The Elder-Overseer- Shepherd Roles and Qualifications
Importance of Study Although Hebrews 13:17 does not use the specific terms for the office of elder, it certainly applies: "Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. [Hebrews 13:17]
Elder, Overseer, Shepherd Three Terms for the Same Person Elder or Presbyter (Greek: presbuteros) Emphasizes the mature character Overseers or Bishops (Greek: episkopos) Emphasizes his function Shepherd or Pastor (Greek: poimen) Emphasizes his caring spirit
Shepherd, Elder, Overseer Two passages with all three terms Acts 20 (NRSV) 17 From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God
Shepherd, Elder, Overseer Two passages with all three terms I Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,
Elder Elder or Presbyter (Greek: presbuteros) Emphasizes the mature character
Elder How do you picture an elder in your mind?
Elder: Who is older? Depends somewhat on life expectancy in a culture Other parts of the world U.S. 100 years ago vs. today When Timothy was about 30 years old (Acts 16:1 vs I Tim. 4:12), Paul referred to his youth.
Elder: Who is older? [LDC s Interpretation/conclusion] He must be old enough: To be married Have children who are old enough that others can judge whether or not they have a rebellious attitude or not. To have been a proven servant under a variety of circumstances To demonstrate a mature understanding and handling of God s word To show patience, love, perseverance, etc. under a variety of difficult situations
Overseer Overseers or Bishops (Greek: episkopos) Emphasizes his function
Overseer How do you picture an overseer in your mind?
Overseer: How would he oversee? Acts 20:28 -- Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (NRSV) I Peter 5:2 -- Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly
Shepherd Shepherd or Pastor (Greek: poimen) Emphasizes his caring spirit
Shepherd How do you picture a shepherd in your mind?
Psalm 23:1-3 - NIV The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalm 23:4 - NIV Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:5-6 - NIV You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Christ, the Consummate Shepherd continued Christ said he was the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. (Jn. 10:11,14) Christ was recognized as the great shepherd of the sheep. (Heb. 13:20) Christ was referenced as the one shepherd. (Jn. 10:16) Peter referred to Christ as the chief shepherd. (1 Pet. 5:4)
Some NT References Related to a Shepherd s Work Elders, according to Paul, were to feed (shepherd) the flock of whom they had been made overseers. (Act 20:28) Peter was told by Christ to feed (shepherd) His sheep. (John 21:15-17) Note: Perhaps Peter remembered what Christ asked him to do when he exhorted the elders to feed the flock of God. (1 Pet. 5: 1,2)
What Godly Shepherds Do Ezekiel 34 says that God will be his people s shepherd, because of the abuse of the people by the shepherds. God says he: 1. will seek the lost, 2. bring back those who strayed, 3. bind up the broken, 4. strengthen the weak, 5. destroy the fat and powerful, and 6. feed with justice.
Qualifications of Elders I Timothy 3: 1-7 [Wife: 3: 11] Titus 1: 5-9
Qualifications Common to Both Passages Could be of special importance Could be addressing common needs or problems Guided by Holy Spirit
Qualifications Common to Both Passages 1. Husband of one woman (I Tim 3:2, Titus 1:6) 2. Not addicted to wine (I Tim 3:3, Titus 1:7) 3. Hospitable (I Tim 3:2, Titus 1:8) 4. Not pugnacious or quarrelsome (I Tim 3:3, Titus 1:7) 5. Prudent, sensible (I Tim 3:2, Titus 1:8) 6. Above reproach (I Tim 3: 2 anepileptos; Titus 1:6-7 anegkletos)
Unique Qualifications These are qualifications that: Other Christians may have But Other Christians do not have to have
Unique Qualifications 1. Husband of one woman (I Tim 3: 2, Titus 1:6) 2. Able to teach (I Tim 3: 2) 3. Able to convict, expose, refute (Titus 1:9) 4. Children under control (I Tim 3:4) 5. Children who believe/trust; not accused of dissipation or rebellion (Titus 1:6)
Character Qualifications Negative qualities All Christians Need to Avoid 1. Not greedy for money (Titus 1:7) 2. Free from love of money (I Tim 3:3) 3. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7) 4. Not a new convert (I Tim 3: 6) 5. Not quick tempered or prone to anger (Titus 1:6) 6. Not conceited (I Tim 3: 6)
Character Qualifications Positive qualities All Christians Try to Have 1. Peaceable 2. Devoted to the Word 3. Righteous, just 4. Self-controlled 5. Gentile 6. Devout, holy 7. Good reputation 8. Temperate 9. Manages own household well 10.Loving what is good
Other Qualifications 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. Notice that this passage says: IF any man aspires to the office, not that a man MUST aspire to the office before being considered.
Other Qualifications I Peter 5:1-4 1 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.
Qualifications vs. Roles I Peter 5: 1-4 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.
Conclusions I Tim. 3: 14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. I Tim. 5: 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Conclusions I Tim 5: 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. Titus 2: 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Questions?
References/Resources 1. Bible (KJV, NKJ, NIV) 2. Allen, Charles. The Twenty-Third Psalm: An Interpretation. Revell Co. Publishers, 1961. 3. Anderson, Lynn. They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership for the 21 st Century. Howard Publishing Co., 1997. 4. Barclay, William. The Letters of James and Peter, 2 nd edition. Westminster Press, 1960 5. Overby, Coleman. The Church. 1943. 6. Simmons, Steve. Shepherds and Sheep. www.opc.org/new-horizions/nh02/05c.html 7. Smith, F. LaGard. Fallen Spiritual Leaders: Mirrors to Our Own Spiritual Struggles. 20 th Century Christian, 1992. 8. Strauch, Alex. Minister of Mercy: The NT Deacon. Lewis & Roth Publishers (www.soulcare.org/church/strauch-deacons.htm)
Qualifications Key Greek Word(s) English Meaning I Tim. 3 Titus 1 Aischrokerdes Not greedy for money 7 Amachos Peaceable 3 Anepileptos Above reproach 2 Aner Heis Gune Husband of one woman 2 6 Anegkletos Above reproach 6, 7 Antechomai pistos Logos Aphilarguros Authades Devoted to the faithful word Free from love of money Not self-willed, arrogant 3 9 7
Qualifications Key Greek Word(s) English Meaning I Tim. 3 Titus 1 Didaktikos Able to teach 2 Dikaios Righteous, just 8 Egkrates Self-controlled 8 Elegcho Able to convict, expose, refute Epieikes Gentle 3 Epithumeo Desires (the office) 1 Hosios Devout, holy 8 Kosmios Respectable, modest 2 Marturia kalos Good reputation 7 Neophutos Not a new convert 6 9
Qualifications Key Greek Word(s) English Meaning I Tim. 3 Titus 1 Nephaleos Temperate 2 Oikos kalos Orgilos Parakaleo Manages own household well Not quick-tempered or prone to anger Able to urge, exhort, appeal Paroinos Not addicted to wine 3 7 Philagathos Loving what is good 8 Philoxenos Hospitable 2 8 Plektes Not pugnacious, quarrelsome 4 7 9 3 7
Qualifications Key Greek Word(s) English Meaning I Tim. 3 Titus 1 Sophron Prudent, sensible 2 8 Teknon Hupotage Teknon Pistos, Asotia, Anupotaktos Children under control Children who believe [trusting, show themselves faithful], not accused of dissipation or rebellion Tuphoo Not conceited 6 4 6