2009-02-08 – Jesse Jenkins – Elders

// February 23rd, 2009 // Bible Study, Mark's stuff

Elders

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, February 8, 2009

I Timothy 3:1?- Being an elder involves work – it is not about being in control of things.
Titus 1:7?- Elders are stewards of God.
The work of elders
- Set proper example.? I Peter 5:3
- Feed, tend, shepherd the flock.? I Peter 5:2
  - Feed flock to edify.? Acts 20:28,32
  - Watch for souls.? Hebrews 13:17; Ezekiel 3:17
  - Restore the fallen.? Titus 1:9-11; Ezekiel 34:1-10
  - Correct gainsayers.? Titus 1:9
- Rule the flock.? Hebrews 13:17
  - By serving? (See Luke 22:25-26?regarding ruling over others.)
  - By leading
  - By teaching
- Oversee the flock.? Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:1-3
Elders are not bosses; they are servants of the flock.
- Their rule is not despotic, tyrannical, or arbitrary.
- Oversight necessitates that elders make some decisions.
- In decisions of any magnitude, elders that rule well will feel the pulse of the flock.
  - To fail to do so is to invite trouble.
  - When elders lead the flock to harmonious decisions, there will not be trouble.
It is not the work of elders:
- To be a centralized board to receive money from many congregations to do a big work.
- To build, maintain, or support human institutions for any cause.
- To oversee any brotherhood functions.
  - Brotherhood preaching training programs
  - Brotherhood lectureships
- When we thing about elders, let us think about the local church, not about the brotherhood.

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