concerning elders the work the qualifications and what they are not

CONCERNING ELDERS

The work

The qualifications

And what they are not

1 Peter 5:1-2

I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a

partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of

God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not

for shameful gain, but eagerly;

The Work of Elders

• Presbuteroi / elder

• Poimen / shepherd, pastor

• Not titles, but job descriptions

A shepherd, exercising

oversight would

lead, feed, rest,

protect, heal, and nurture, guided

by God’s will, not self, for the

crown of v. 4.

Acts 20:28-31Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has

made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my

departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and

from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw

away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that

for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

The Work of Elders

3 Works Given…

1. Guard yourselves

2. Guard the flock

3. Be on the alert

Episkopoi / overseer, bishop

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give

an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would

be of no advantage to you.

The Work of Elders

• He watches for souls

• As one who will give account

Shepherding is a serious job and not for everyone.

If the Job is NOT for Everyone,Who qualifies?

The Holy Spirit says it is the one who is…

1. Above reproach (nothing laid at his feet)

2. Husband of one wife

3. Temperate (moderate)

4. Prudent (wise)

5. Respectable (worthy of it)

6. Hospitable

7. Able to teach (without excuses !?1)



7. Not addicted to wine

8. Or pugnacious

9. Gentle

10. Uncontentious

11. Free from the love of money



12. Manages his household …well …with dignity

…has his children under control

13. Not a novice

14. Having a good reputation outside



15. Having children who believe

16. Not self-willed

17. Not quick tempered

18. Hospitable

19. Loving what is good, lover of good men



20. Sensible, i.e. reasonable, approachable

21. Just, i.e. fair

22. Devout

23. Self-controlled

24. Holding fast the faithful word

What Elders are Not…

1 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for

training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent,

equipped for every good work.

Elder is not an honorary label, title, or position of respect


Matthew 20:25-26

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the

Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant

Lords, bosses, or chiefs giving orders


Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the

Holy Spirit has made you overseers…

…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…

Traveling shepherds - authority is in their own local flock


1 Timothy 5:19-21

19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three

witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the

presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep

these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

Above correction


Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will

have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning,

for that would be of no advantage to you.

Free from accountability

Leadership is Always a Serious Job Because…• Souls are at stake

• You are watched as examples

• Power is corrupting

• It can be grieving

• Family leadership example is needed

But leadership can also be richly rewarding and satisfying.

concerning elders the work the qualifications and what they are not

Documents

holy spirit

good work

serious job

job descriptionsa shepherd

flock of god

church of god

work of eldershe watches

fellow elder