Jeff Hammond Supporter

Throughout the Bible we see that there were elders among God's people. In the Old Testament we can find the elders of Israel, 1Samuel 4:3; elders of Judah, 2Kings 23:1; elders of cities, Ezra 10:14, and this principle was also taught in the NT church as the normal leadership pattern of the local church, in every church and every city, Acts 14:3; Titus 1:5 etc.

From the above verses, the elders were always multiple as well as Acts 15:4; Acts 20:17 etc. Elders, were mature believers who could mentor, shepherd, protect, encourage and inspire local Christian communities in following the teachings of Christ, 1Peter 5:1-3. They were not to be dictators, self-seeking or serving for financial gain.

The elders were to be faithful men of high spiritual and moral character displaying Christ-likeness in their lives, 1 Timothy 3:1-11; Titus 1:5-9, leading the flock as fathers who love their children, shepherds who love their sheep seeking to bring the flock to its maximum potential in fulfilling the mission of Christ.

The elders in the "Church of the Future", Christ's blueprint of the church He said He would build, as shown by Jesus to John in Revelation 4-5 is very revealing:

1. It is a Christ-centered church - Revelation 4:4; 5:6
2. It is a church with multiple elders who function in unity and in submission to the Lordship of Christ - Revelation 4:4
3. The elders are given thrones - they have divine authority - Revelation 4:4
4. The elders have golden crowns for the are conquerors or victorious believers - Revelation 4:4
5. The elders have white robes of righteousness - Revelation 4:4
6. The elders are intercessors - Revelation 5:8
7. The elders are humble believers who only want Christ to be glorified, they seek not their own, and they lay everything at Christ's feet for He alone is worthy - Revelation 4:10-11

It is sad that today the church seems to reject this biblical model of leadership and prefers man made hierarchical structures. Perhaps that's why the Christian faith is collapsing in Europe, the USA and many other Western countries. Maybe it's time to return to biblical values, and get some new wine into a new wineskin and see the dynamic vitality, awesome power, unlimited love, healing power and amazing grace of the power of the cross restored to the ministry of the church! Perhaps a return to the simple model of elders in local churches and the traveling role of the five equipping ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11-13 is something we should pray for in this end of the age.

October 05 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible teach about elders?

The term "Elder" can mean two things: elderly in age or elderly in spirituality.

Please read the following scriptural thoughts about how God viewed the Elders in Israel's day.

Zechariah 11:15-17: He will not take care of the sheep that are perishing; he will not seek out the young or heal the injured or feed those able to stand. 

Ezekiel 34.2 fares no better for the Shepherds of the Congregation. Eze 34:2 EVS: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: 'Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?'"

How does Jehovah feel about appointed shepherds?
How do spiritual shepherds maintain a willing and eager spirit, thus becoming examples to the flock? Like Peter and the other first-century shepherds, they rely on God's holy spirit, which gives them the strength to carry their responsibilities. (2 Corinthians 4:7) The Holy Spirit also produces in them the fruitage of the spirit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Let us consider some specific ways in which shepherds can set an example in displaying this fruitage as they shepherd the flock of God under their care.

Loving Christian shepherds endeavour to show personal interest in each sheep in the congregation. (Philippians 2:4) 

Caring shepherds today are not emotionally distant from the sheep. Love moves them to "rejoice with people who rejoice" and to "weep with people who weep." (Romans 12:15) 

Peter urged fellow elders: "Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly." Those privileged to serve as spiritual shepherds should not do so grudgingly, feeling compelled to care for the sheep. They should not feel coerced, as though this were some form of drudgery or as if others were prodding them to shepherd the flock. Instead, elders should serve with a willing spirit. (Compare Psalm 110:3.)

Shepherding "the flock of God" may require helping the sheep with various problems that may arise within the congregation. 

Shepherding "the flock of God" as an elder is an exacting work. The high standards to be met to qualify for such a privilege are clearly set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Not just any brother can serve in this capacity, for only spiritual men can properly shoulder this responsibility. 

Shepherds of the flock must know well what the Bible teaches on matters of morality. Moreover, they should keep before the sheep their responsibility to remain clean for Jehovah's service.—Titus 2:13, 14.

Primary Responsibilities:

1: Shepherding: They are called to "shepherd the flock of God," providing care, guidance, and spiritual protection.

2: Teaching & Oversight: Elders must be "able to teach" sound doctrine and refute false teachers. They oversee the affairs of the congregation, manage the "household of God," and pray for the sick.

3: Leadership Model: Scriptural patterns suggest a plurality of elders in each local church rather than a single leader. They are to lead willingly and eagerly, not for "shameful gain" or by "lording it over" the congregation.

4: Accountability: Because they watch over souls and must give an account to God, elders are held to a stricter judgment. Accusations against them require two or three witnesses. 

Conclusion:

The best elders are men who point others to Christ and say, "Look at what he's done for me." Those are the men who will encourage and protect the congregation. Those are the men you want leading the congregation.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report