8 Page 9 of 15

10 - an elder does not speak well of evil practices because he has a Christ-like hatred for evil B. Domestic Qualifications 1. Husband of one 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 - Greek a one-wife sort of husband or a one-woman sort of man - He must be a loyal husband living in a pure marriage relationship without adulterous relationship or attitudes 2. 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:3 3. Rules or his own household well 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6 C. Spiritual Qualifications - The elder needs to have certain spiritual qualities if he is going to fulfill the ministry to which he has been called. It takes more than a good man and a good father; it takes a man divinely enabled and equipped. 1. Must be able to 1 Timothy 3:2 - must have an aptitude for teaching - this does not mean that every elder must be gifted as a teacher as described under the five-fold ministry, but every elder must be able to expound, proclaim, and communicate what God has done in his life relative to the Word of God. He must be able to communicate it in such a way that others will learn - the finest and most effective teaching is done not by speaking but by being - major difference between an elder and a deacon 2. Not to be a 1 Timothy 3:6 - Greek word is used to describe newly planted palm trees - For an elder, spiritual age is more important than physical age. 3. Must be of good report among the 1 Timothy 3:7 Page 10 of 15

11 4. Must be Titus 1:8 5. Must be Titus 1:8 6. Must hold t the Word of God Titus 1:9 7. Able to exhort and convince in sound Titus 1:9 see v Must be 1 Timothy 3:3 epiekies - There is not equivalent English word for the Greek word that has been translated gentle - Aristotle description literally that which corrects justice or that which is just and better than justice - He said that it was that quality which corrects the law when the law errs because of its generality what he means is that sometimes it may actually be unjust to apply the strict letter of the law - Trench retreating from the letter of right better to preserve the spirit of right the spirit which recognizes the impossibility of cleaving to all formal law that recognizes the danger that ever waits upon the assertion of legal rights, less they should be pushed into moral wrongs the spirit which rectifies and redresses the injustice of justice - Aristotle describes the action of epieikes to pardon human failings; to look to the law-giver, not to the law; to the intention, not to the action; to the whole, not to the part; to the character of the actor in the long run and not in the present moment; to remember good rather than evil, and the good that one has received rather than the good that one has done; to bear being injured; to wish to settle a matter by words rather than deeds. - It is interesting that there is no actual requirement for New Testament eldership. - When a person has come to a level of where he has all of the character qualities necessary to qualify, he is old enough to govern in the house of God. It is possible to be old and yet not wise. - Ecclesiastes 4:13 A poor, yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. - It is also possible to have wisdom beyond your years because of a heart of. Page 11 of 15

12 - Psalm 119: I have more insight than all my teachers, for all Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Thy precepts. How did the appointing take place? - Nowhere in the Scriptures do we see where people voted in elders - Elders were called by the Holy Spirit Acts 20:28 - They were then appointed by senior ministries after due qualifications were met Acts 14:23 - The people willingly submit to them: why? 1. God s divine call over their life. 2. Their ministry has been among them and made room for itself. Acts 6: Timothy 3:10 also implies that the overseer or elders are also tested - 1 Tim 5:22 v gives the context The Churches response to eldership: 1. To and submit Hebrews 13: 17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls - * We are not to obey authority in in any sense of the word. - Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying All authority has been give to Me in heaven and earth, go therefore and make disciples. - Ephesians 4: 7, read - God requires us to acknowledge and submit to delegated authority just as we would to Him in person. - 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. - Instead of Christ being here says Paul, I m representing Him. Page 12 of 15

13 - Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. - Here was a descending chain of authority: the Father was represented by Christ; Christ was represented by His apostles. - Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls - Rule Greek Hegomai means to lead or to guide - The word rule does not mean spiritual leaders are to reign as ruthless dictators forcing their will on others rather it means to give - Shepherd give his life for the sheep serves, protects, feeds, cares, loves - Hebrews 13:17 Follow them that exercise shepherd-like leadership, and submit to their care, feeding and loving reproof for they must give account for your souls to the chief shepherd Jesus. - You don t follow someone who does not have the heart of a shepherd. Limits of Delegated Authority - Legitimate authority never proceeds out of anything other than - Delegated authority never extends beyond one s responsibility - Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief for this would be unprofitable for you. - Responsibility indicated in the above - James 3:1 let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment. - Accountability based on responsibility - Example Paul Acts 20:18-21, Balancing thought when I as a shepherd have exercised my responsibility and my authority in a proper way then the responsibility and the accountability passes from me to you Page 13 of 15

14 - Example Ezekiel 3: Legal terms reverse onus - Example Paul Acts 20:26-27 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 2. To the eldership - 3 ways i. Esteem and respect them 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 "But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another." ii. Financial way speaking of full time salary - 1 Timothy 5:17-18 "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." - Galatians 6:6 And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. - * 1 Corinthians 9: Jesus said Luke 10:7 the labourer is worthy of his wages iii. To refuse to receive gossip and accusation against an elder. - 1 Timothy 5:19-22 "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands Page 14 of 15

15 upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin." 3. support don t underestimate the value of that. - 1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren pray for us. 4. Have a responsibility to the elders. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord Page 15 of 15