THE ROLE OF ELDERS IN THE CHURCH. 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-5

THE ROLE OF ELDERS IN THE CHURCH 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-5

Give yourself to the Church. You that are members of the Church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I would never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us. Charles Spurgeon

I. Who are Elders?

I. Who are Elders Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for [pastor] the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:17, 28

I. Who are Elders The terms elder, overseer, and pastor are used interchangeably. All refer to the same office.

I. Who are Elders II. Qualifications of Elders

II. Qualifications of Elders There must be a desire to serve.

II. Qualifications of Elders There must be a desire to serve. While elders are meant to exemplify these traits, all Christians are to exhibit them.

II. Qualifications of Elders There must be a desire to serve. While elders are meant to exemplify these traits, all Christians are to exhibit them. Above reproach overall quality of his character. Reflects his maturity and reputation.

II. Qualifications of Elders Husband of one wife marital faithfulness. Single men not disqualified.

II. Qualifications of Elders Husband of one wife marital faithfulness. Single men not disqualified. Sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable thoughtful, not rash, thinks through decisions carefully.

II. Qualifications of Elders Able to teach unique characteristic of elders. Ability to explain God s Word and apply it to life.

II. Qualifications of Elders Able to teach unique characteristic of elders. Ability to explain God s Word and apply it to life. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:9

II. Qualifications of Elders Not a drunkard not addicted to substances.

II. Qualifications of Elders Not a drunkard not addicted to substances. Not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome Doesn t allow emotions to fuel interactions with others, doesn t pick fights, shows respect in disagreements.

II. Qualifications of Elders Manage his household cultivates a peaceful home environment, disciples and disciplines his children.

II. Qualifications of Elders Manage his household cultivates a peaceful home environment, disciples and disciplines his children. This is not an invitation to police the pastors kids.

II. Qualifications of Elders Manage his household cultivates a peaceful home environment, disciples and disciplines his children. This is not an invitation to police the pastors kids. Show them grace!

II. Qualifications of Elders Not a recent convert guards against pride.

II. Qualifications of Elders Not a recent convert guards against pride. Well thought of good reputation in the community.

I. Who are Elders II. Qualifications of Elders III. What Elders Do

III. What Elders Do Elders are members of their church.

III. What Elders Do Elders are members of their church. Elders model humility as they lead.

III. What Elders Do Elders are members of their church. Elders model humility as they lead. Elders don t just preach the gospel to their flock, they preach the gospel to themselves and rely on the gospel as much as their flock.

III. What Elders Do 1. Elders shepherd.

III. What Elders Do 1. Elders shepherd. Elders protect the flock from danger, whether external or internal.

III. What Elders Do 1. Elders shepherd. Elders protect the flock from danger, whether external or internal. Elders lovingly care for God s people.

III. What Elders Do 2. Elders lead.

III. What Elders Do 2. Elders lead. Authority entrusted to them by God and their congregation.

III. What Elders Do 2. Elders lead. Authority entrusted to them by God and their congregation. Elders are the decision-making body.

III. What Elders Do 2. Elders lead. Authority entrusted to them by God and their congregation. Elders are the decision-making body. Elders lead the congregation in accomplishing God s mission.

III. What Elders Do 3. Elders teach.

III. What Elders Do 3. Elders teach. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4

III. What Elders Do 3. Elders teach. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4 Elders teach doctrine, theology, and the gospel and apply it all to life.

III. What Elders Do 3. Elders teach. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4 Elders teach doctrine, theology, and the gospel and apply it all to life. Elders equip the body of Christ through a steady diet of God s Word.

III. What Elders Do Elders must guard against serious temptations.

III. What Elders Do Elders must guard against serious temptations. Elders lead by example. They lead God s church by dying to self.

III. What Elders Do Elders must guard against serious temptations. Elders lead by example. They lead God s church by dying to self. Tragically, too many elders have abused their authority.

III. What Elders Do The gospel is good news not because we have shepherds leading the church, but because we have the Chief Shepherd leading it.

III. What Elders Do The gospel is good news not because we have shepherds leading the church, but because we have the Chief Shepherd leading it. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25.