ELDERSHIP OVERVIEW

Acts 20:17-31 (Paul's farewell to Ephesian elders)
elders = overseers = shepherds
elders (presbuteros) = presbyter
overseer (episkopoi) = bishop
shepherd = pastor

Paul gives his charge to a PLURALITY or a BODY of elders.

Paul says that it is the HOLY SPIRIT who ultimately appoints or ordains elders.

Paul charges the body of elders to SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (comprehensive task of ministry).

Task of caring for the CHURCH OF GOD that CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE for...This requires serious prayer and consideration by each of us. Not to be taken lightly.

I Peter 5:1-5 (Peter`s charge to fellow elders)
Do the work of a shepherd in caring for the flock of God...PROTECT...FEED...LEAD...CARE/LOVE...

Do the work of an OVERSEER - A guardian or superintendent...Men charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly.

Potential elders must desire this ministry. The task of ministry can not be performed adequately out of compulsion.

Can not be given to men DRIVEN by GREED for POWER and/or WEALTH.
Elders are to serve as examples of faith to the flock under their care.

Elders serve as UNDERSHEPHERDS to the chief shepherd ,Jesus Christ.

We are called to submit to their God-given authority. Peter appeals to the Christian virtue of humility as the basis of our submission.

Hebrews 13:7,17 (Exhortation to mutuality)
Be mindful of your leaders...Pray for them...Encourage them...And imitate their faith.

Obey and submit to their authority because it is right and because you will increase their joy.

Being a burden to the leadership drains them of joy and results in hurting the spirituality of the entire congregation.

Titus 1:5-9 (Paul`s charge to Titus concerning the appointment of elders)
Appoint elders in each congregation.

Elders are to be men of strong moral and ethical character.

Must have a strong knowledge of the biblical faith and be able to teach it with confidence.

(v.9) Note the emphasis on the primacy of teaching...
Jesus was primarily a teacher...
His disciples were told to “teach them everything I have commanded you.”
The early church was “devoted to the Apostles teachings.”
Elders are given the task of “encouraging” and “refuting” through teaching the Word.

I Timothy 3:1-7 (Paul`s instruction to Timothy concerning Biblical eldership)
Setting heart, or desiring to serve as an elder is a good thing.

The ministry of the eldership is a NOBLE TASK.

Strong character required.

Must be mature, tested men of God.

Must have a good reputation with outsiders.