The Role of Elders u Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5

The Role of EldersThe Role of Elders

Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5

Role of EldersRole of Elders

Introduction. 1 Tim. 3:1, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.”

He desires it because he loves Christ, church.


There should be faithful brethren who desire to be elders,

And all the members should desire that we have elders.


Titus 1:5, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders…”


Church without elders is in its infant stage, But infant stage for over 50 years? Something’s wrong. We must strive to correct

this deficiency (Titus 1:5).


Business meeting carries out role of elders (makes most important decisions) y only re-quirement is be a member and be a man.


Correct deficiencies in order to be elders and then correct the deficiencies of the members. Qualified elders – qualified members.


Those that do this “good work” are designated as “elders” (Acts 20:17),

“bishops” (supervisors) (Acts 20:28) or “pastors” (Heb. 13:17). Great honor! And great WORK.


Ezek. 34:5, 6, “scattered because there was no shepherd…

food for beasts… wandered through all the mountains… no one was seeking or searching for them."


I. The elders are examples to follow. Acts 20:28, “take heed to yourselves…” Should be men of good reputation, Men of good influence. They can’t “lead” if sheep won’t “follow” them.


1 Pet. 5:3, “nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge,

but proving to be examples to the flock.” No opinionated, self-willed, power-

hungry. “Don’t question me” attitude.


1 Tim. 3:7, “he must have a good testimony among those who are outside…”

Where he works … among relatives … other associates …


The elders are the “guides” of the church.

The members imitate their faith, love, character, holiness, dedication to the work. Sobering responsibility!

Heb. 13:7, “those who rule over you … whose faith follow…” Be like them!!


II. Bishops supervise, preside (direct). Rom. 12:8, “he that rules (leads),” Is to do so “with diligence.” Can’t do this and miss services themselves. “You should attend.” “And where were you

last Sunday?” “Working. Travelling. Felt bad.”


Heb. 13:17, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive,

for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”


“Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Church is to be in submission to its elders – This produces joy, is profitable for all.


1 Thess. 5:12, “… that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you,

and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction.”


III. As shepherds they feed the flock. Acts 20:28, “feed (shepherd) the church of the

Lord.” They are to be “apt to teach,” (1 Tim. 3:2). Doesn’t mean they have to do all of it, but they

are responsible for the preaching/teaching.


John 10:3, “the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out; (he doesn’t DRIVE them). he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”


They build up, perfect (equip), train the members,

Eph. 4:11, 12, “pastors … for the equipping of the saints …”

2 Tim. 2:2, “the things you have heard from me … commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”


Requires much study. Bible! And “tools” of Bible study – concordance, dictionary, commentaries.

Personal work. Visit members with health problems, James 5:14.

New or recently restored members, Weak or discouraged members (1 Thess. 5:14).


They are concerned about the members that are not faithful in their attendance,

The members that do not put the kingdom first in their life,

They WATCH for their souls! Not like policemen but as loving shepherds.

They want everyone to go to heaven.


1 Tim. 3:6, They care for the church, Just as they care for their own family. Caring for their family is what qualified them to

care for the church.


IV. The shepherds look for the sheep that go astray,

Matt. 18:12, leaves 99 and looks for one atray. Gal. 6:1, “if a man is overtaken in any trespass,

you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.”


1 Cor. 5:11, “not even to eat with them.” 2 Thess. 3:14, “do not keep company with.” The bishops take the lead in carrying out these

instructions of the Holy Spirit. In order to save the unfaithful members. Part of the “plan of salvation.”


V. They must protect the flock from vicious wolves.

By defending the truth and refuting error. Acts 20:29-31, “savage wolves … draw away…” Titus 1:9-11, “whose mouths must be stopped”


They must be informed of false doctrines taught by brethren.

Can’t excuse themselves saying, “We’re not interested in brotherhood squabbles.”

Deity of Christ, didn’t use divine attributes. Divorce and remarriage – justify adultery. Gen. 1: Days of creation – millions of years. Unity in Diversity (pervert Rom. 14).


How do brethren introduce these errors? New member may begin classes in homes to teach

such errors. The elders must inform themselves of all teaching

being done, pulpit, classes in bldg. or in homes. And be prepared to defend the truth and refute

any error being taught.


Conclusion. This “good work” is not simply that of “giving

orders” (being chiefs, hiring/ firing preachers) And administering the funds of the church.


Rather, it is the work of being good examples (models, patterns)

In order to be guides of the church. Sheep follow their shepherds.


It is the work of presiding or directing, of watching over and of edifying and perfecting

the membership So that they will be holy, worship God faithfully And be equipped for every good work.


It is the work of seeking the sheep that have gone astray,

Restoring them when possible And applying more severe discipline when

necessary.


It is the work of protecting the flock, defending the truth and refuting error Which means “stopping the mouths” of those

who teach error or promote division.


Faithful brethren should desire this good work and the church should desire to have elders and do everything possible to develop and

support them.

Documents

The Role of Elders u Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5