Elders (Consists of males including the Pastor who is the main teaching Elder)

The Bible calls shepherding/spiritual leaders “Elders” which means “overseer.”  This office was established in the church for the spiritual oversight, care, management and protection of the congregation (Acts 20:28-31).  The primary role of the Elder is to shepherd and lead the congregation through teaching and prayer.
 

I.  The Biblical pattern for the Elder:

  1. Elders were appointed in the local churches (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5)
  2. Elders were the consistent pattern of leadership in the Bible  (Acts 11:30; 15:2; 20:17; 20:28; I Timothy 4:14; I Peter 5:1-3; Hebrews 13:17)
     

II.  The Biblical role of the Elder:

  1. Directing the affairs of the church  (I Tim. 5:17-22)
  2. Managing and overseeing the affairs of the church  (I Tim 3:4-5)
  3. Shepherding the Church like a flock (I Peter 5:2-5)
  4. Protecting and caring for the souls of the Church (Acts 20: 28-31; Heb. 13:17)
  5. Teaching and living sound doctrine (I Tim 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9)
  6. Praying for the congregation (James 5:13-16)
  7. Being accountable to God as they serve (not lord over) the congregation (I Peter 5:1-4)

**Note:  The head pastor is the Elder whose main labor is preaching and teaching although all of the other Elders must be able to teach the Word either formally or informally by example. (I Tim 5:17; Ephesians 4:11)
 

III.  The Biblical Qualifications of an Elder:

Titus 1:6-9; I Timothy 3:2-7 – He must:

• Live above reproach
• Be a male with one wife
• Be temperate
• Be self-controlled
• Be respectable
• Be hospitable
• Be able to teach
• Not given to drunkenness
• Not be violent but rather gentle
• Not be quarrelsome
• Not be a lover of money
• Manage his own household well

• Be able to manage God's household well
• Not be a recent convert
• Have a good reputation with outsiders
• Not be overbearing
• Not pursue dishonest gain
• Love what is good
• Be upright
• Be holy
• Be disciplined
• Hold firmly to the gospel
• Encourage sound doctrine
• Refute false doctrine

I
Timothy 4:11-16 – He must:

• Set an example in speech, life, love, faith & purity
• Devote himself to the public reading of Scripture
• Devote himself to preaching & teaching

• Use his spiritual gifts
• Watch his life & doctrine closely
 






Titus 2:6-8 – He must:

  • Show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech in his teaching

 

I Peter 5:1-4 – He must:

• Be a shepherd
• Serve as an overseer willingly

• Not be greedy for money
• Not lord his leadership over those entrusted to him