Leadership in the Church of Christ:

THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH (Part 2)

Leadership is such an important study for the church today.  Congregations are struggling in immaturity, dealing with the role of women, and prideful Christian leaders.  I hope you are learning from this series.  In our last article I mentioned the three main terms used for elders.  In this article I want to show you what the Bible says about these titles. . . .

1)    presbuteros = Elders/Presbyters  

          Acts 14:23 - The early Christians "appointed elders in every church."

Acts 20:17 - Paul "called to him the elders of the church."
I Timothy 5:17 - The "elders who rule well" should be considered worthy.

I Timothy 5:19 - Don’t accuse an "elder" without "two or three witnesses."
Titus 1:5 - Paul told preachers to "appoint elders in every city"
James 5:14 - If you are sick you should "call for elders of the church."
I Peter 5:1 - Christians should "exhort the elders"

I Peter 5:5 - Christians should "be subject to" the elders.

2)   episkopos = Overseers/Supervisors/Managers
     Acts 20:28 - "The Holy Spirit" makes them "overseers."
     Philippians 1:1 - Paul exhorted the "overseers and deacons" in Philippi.
     I Timothy 3:1 - A man should desire "the office of overseer."
     I Timothy 3:2 - There are qualifications for "an overseer."
     Titus 1:7 - "The overseer must be above reproach.... "

3)   poimen = Shepherds/Pastors
      Acts 20:28 - Godly men need to "to shepherd the church of God."

     Ephesians 4:11 - God has appointed "some as pastors and teachers."

In a generic way the New Testament also refers to these men as simply leaders.  For instance, in Romans 12:8 Paul says leaders should lead "with diligence."  Likewise the Hebrew writer encourages his readers to honor their leaders/elders (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24) which clearly was meant for the elders of the church.

          There are qualifications for the elders in I Timothy 3, Titus 1, and I Peter 5.  It would take this entire page to place them here, but I strongly encourage you to read them.  Among those qualities are attitudes that emulate Jesus.  Jesus was a leader with a servant-heart (Matthew 20:28).  Church leaders should not seek prominence (III John 9), dominance (I Peter 5:3), or cause disputes and division (I Timothy 6:4).

          We need to "be subject to the elders" (I Peter 5:5), "imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7), and join them in ministry of all believers (Ephesians 4:12). Have you thanked your elders for their service in the church?  Maybe you should do that today.