PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
– AUTHORITY AND THE ELDERS –
The Father-in-heaven has blessed mankind with some exciting opportunities in this life to serve Him. Among those honorable offices to be held is that of being an Elder in the Lord’s Church. Every individual in the body of Christ is essential to the well-being of the whole church. Some will always be observers who are afraid to get involved. Some will always sit on the sidelines and criticize and find fault. It is just a sad part of our humanity. Some will always follow even if it is in the wrong direction. But, then there are some who have of necessity chosen to be leaders. They are unwilling to wait on others to do what needs to be done. They are those mountain movers and shakers that use their 95% perspiration and 5% inspiration to lead where others seem content only to follow. Indeed, not just anyone can be an Elder and do the work that is required to be done. This office is one that is to be sought after. It is a noble undertaking that requires an abundance of prayer, tough skin, meek disposition, compassionate understanding, and a willingness to do what is right even when no one else wants to do right. This position of leadership is one that has joys, but also has sorrows. The Hebrew writer notes forcefully and thoughtfully that such a man who would be an Elder will have to give an account for those who he has overseen. (Hebrews 13:17) God’s people, the church, the saved, the flock of God, are an awesome responsibility to be called upon to watch over. (Acts 20:28-32) These sheep that belong to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, are very special to Him. He will ask those under-shepherds to give an accounting for the way in which they led. They will also be asked to give an accounting of each one to whom it was their God-given responsibility to take care of. (I Peter 5:1-4) For a job well-done he will offer each man who was privileged to serve a crown of glory that will not fade away.
According to the teachings of the New Testament, only men qualified may accept and hold this office. Note very closely those qualifications as given in I Timothy 3 and Titus
1. Just as you and I are separated for the purposes of God, these men when appointed are to be set aside for the service of the kingdom. Titus was told to ordain men in every city for this work. This work is not just another hat we wear. It is not a sign of social standing. It is not to be considered as a means to bully the brethren, nor persecute the preacher. The blessings that an Elder enjoys in being a shepherd, pastor, bishop surpass anything that this world might offer. They are given the opportunity to bring the lost to Christ. They have the joy of bringing erring brethren back into the fold of safety. They can see the new birth of a Christian and watch as they grow and mature into the likeness of the Savior. Every member must follow their lead when they follow Christ. They are responsible for the safe-keeping of the souls of every person in the congregation including that of the minister. Whether a minister or a regular member, we must all work together to promote the cause of Christ and help one another to go to heaven together. Their authority for the decisions they make is based upon the authority that has been delegated and entrusted into their care by Christ Himself. This authority is given through the written word of God. They must abide within its teachings and do only those things that are always in the best interest of the congregation. Their decisions must be obeyed.
We must hold their hands up. Encourage them and help them.
Larry R. Scott, former Elder
PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYDAY
LIFE – AUTHORITY AND THE ELDERS – (Week 7) Friday February 22nd., 2008
Terms used in I Timothy 3 for the qualifications of Elders. Give a definition for each.
1. “desire the office of a bishop” __________________________________________
2. blameless __________________________________________________________
3. husband of one wife__________________________________________________
4. vigilant____________________________________________________________
5. sober______________________________________________________________
6. of good behavior_____________________________________________________
7. given to hospitality___________________________________________________
8. apt to teach_________________________________________________________
9. not given to wine____________________________________________________
10. no striker__________________________________________________________
11. not greedy of filthy lucre______________________________________________
12. patient_____________________________________________________________
13. not a brawler________________________________________________________
14. not covetous________________________________________________________
15. one that ruleth well his own house_______________________________________
having his children in subjection with all gravity____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
16. not a novice_________________________________________________________
17. have a good report of them which are without______________________________
Does Titus say that an Elder is to hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught?
__________ (Titus 1:9)
Does an Elder need to know “sound doctrine” if he would exhort and convince others
of the truth he imparts to them? __________ (Titus 1:9)
Are you responsible for obeying the Elders in the congregation where you attend? _____
If you do not have Elders, should you try to encourage the men to pursue the qualifications of an Elder? ______
Student__________________ Date___________________
Grade_______________
Instructor: Larry R. Scott, minister
Serving the Churches of Christ