These terms are used interchangeably to refer to one office. The New Testament Pattern Three Terms For “Elder” Greek: Presbuteros Episkopos Poimen Latin: Presbyter Bishop Pastor English: Elder Overseer Shepherd These terms are used interchangeably to refer to one office. “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God…” ~ Acts 20:28

These terms are used interchangeably to refer to one office. The New Testament Pattern Three Terms For “Elder” Greek: Presbuteros Episkopos Poimen Latin: Presbyter Bishop Pastor English: Elder Overseer Shepherd These terms are used interchangeably to refer to one office. “I exhort the elders among you… 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight… ~ 1 Peter 5:1,2

Three Terms For “Elder” The New Testament Pattern Three Terms For “Elder” English: Elder Overseer Shepherd “Elder” – A decision making function. “Overseer” – An administrative function. “Shepherd” – A pastoral function.

The Qualification of Elders Terms Describe Their Function ELDER – An older man. One who by reason of experience and wisdom gained by age is able to make proper decisions. OVERSEER – The ability to get others involved. Decisions, Delegation, Superintending. SHEPHERD – Getting involved in the lives of others. Counseling, meeting spiritual needs as well as physical needs, if needed.

The qualification of elders

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ Desire office… 1 Tim. 3:1 Devout… Tit. 1:8 Just… Tit. 1:8 Gentle… 1 Tim. 3:3 Temperate… 1 Tim. 3:2 Prudent… 1 Tim. 3:2 Respectable… 1 Tim. 3:2 Loving Good… Tit. 1:8 Self-controlled… Tit. 1:8 Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ Above reproach… 3:2; 1:7 Good reputation… 3:7 Hospitable… 3:2 Not quarrelsome… 3:3; 1:7 Un-contentious… 3:3 Free from love of money… 3:3 Not fond of sordid gain… 1:7 Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ A man… 3:1; 1:6 Husband of one wife…3:2; 1:6 Children who believe… 1:6 Manages own house well…3:4 Children under control…3:4 Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ Not a novice… 3:6 Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ Not a novice… 3:6 Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability Not quick-tempered… 1:7 Not self-willed… 1:7 Not addicted to wine… 1:7

The Qualifications of Elders ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ~ Not a novice… 3:6 Six Basic Categories Character Reputation Domestic Relations Experience Habits Ability Not quick-tempered… 1:7 Not self-willed… 1:7 Not addicted to wine… 1:7 Able to teach… 3:2 Able to exhort… 1:9 Able to refute… 1:9

Characteristics Elders Deacons Saints Aspires to the office of overseer 1 Tim. 3:1   Above reproach 1 Tim. 3:2 Phil. 2:15 Husband of one wife 1 Tim. 3:12 Temperate (sober-minded) 2 Tim. 3:5  Prudent (self-controlled)  Gal. 5:23 Respectable 1 Tim. 3:8 Hospitable Heb. 13:2 Able to teach 2 Tim. 2:24 Not a drunkard 1 Tim. 3:3 Gal. 5:21 Not pugnacious (violent)  2 Tim. 2:24

Characteristics Elders Deacons Saints Gentle 1 Tim. 3:3 Matt. 5:5   Matt. 5:5 Uncontentious (not quarrelsome) 2 Tim. 2:24  Free from the love of money 1 Tim. 3:8 1 Tim. 6:10 Manage his own household well 1 Tim. 3:4 1 Tim. 3:12 Keeping his children submissive Not a recent convert 1 Tim. 3:6 Good reputation with those outside 1 Tim. 3:7 Children are believers Titus 1:6

Characteristics Elders Deacons Saints Children not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination Titus 1:6   Not self-willed (arrogant) Titus 1:7 Rom. 2:8 Not quick-tempered James 1:19 A lover of good  2 Tim. 3:17 Devout Titus 1:8 Just (holy) Matt. 5:48  Self-controlled (disciplined) Gal. 5:23  Hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught Titus 1:9 1 Tim. 3:9 Phil. 2:15 Give instruction in sound doctrine  2 Tim. 2:2 Rebuke those who contradict the word 2 Tim. 2:25 

The Work of elders

The Work Of An Elder… Maintenance of exemplary character and conduct - Hb. 13:7; 1 Pt. 5:3. Planning, decision-making, and direction - 1 Tim. 3:5. Prayer - Jas. 5:14-16. Teaching - Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Tit. 1:9; Hb. 13:7. Advice and constructive criticism - Hb. 13:7,17. Admonition, warning, rebuke, correction - 1 Thess. 5:12-14. Cf. Ezek. 3:16-21. Encouragement, motivation, stirring up. Cf. Hb. 10:23-25. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3 RSV)

Sources The Work of An Elder by Gary Henry – www.brasstacks.org Outline by Jim Deason Sermon by Ben Holt