Vital Truths About Elders Titus 1:5-9

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober- minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:5-9

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment 4.Lives Exemplify Holy Living 5.Authority is Limited 6.Authority is in the Eldership 7.All Elders are Worthy of Honor 8.Primary Work is Shepherds not Bishops

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan

10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, Eph. 3:10-11

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:21-23

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment 4.Lives Exemplify Holy Living

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.... Heb. 13:7 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be sub- missive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb. 13:17, 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 1 Pet. 5:2-3

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment 4.Lives Exemplify Holy Living 5.Authority is Limited

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matt. 28:18 24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. Luke 22:24-26

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment 4.Lives Exemplify Holy Living 5.Authority is Limited 6.Authority is in the Eldership

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.... Heb. 13:7 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be sub- missive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb. 13:17

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment 4.Lives Exemplify Holy Living 5.Authority is Limited 6.Authority is in the Eldership 7.All Elders are Worthy of Honor

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 1 Tim. 5:17-20

Eight Truths About Elders 1.Part of His Eternal Wisdom and Plan 2.Holy Spirit of God “Appoints” Them 3.Qualifications and Appointment 4.Lives Exemplify Holy Living 5.Authority is Limited 6.Authority is in the Eldership 7.All Elders are Worthy of Honor 8.Primary Work is Shepherds not Bishops

Words Used to Describe Elders Elders and Presbyters Bishops and Overseers Pastors and Shepherds

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:1-5

Becoming Part of His Flock

Believe in HimJohn 3:16

Becoming Part of His Flock Believe in HimJohn 3:16 Repent—decide to obeyActs 17:30

Becoming Part of His Flock Believe in HimJohn 3:16 Repent—decide to obeyActs 17:30 Confess ChristRom. 10:9

Becoming Part of His Flock Believe in HimJohn 3:16 Repent—decide to obeyActs 17:30 Confess ChristRom. 10:9 Baptized to be savedActs 22:16

Becoming Part of His Flock Believe in HimJohn 3:16 Repent—decide to obeyActs 17:30 Confess ChristRom. 10:9 Baptized to be savedActs 22:16 Added to His Kingdom, His church

Becoming Part of His Flock Believe in HimJohn 3:16 Repent—decide to obeyActs 17:30 Confess ChristRom. 10:9 Baptized to be savedActs 22:16 Added to His Kingdom, His church Be faithful until deathRev. 2:10