The scriptures record, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1). The writer Paul goes on to list the qualifications of a man who is to be a bishop. We know there are several descriptive terms that help define a bishop and his work. We know these men are overseers (Acts 20:28); elders (1 Pet. 5:1); pastors (Eph. 4:11); shepherds (1 Pet. 5:1-5); presbyters (1 Tim. 4:14). Each of these words gives us a different view of the eldership. Paul gives Timothy a list of qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-8) as well as to Titus (Titus 1:5-9).
Elders have a heavy responsibility. Often times they must feed a flock that doesn’t want to be fed. To some the eldership is just a figure head of the church and those for whom they watch have no responsibility to obey (Heb. 13:17). Some have the idea that I will only follow the leadership of the church if I agree with their direction. Elders have no jurisdiction over the Bible. The Bible is inspired and no elder has the right to change or negate any of it. In relationship to the word of God they are to teach it and watch out for false teachers that may enter the flock (Mt. 7:15; Acts 20:28). However, in matters of opinion and judgment the elders set the course and make decisions. Peter’s instructions are (1 Peter 5:1-5):
1. “Feed the flock” – Teach them! Vs. 2
2. “Take the oversight” – Be in charge willingly! Vs. 2
3. “Not for filthy lucre” – Don’t do it because you get paid to do it! Vs. 2
4. Don’t be lords over God’s heritage – The elders rule the church (Heb. 13:17) but they are not to use their authority improperly.
John Maxwell in his notes on leadership and the scriptures suggest the following:
1. He is a minister to the people. He is to shepherd them vs. 2.
2. He is a mentor to the people. “Peter asks them to eagerly invest in the flock, not as lords, but as examples vs. 2-3.
3. He is a manager of the people. He exercises oversight to those entrusted to his care vs. 3.
4. He is a model for the people. Demonstrate how to live vs. 3.
(Taken from Lesson In Leadership From The Bible, John Maxwell, pg. 1534)
Before I was an elder I knew all the answers, wow! I wish I could remember them, now.
Larry