2. The Lord’s Church – Saved Sinners
Precious souls – saved by Precious blood. 1 Pet. 1:16
Christ’s body is not made of perfect people – but people being made into a perfect body. Eph. 4:11-13
The result is that we – the saved – are a work in progress. Phil. 3:12-16

3. The Church – Filled With Immaturity
Immorality. Cp. 2 Cor. 12:21
Tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. Eph. 4:14
Quarrels among Christians. 1 Cor. 1:10f

4. The Great Shepherd’s Wisdom
To have the church lead by godly mature men. Eph. 4:11
To teach (equip) the body of believers.
To nourish (build up) the body of believers.
To protect (from being tossed to and fro) the body of believers.

5. We Have Shepherds – We Need More
God has blessed our congregation with five shepherds (“elders”).
Reality: these men will not live forever; or have the health to effectively lead.
At some point one (or more) may no longer desire burden of shepherding.

6. Our Shepherds’ Wisdom Continuously have the church look at men:
Who desire the office of a bishop (“elders”)
Who is mature: morally, biblically, in handling relationships
For teaching on this matter to bring it to the forefront of our minds.

7. Next Week
1 Timothy 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9 Looking at the qualities necessary for men who desire the office