Eldership Preparation StudiesEastside church of Christ – Feb. 2007

Eldership Preparation Studies Eastside church of Christ – Feb. 2007


A Biblical Examination Of How One Might Prepare Himself For The Eldership


Where Do Elders Come From?• Elders come from disciples of the Lord

• They are people “out of this world” Jn 3:3-5, 8• They have left everything behind for the sake

of the heavenly kingdom Mt 16:24-25• They must be like Paul Phil 3:7-8, 13-15

• He was not “super” because he was an apostle who had seen the resurrected Christ


Where Do Elders Come From?• Elders come from disciples of the Lord

• They are people “out of this world” Jn 3:3-5, 8• They have left everything behind for the sake

of the heavenly kingdom Mt 16:24-25• They must be like Paul Phil 3:7-8, 13-15

• He was “super” because he was a disciple!


Where Do Elders Come From?• Elders come from disciples of the Lord who

are men• The terms “elder” & “bishop” = masculine

1 Tim 3:1ff Titus 1:6ff• “lf any man…” indicates the gender of the elder

• Obviously (and w/o chauvinism), female disciples cannot be bishops cp. 1 Tim 2:12



are mature men• The term “elder” refers to one who is mature

in his age• Yet, his age is not the only consideration…the

concern is also about his experience in the kingdom and his spiritual development



are mature men• An elder cannot be a novice 1 Tim 3:6

• An older man could be a new convert, new in the faith

• However, he would not yet be ready to lead others even though he was older in years



are mature men• An elder needs to possess the qualities of a

“grown up child of God” cp. 1 Cor 3:1-3• This is required of all disciples, but is especially

true of the bishop



are mature men with families• It is not remarkable for a man to be married

cp. Gen 2:18• It is not uncommon for a married man to be

a father cp. Psa 127:3



are mature men with families• What is under consideration is the type of

family man he is• A man’s family life has been the “proving

ground” wherein he has demonstrated his aptitude to serve as an overseer



are mature men with families• A man’s family life has been the “proving


• The submission of his wife 1 Tim 3:11 Eph 5• He has earned his wife’s respect 1 Pet 3:5-6





• The obedience of his children 1 Tim 3:4-5 Eph 6• Not in “terrorizing them into compliance”





• The salvation of his children Titus 1:6• Is he able to lead others to the Lord?



are mature men with families who also meet other character-based requirements or qualifications• Issues we will examine more in-depth in our

coming studies


Where Do Elders Come From?• So, in retrospect, it is not a “challenge” or

“remarkable” for us to find…• …disciples Mt 28:18• …disciples who are men Acts 4:4 5:14• …disciples who are mature Eph 4:14-16• …disciples with families Acts 10, 16


Where Do Elders Come From?• Back to our original question…why do so

many local churches not have elders?• Could it be these same churches do not

have enough godly disciples?• We’re not trying to pass judgment on others• Perhaps that is where the “scarcity” really is


Where Do Elders Come From?• At this moment, this local church is only 5

heartbeats away from being w/o overseers• Our elders are only mortal men, taking their

place for the “need of the moment”• That is the real reason for these studies…

someone must be ready to take their place


Where Do Elders Come From?• At this moment, this local church is only 5

heartbeats away from being w/o overseers• Such noble work won’t be accomplished by a

last-minute decision, “I think I’ll be an elder”• Preparation must be made for such duties…

preparation that begins with you NOW


Where Do Elders Come From?• If you want to be an elder,…

• …start by being a faithful, committed disciple of Jesus Christ cp. 1 Pet 1:13-16

• …prepare yourself and then desire to serve as an overseer of one of God’s local flocks, either here at Eastside or somewhere else as Divine providence might lead you


The Prospective Shepherd• Having established where we find such a

man, we now must examine him personally• Areas where Divine revelation provides

information that addresses who he should be His character does he possess the “moral

fiber” necessary to serve?




information that addresses who he should be His family do his domestic successes or

failures either qualify or disqualify him?




information that addresses who he should be His work will he be able to do such a work?


The Prospective Shepherd• If men are going to be the people of God,

character is an issue• God is a moral, spiritual Being Jn 4:24• Man is also moral, spiritual Gen 2:7 Eccl 3:11

12:7• Character is especially important re: those who

would lead His people cp. Ex 18:21

Character


The Prospective Shepherd• Two areas where the Biblical qualifications

address the shepherd & his character: How he presents himself How he interacts with others

Character

The first to be examined cp. Acts 20:28 2 Cor 13:5


The Prospective Shepherd• The shepherd and himself

Not greedy for money 1 Tim 3:3 Titus 1:7• Other translations say “Not fond of sordid gain”

or “Free from the love of money” or “Not given (fond) of filthy lucre” or “Not a money lover” or “Not greedy for shameful gain”

Character



Not greedy for money 1 Tim 3:3 Titus 1:7• The issue is not just affection for money, but

really is the way in which money is obtained• No “questionable” way to obtain wealth is allowed

Character


“One who is not eager for base gain.”

The prohibition is against the dishonorable, disgraceful, or base advantage.

Thayer, p. 17



Not greedy for money 1 Tim 3:3 Titus 1:7• The issue is not just affection for money, but

really is the way in which money is obtained• No “questionable” way to obtain wealth is allowed

Not covetous 1 Tim 3:3• Not loving or no insatiable appetite for money

Character



Not greedy for money 1 Tim 3:3 Titus 1:7 Not covetous 1 Tim 3:3

Character

Required of all disciples Col 3:5 1 Tim 6:9-10, 17-19 Heb 13:5


Documents

Eldership Preparation StudiesEastside church of Christ – Feb. 2007