Gods Plan for Leadership in the Church

God’s Plan for Leadership in the Church
Shepherds of the Flock
The NT Pattern
Philippians 1:1 - Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons …

The NT Pattern
Titus 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you --
Scriptural Terms …
Acts 14:23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Scriptural Terms …
Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Scriptural Terms …
Elders or Presbyters — from the Greek word, “presbuteros,” meaning older. (Acts 14:23; 20:17)

Bishop or Overseer — from the Greek word “episkopos,” meaning one who oversees, to take care of.” (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2)

Pastors or Shepherds — from the Greek word “poimen,” meaning shepherd. (Ephesians 4:11, see also Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-2)

Scriptural Terms …
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Scriptural Terms …
1 Peter 5:1-2 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
Why Elders are Needed
It is a good work (1 Tim. 3:1)
God wants each local church to be overseen like a flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2)
Watch over the souls of members (Heb.13:17)
Qualified Men who desire to serve willingly
1 Timothy 3:1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
1 Peter 5:1-2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly..
Qualified Men who desire to serve willingly
1 Timothy 3:2-7 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)
Areas of Qualification
Have the desire to do the work
Men of maturity, wisdom, good character
Married men with proven experience in leading their own families
Knowledge and ability to teach, exhort, and uphold the truth
Respected both within and outside the church

What is Missing without Elders
Titus 1:5:9 – the church is lacking and not complete; the flock may be at risk from harmful teaching and influences
1 Tim. 3:1 – it is a good work which is not being done if no elders are serving
Acts 20:28: Heb. 13:17 – lack guidance and oversight from recognized shepherds to lead the flock
It is Time for us to
It is Time for us to Consider Elders
Each member should carefully consider the qualifications.
Are there other men who have the desire and believe they are qualified?
In view of these qualifications, do you wish for us to become elders?
Elders’ Responsibilities to the Congregation
Shepherd the flock, take the oversight (Acts 20:28)
Tend the flock willingly (1 Pet. 5:2)
Watch for the souls of members (Heb. 13:17)
Know the flock (1 Thess. 5:12-14)
Be examples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-2)
Rule well, labor in a good work (1 Tim. 5:17)
Member’s Responsibilities to the Elders
Know them and respect them (1 Thess 5:12-13)
Obey and submit to their leadership (Heb. 13:7,17)
Call upon them for prayer and needs (James 5:14)
Reprove them if they sin, but not without one or two witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19-20)
Make their task a joy, not a grief (Heb. 13:17)