1. DISCUSSION OF CHURCH ELDERS… Most studies and discussions of church elders immediately focus on the qualifications set forth in 1Tim. 3 and Tit. 1... When was the last time you heard a meaningful discussion of the “work” of church elders? It is not uncommon for congregations to study “qualifications” for months, spend time selecting and appointing men, only to discover that many have little idea of what they are supposed to be doing.

2. (PART 1) “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS”

3. THE FOCUS OF OUR STUDY IS INTENDED TO… Educate the flock on what to expect from the eldership; also to encourage appreciation for the work in which elders do. Educate any potential candidate(s) for eldership on what to expect of such work. (It is a noble, yet difficult work) Edify current elders through God’s Word, encouraging growth in all areas.

4. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Hold fast to the faithful Word of God (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. (Prov 12:15) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Prov 14:12; 16:25) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the L ORD weighs the hearts. (Prov 21:2) O L ORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. (Jer 10:23)

5. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Hold fast to the faithful Word of God (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9) Take heed to themselves (Acts 20:28) Paul applied this principle to himself (1Cor 9:27; 2Cor 13:5)

6. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Hold fast to the faithful Word of God (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9) Take heed to themselves (Acts 20:28) Take heed to the flock (Acts 20:28) A shepherd must know the flock, care for the needs of the flock, watch the ways of each one, and learn how to work with each individual. The Bible shows an example of some shepherds who failed in their task (Jer 23:1-4).

7. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Hold fast to the faithful Word of God (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9) Take heed to themselves (Acts 20:28) Take heed to the flock (Acts 20:28) Be examples to the flock (1Peter 5:3b) An elder is not to be a “lord” over the flock, but is to be an example to follow (John 10:2-5; 1Cor 11:1; Heb 13:7)

8. ELDERS MUST SET THE EXAMPLE Faithfulness Peacemaking As a Husband As a Father As a Teacher As a Neighbor In Business In Recreation As a worker in the church

9. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Hold fast to the faithful Word of God (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9) Take heed to themselves (Acts 20:28) Take heed to the flock (Acts 20:28) Be examples to the flock (1Peter 5:3b) Serve as overseers (1Peter 5:2) Every activity of the church is under the oversight of the elders, and they must carefully watch over all of it.

10. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Hold fast to the faithful Word of God (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9) Take heed to themselves (Acts 20:28) Take heed to the flock (Acts 20:28) Be examples to the flock (1Peter 5:3b) Serve as overseers (1Peter 5:2) Rule Well (1Timothy 5:17) 1Tim 3:5; 5:17; Heb 13:7; 17; 1Pet 5:1-3; 2John 9; Tit 1:9; Rom 12:6-8; Matt 20:25-28; 18:15-17; Rom 16:17-18)

11. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” Elders are responsible to do much more than make decisions. Elders are to lead as they use God’s word, their spiritual maturity, and their experience -- to persuade. They must be able to use their knowledge of God’s word as the tool that guides them in all that they do, and they must have a willingness to watch for, correct and rescue those who stumble or go astray. Also, because of their age, knowledge, responsibility, and accountability, the congregation is to respect and listen to them as long as they are faithful to God’s word.

12. “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS” My prayer is that… Any potential candidate(s) for this role will be praying, meditating, and working toward these things diligently. Our current elders will be encouraged to press forward, always seeking to better themselves, along with the congregation. Each member learns to submit to the elders as they labor in the kingdom. (1Peter 5:5-8) The congregation here will continue to encourage our current elders in their work.

13. (PART 1) “THE DUTIES OF CHURCH ELDERS”

14. REPENT, TURN TO GOD, AND DO WORKS BEFITTING REPENTANCE (ACTS 26:20) Acts 9:18-20 “Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.” Acts 22:14-16 “Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’”