1. The Role of Elders u Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5

2. Role of Elders u Introduction. 1 Tim. 3:1, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” u He desires it because he loves Christ, church.

3. Role of Elders u There should be faithful brethren who desire to be elders, u And all the members should desire that we have elders.

4. Role of Elders u Titus 1:5, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders…”

5. Role of Elders u Church without elders is in its infant stage, u But infant stage for over 50 years? u Something’s wrong. We must strive to correct this deficiency (Titus 1:5).

6. Role of Elders u Business meeting carries out role of elders (makes most important decisions) y only re-quirement is be a member and be a man.

7. Role of Elders u Correct deficiencies in order to be elders and then correct the deficiencies of the members. Qualified elders – qualified members.

8. Role of Elders u Those that do this “good work” are designated as “elders” (Acts 20:17), u “bishops” (supervisors) (Acts 20:28) u or “pastors” (Heb. 13:17). u Great honor! And great WORK.

9. Role of Elders u Ezek. 34:5, 6, “scattered because there was no shepherd… u food for beasts… u wandered through all the mountains… u no one was seeking or searching for them."

10. Role of Elders u I. The elders are examples to follow. u Acts 20:28, “take heed to yourselves…” u Should be men of good reputation, u Men of good influence. u They can’t “lead” if sheep won’t “follow” them.

11. Role of Elders u 1 Pet. 5:3, “nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, u but proving to be examples to the flock.” u No opinionated, self-willed, power- hungry. “Don’t question me” attitude.

12. Role of Elders u 1 Tim. 3:7, “he must have a good testimony among those who are outside…” u Where he works … among relatives … other associates …

13. Role of Elders u The elders are the “guides” of the church. u The members imitate their faith, love, character, holiness, dedication to the work. Sobering responsibility! u Heb. 13:7, “those who rule over you … whose faith follow…” Be like them!!

14. Role of Elders u II. Bishops supervise, preside (direct). u Rom. 12:8, “he that rules (leads),” u Is to do so “with diligence.” u Can’t do this and miss services themselves. u “You should attend.” “And where were you last Sunday?” u “Working. Travelling. Felt bad.”

15. Role of Elders u Heb. 13:17, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, u for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”

16. Role of Elders u “Let them do so with joy and not with grief, u for that would be unprofitable for you.” u Church is to be in submission to its elders – u This produces joy, is profitable for all.

17. Role of Elders u 1 Thess. 5:12, “… that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, u and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction.”

18. Role of Elders u III. As shepherds they feed the flock. u Acts 20:28, “feed (shepherd) the church of the Lord.” u They are to be “apt to teach,” (1 Tim. 3:2). u Doesn’t mean they have to do all of it, but they are responsible for the preaching/teaching.

19. Role of Elders u John 10:3, “the sheep hear his voice, u and he calls his own sheep by name, u and leads them out; (he doesn’t DRIVE them). u he goes before them; u and the sheep follow him, u for they know his voice.”

20. Role of Elders u They build up, perfect (equip), train the members, u Eph. 4:11, 12, “pastors … for the equipping of the saints …” u 2 Tim. 2:2, “the things you have heard from me … commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

21. Role of Elders u Requires much study. Bible! And “tools” of Bible study – concordance, dictionary, commentaries. u Personal work. Visit members with health problems, James 5:14. u New or recently restored members, u Weak or discouraged members (1 Thess. 5:14).

22. Role of Elders u They are concerned about the members that are not faithful in their attendance, u The members that do not put the kingdom first in their life, u They WATCH for their souls! Not like policemen but as loving shepherds. u They want everyone to go to heaven.

23. Role of Elders u 1 Tim. 3:6, They care for the church, u Just as they care for their own family. u Caring for their family is what qualified them to care for the church.

24. Role of Elders u IV. The shepherds look for the sheep that go astray, u Matt. 18:12, leaves 99 and looks for one atray. u Gal. 6:1, “if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.”

25. Role of Elders u 1 Cor. 5:11, “not even to eat with them.” u 2 Thess. 3:14, “do not keep company with.” u The bishops take the lead in carrying out these instructions of the Holy Spirit. u In order to save the unfaithful members. u Part of the “plan of salvation.”

26. Role of Elders u V. They must protect the flock from vicious wolves. u By defending the truth and refuting error. u Acts 20:29-31, “savage wolves … draw away…” u Titus 1:9-11, “whose mouths must be stopped”

27. Role of Elders u They must be informed of false doctrines taught by brethren. u Can’t excuse themselves saying, “We’re not interested in brotherhood squabbles.” u Deity of Christ, didn’t use divine attributes. u Divorce and remarriage – justify adultery. u Gen. 1: Days of creation – millions of years. u Unity in Diversity (pervert Rom. 14).

28. Role of Elders u How do brethren introduce these errors? u New member may begin classes in homes to teach such errors. u The elders must inform themselves of all teaching being done, pulpit, classes in bldg. or in homes. u And be prepared to defend the truth and refute any error being taught.

29. Role of Elders u Conclusion. u This “good work” is not simply that of “giving orders” (being chiefs, hiring/ firing preachers) u And administering the funds of the church.

30. Role of Elders u Rather, it is the work of being good examples (models, patterns) u In order to be guides of the church. u Sheep follow their shepherds.

31. Role of Elders u It is the work of presiding or directing, u of watching over and of edifying and perfecting the membership u So that they will be holy, worship God faithfully u And be equipped for every good work.

32. Role of Elders u It is the work of seeking the sheep that have gone astray, u Restoring them when possible u And applying more severe discipline when necessary.

33. Role of Elders u It is the work of protecting the flock, u defending the truth and refuting error u Which means “stopping the mouths” of those who teach error or promote division.

34. Role of Elders u Faithful brethren should desire this good work u and the church should desire to have elders u and do everything possible to develop and support them.