The Elder’s Duties: What are Presbyters / Elders Bishops / Overseers (prebuteros- one advanced in life) Bishops / Overseers (episkopos- to look at, consider, oversee) Pastors / Shepherds (poimen- one who tends a flock) supposed to do? Jer.23:3-4 Jer.3:15

Before we should ask or expect anyone to Before we should ask or expect anyone to perform a task for us, we ought to know full well what the task is that we ask them to do. We need to know what an Elder does before we select and ask someone to do it! And certainly, anyone seeking the office who does not understand what being an Elder is all about, is unwise indeed and hence not qualified in the first place! Anyone who would take a job without knowing what it entails is foolishly naïve.

Let’s start with the obvious duties implied by the descriptive names of the office: Presbyter or Elder- As the word means one who is older, it is implied that an Elder supply the congregation with the dignity, experience, and wisdom that comes with spiritual age and maturity. Leadership and wise decision making should come from such men. Titus 2:2

Let’s start with the obvious duties implied by the descriptive names of the office: Bishop or Overseer- This word means to look at, consider, hence to oversee. It gives us the picture of one who superintends or governs those under his charge, as well as the work they do. These men must therefore rule with the authority delegated them by Christ, Acts 20:28.

Let’s start with the obvious duties implied by the descriptive names of the office: Shepherd or Pastor- Here the word refers literally to a shepherd- one who tends/cares for a flock. Among the duties implied by this term are provision and protection. Acts 20:28 & 1Pet.5:2

The Elder’s Duties may be broken down into Categories: The Elder’s Personal Duties- >Acts 20:28,30 “Be on guard for yourselves…” He must first use his wisdom and experience to oversee and shepherd himself before he can help others, Matt.7:3-5; 2Cor.13:5. >James 1:22-25 He must constantly compare and correct himself with the mirror of God’s Word to help others. And he must grow personally in order help others grow! Acts 20:32 & 1Peter 5:3

The Elder’s Duties may be broken down into Categories: The Elder’s Duty to Oversee- >1Pet.5:2-4 Exercising Oversight. Not only to possess the authority, but to use it to the betterment of the flock, Acts 15:6. >This oversight is inclusive of all aspects of the church’s work: worship, teaching, benevolence, and discipline. >But it must be “according to the will of God” and not “lording it over” !!! This is so because it is a limited authority, v.4 and James 4:10.

The Elder’s Duties may be broken down into Categories: The Elder’s Duty to Teach- >Quickly: Who do you remember teaching and influencing you in God’s word? Did any Elders come to mind? Why not? >Heb.13:7 They should. >It’s not just a qualification, it’s a duty for the Elder to be “apt to teach”- 1Tim.3:2 > 2Tim.2:15 > 1Thess.5:12-13 Perhaps this duty is most obvious in Titus 1:9-11.

The Elder’s Duties may be broken down into Categories: The Elder’s Duty to Minister- >The idea of ministering is that of meeting needs. >This does not mean the Elders should be called upon to wash your car! >It does mean that he is to spiritually “help the weak” Acts 20:35; and >pray for and minister to the sick, Jas.5:14. Note: Jas.5:14 says the sick should “call for” the Elders- not hide and wait to see if they come!

The Elder’s Duties may be broken down into Categories: The Elder’s Duty to Shepherd- >He must “take heed to all the flock” Acts 20:28. For him to meet this duty: -He has to know all the flock- their individual needs, weaknesses, and abilities. -They have to let themselves be known- they can’t hide, shy away, and refuse the time and ability to be known by him. -They must trust him and give access. How else can he fulfill this duty? cf. 1Thess.5:12-13 > 14

and comfort, console, & quiet the sheep, Psalm 23. The Elder’s Duty to Shepherd- (cont.) >He must also Feed & Protect the Flock, Acts 20:28; 1Pet.5:2. To do this, he should: -have the good of the flock in mind, Phil.2:1-4 -make sure they have proper food & drink, Heb.5:12-14 and 1Pet.2:1-2 -keep each sheep (individually), Luke 15:4-7 -lead from the front! John 10:27 (Elders are thermostats, not thermometers! ) But he must also remember he’s leading sheep, not driving cattle! -protect the flock from wolves from both within and without, Acts 20:29; John 10:11-13 The Bible “Shepherd” Psalm 23 Spiritual Provision, v.2 Souls, v.3 Protection, v.4 Provision, v.5 and comfort, console, & quiet the sheep, Psalm 23.

One of the most fundamental duties of the Elder is: To be An Example to the Flock, 1Pet.5:3 >He should be an example of a Father, Eph.6:4 >He should be an example of a Husband, Eph.5:23,25 >He should be an example of a Neighbor, Luke 10:30ff >He should be an example of a Teacher, 2Tim.2:24-26 >He should be an example of a Businessman, Col.3:22 - 4:1 >He should be an example of a Christian, 1Tim.4:12b And he certainly should be an example of a Worker in the Kingdom, John 15:8; Acts 16:4-5

As you can see…. Being a scriptural Presbyter/Elder Bishop/Overseer Shepherd/Pastor is a big job! But it is the most noble and needed role to which any man can aspire. Those who do, deserve our respect, support, and encouragement- always!