The work of the Elders

1. The work of the Elders Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 1 Tim 3:1 NIV

2. The Elder’s personal evaluation • The Elder’s calling Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. • Equipped by the Holy Spirit? • Blameless - husband; home manager; citizen; conduct and character • Prompted by the Holy Spirit? 1 Tim 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

3. The Elder’s personal evaluation • The Elder’s vows 1 Pet 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them— • Volunteer or conscript? 2 not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; • God’s leaders are submissive • Selfless or mercenary? 2 not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; • God’s leaders have a servant’s heart • Exemplary or autocratic? 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. • God’s leaders guide by example

4. The Elder’s personal evaluation • Calling • Holy Spirit equipped and prompted • Vows • Volunteer or conscript - Submissive • Selfless or mercenary - Servant heart • Exemplary or autocratic - Guide by example Mark 10:42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

5. The ministry of the Elders • The Elders are responsible for God’s flock 1 Pet 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers • They superintend and are accountable for God’s flock Heb 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. • They thus direct the affairs of the church 1 Tim 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church…. • Their responsibilities are like those of a shepherd Jer 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

6. The ministry of the Elders • Being responsible, they will guide God’s flock purposefully John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. • The sheep recognise him as their leader and are prepared to follow him • How responsible Elders practically exercise guidance Accountable; Prayerful; Visionary; Strategic; Purposeful; Flexible; Pastoral Ps 23:3 He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. The Shepherd King

7. The ministry of the Elders • Being responsible, they will feed God’s flock with sound doctrine 1 Tim 3:2 Now the overseer is to be …..able to teach, Tit 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine ……. • Able to live and apply sound doctrine 2 Tim 2:15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. • Able to encourage others to do the same Eph 4:11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up Ps 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

8. The ministry of the Elders • Being responsible, they will refreshGod’s flock pastorally • In their homes Tit 1:8 Rather, he must be hospitable,……… • by their availability (Good works implied) Tit 1:8 Rather, he must be …………., one who loves what is good, • In times of sickness Ja 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the churchto pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. • In times of compromise Gal 6:1Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Ps 23:2 he leads me beside quiet waters, 3he refreshes my soul. The shepherd King

9. The ministry of the Elders • Being responsible, they will protectGod’s flock from predators Tit 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 2 Tim 4:3For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Acts 20:30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! • They identify unsound doctrine and manage those who propagate it. Ps 23:4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The Shepherd King

10. The Elder’s personal evaluation • Calling • Holy Spirit equipped and prompted • Vows • Submissive to God; Servant of God; Example of Jesus • The ministry of the Elders • Responsible for God’s flock • Guides God’s flock purposefully • Feeds God’s flock with sound doctrine • Refreshes God’s flock pastorally • Protects God’s flock from predators Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 1 Tim 3:1 NIV