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LLC – 2 God’s Concept of Leadership

(Texts: 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 11; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Heb. 13:17)  

While it is true that all men are not required to become elders in the church, God has given men the responsibility for leadership to the men whether or not they choose to become elders; therefore, where there are no elders, men must still lead. Problems are created where there are no mature Christian men in a congregation. Many of the qualifications for one to become an elder in the Lord’s church are nothing more than requirements for Christian men and women to mature in the faith.  The fact that so many men have refused to mature spiritually has resulted in a lack of sound leadership in the Lord’s church which results in doctrinal error being contemplated and a lack of discipline in the church which results in many erring not being restored or withdrawn from. We saw from Lesson One that the character of the leader must be that of a shepherd caring for his flock. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sets the example for  that kind of caring leadership.

 A. From Titus 1:5-9:  

1.  For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest _____  ____ _____ _____ _________ ______ ____ _________ , and _______ __________ ___ ________  ________, as I had appointed thee (Titus 1:5).

 2.  In the below table, list the qualifications for one to be an elder and for his wife in Titus 1:5-9, then also check whether this could also be a requirement in which all Christian men and Women should mature.

3.  Verse 5 says that Titus was to appoint __________ in every city.

4. After listing several qualifications he then says (in vs. 7) for a _________ must be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.  

An important note:

The words elder, bishop and pastor are not separate offices.

We now have the three words that comprise the character of the one who would be a leader in the Lord’s church.  These three words describe the one work. This being the case, it becomes obvious why spiritual maturity is required.

      a. Shepherd (Greek) “poimen”[1] - shepherd, pastor.

      b. Elder (Greek) “presbuteros” (elderly); older; as noun, a senior.

      c. Bishop (Greek) “episkopos” a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a church.

           The Shepherd is known for his gentle care, feeding and protection of the flock. God’s leaders must be gentlemen who are concerned about the well being of others.

          The Elder is a man who is mature in the faith as well as in life experience.

          The Bishop is able to lead in overseeing the matters pertaining to the flock of God.

B. From 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 11:

5. In the below table, list the qualifications for elder and his wife in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, then also check whether this could also be a requirement in which all Christian men and Women should mature.  

6. Even so must their _________ be _________, _____ _____________, _______, ____________ in all things (1 Tim 3:11). A man’s wife can be a help or a hindrance to his effectiveness as a leader in the Lord’s church.

C. 1 Pet. 5:1-4

In this passage the apostle Peter exhorts those who are elders.  

7. _______the flock of God which is__________ you, taking the__________ thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being ________ over God's heritage, but being _____________ to the flock. 4 And when the ______________ shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away (1 Peter 5:2-4).

D. Heb. 13:17

In this passage we notice the congregation’s responsibility to the elders as well as the accountability of the elders to God for their souls.  

8. _______ them that have the______ over you, and_______yourselves: for they ________for your_________, as they that________ ______ _________, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

E. General questions from the assigned texts:  

9. Why must an elder not be a novice?   

10.  What is said of the elder’s family that has an effect on his being qualified for the work?

Choose the correct answer:  

11.  The qualifications for an elder reveal that the Lord wants elders to lead:

    a. As one who is the coach of a baseball team.

    b. As one who is the head of a family.

    c. As one who is a corporate executive

    d. As a shepherd would lead a flock of sheep

    e. Both b & d

    f. Both b & c.

12. Choose the most correct answer:  

     a. Most of the qualifications for one to be an elder are goals for which all Christians should reach.

    b. Since elders are leaders, it is not necessary for them to be aware of the views of the congregation.

    c. Since elders are gentle shepherds they will not remove any of the members           from the flock because that would be harsh.

    d. In a congregation with three elders, if two of the die, the third should remain on as an elder.

 13. Are all men who are successful family men & who meet the physical family qualifications for an elder qualified to be an elder?     

Explain your answer:

 14. Acts 14:23, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:5 & 1 Peter 5:1 all suggest that there should be a plurality of elders in every congregation.  True/ False

God’s concept of leadership is captured in the beautiful words of the song:

SAVIOR LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US.

Words: At­trib­ut­ed to Dor­o­thy A. Thrupp, 1836.Music: “Bradbury,” Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1859

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still