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Facts to Consider When Considering Appointing an Elder

// April 10th, 2010 // Bible Study, Mark's stuff

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, March 28, 2010

• The Lord’s arrangement for church structure
  • The local church is the only arrangement in the New Covenant for collective functions in the things of Christ.
  • Elders in every city.  Titus 1:5
  • Elders in every church.  Acts 14:24
• Desire
  • If a man desires the office of a bishop.  I Timothy 3:1
  • Desire is the first qualification, for without it one is not qualified.
  • The desire must be to do the work of an elder – to serve.
  • If a man’s desire is to control and run things, no church needs him.
• Example
  • Example is the next qualification to be considered.
  • As leaders of the flock, elders are to lead exemplary lives.
• Lessons from three words
  • “Presbuteros”: elders (Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5)
    • “Indicates their spiritual maturity” -Vine
    • “Indicates dignity” -Thayer
    • The word has reference to age and maturity.
    • Not only in years, but in spiritual maturity
    • …and in the congregation
    • One is to prove self (I Timothy 3:10)
    • The flock is to know him (I Thessalonians 5:12)
    • He is of such influence in the congregation that others look to him for leadership.
  • “Episkopos”: bishop, overseer (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7)
    • “Indicates the character of the work undertaken” -Vine
    • “Denotes the function… Guardian, superintendent” -Thayer
  • “Poimano”:  shepherd, feed, tend (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2)
    • “To act as shepherd” -Vine
    • “To tend a flock… to supply the requisistes of the soul’s needs” -Thayer
    • Poimano involves:
      • Feeding (I Peter 5:1)
      • Watching for (Hebrews 13:17)
      • Leading (Hebrews 13:17) “Obey your leaders,” ESV and NASB
      • Caring for (I Timothy 3:5)
• Conclusion
  • An elder must:
    • Desire to serve.
    • Set the proper example.
    • Have spiritual age,  maturity, and dignity.
    • Be able to work with other elders.