What is the Eldership? By Mark Mayberry 4/7/2013 Introduction Let us examine what the Bible teaches regarding elders/presbyters, bishops/overseers, and pastors/shepherds. Three Greek words (which are translated into six English words) describe this office. Presbuteros, translated presbyter or elder, identifies one who is an older person, one advanced in life. Episkopos, translated bishop or overseer, identifies a superintendent, one who sees that things are done properly. Poimen, translated pastor or shepherd, identifies one who does in the church what a shepherd does for a flock of sheep. Just as church, body, kingdom, etc., refer to the people of God, so each of these words identifies the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Acts 20:17, 28... 17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders [Greek: presbuteros] of the church. 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [Greek: episkopos], to shepherd [Greek: verb form of poimen] the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Titus 1:5-7... 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders [Greek: presbuteros] in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer [Greek: episkopos] 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, 1 Peter 5:1-2... 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders [Greek: presbuteros] 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, 2 shepherd [Greek: verb form of poimen] the flock of God among you, exercising oversight [Greek: variation of episkopos] not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; It must also be noted that, according to the New Testament pattern, a plurality of elders should be found in every church (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1). A plurality affords strength and security (Eccles. 4:9-12). Acts 14:23... 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 20:17... 17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. Philippians 1:1... 1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12... 9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. The Eldership Is Not: A Popularity Contest The eldership is not a popularity contest (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). It is not reserved for the most popular, best-educated, or wealthiest members. God has a higher standard for determining who is qualified to serve as an elder. The selection of elders should be carefully guarded. The Lord has stated a number of very strict requirements pertaining to their character, reputation, habits, domestic relationships, and experience. 1 Timothy 3:1-7... 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Titus 1:5-9... 5 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, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 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, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. 2
A Figurehead Position The eldership is not a figurehead position (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24). Some view elders as having a symbolic position of leadership, but exercising no real power, function, or authority. However, the Bible identifies this office as one of real responsibility and grave obligations. Hebrews 13:7... 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:17... 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. Hebrews 13:24 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. A Lordship Station The eldership is not a position of lordship (1 Pet. 5:1-3). The RSV says, not as domineering over those in your charge... The NEB says, not tyrannizing over those who are allotted to your care... The Phillips Translation says, you should not aim at being little tin gods... Instead of holding a political office characterized by imperial rule, elders govern by the Word of God. They possess no legislative power, but rule within the realm of faith, and in matters of expediency limited to those things authorized by the Word of Truth. 1 Peter 5:1-3... 1 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, 2 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; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. A Universal Office The eldership is not a universal office. The oversight of elders is limited to the local congregation of which they are members (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). Even among churches of Christ, one eldership often oversees multiple congregations through the Sponsoring Church arrangement. Yet, the Bible does not give elders jurisdiction over members of another congregation under any circumstances. Rather, they are limited by God s pattern to overseeing the church in which they are members. Attempts to overstep these bounds reflect a desire to be like the religious world around us (1 Sam. 8:4-6, 19-20). A failure to respect this arrangement is seen in every ecclesiastical hierarchy, from the Roman Catholic dioceses to sponsoring church arrangements. 3
Acts 14:23... 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 20:17... 17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. Acts 20:28... 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 1 Peter 5:1-2... 1 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, 2 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; 1 Samuel 8:4-6... 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; 5 and they said to him, Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 1 Samuel 8:19-20... 19 Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, No, but there shall be a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles. The Eldership Is: A Place of Rule The eldership is a place of rule (1 Tim. 5:17-18; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). Elders guide and direct the affairs of the local congregation, making the final decisions regarding the work of the church based upon the word of God. It is a violation of God s will for the church to be governed by the preacher, deacons, women, or majority rule when there are qualified men to serve as elders. 1 Timothy 5:17-18... 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and The laborer is worthy of his wages. Hebrews 13:17... 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. 4
1 Peter 5:1-2... 1 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, 2 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; A Place of Work The eldership is a place of work (Acts 20:28; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 3:1). The Greek word describing its work communicates the idea of toil, struggle, and laboring with wearisome effort. It is not at all an easy job, certainly not a symbolic figurehead position, and not the place for lazy or slothful individuals. Those who serve faithfully as elders are to be esteemed highly for their work s sake. Acts 20:28... 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13... 12 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, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 1 Timothy 3:1... 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. A Place of Watching The eldership is a place of watching (Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9-11; Heb. 13:17). The Greek word rendered watch means to keep awake, to be sleepless, attentive, and exercise constant vigilance. Instead of becoming complacent, elders should guard against false teachers and false teaching, even within their own ranks. Acts 20:28-31... 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. Titus 1:9-11... 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. 10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 5
Hebrews 13:17... 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. A Place of Example The eldership is a place of example (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3). Elders should be an example in morality and ethics, work and service, faith and fidelity. As mature Christians, they serve as a pattern for the flock. 1 Timothy 3:1-7... 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Hebrews 13:7... 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 1 Peter 5:3... 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. Conclusion In this lesson, we have considered what the eldership is and is not. Appointment to this office is not the result of a popularity contest. It is not a figurehead position. It is not a place for a domineering, self-willed man to exercise tyranny over others. It is not a universal office. Rather, let us respect the eldership as a place of rule, work, watching and example. The work of elders reflects the care, compassion and commission of Christ who is the Shepherd [Greek: poimen] and Guardian [Greek: episkopos] of our souls (1 Pet. 2:21-25). Let us, therefore, appreciate and appropriate God s pattern of congregational oversight. 1 Peter 2:21-25... 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 6