1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. The qualification of elders

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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 

16. The Work of elders

17. 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: 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)

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