“The Work & Role of Elders” {Part I}

Introduction:

A.    “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1).  Our Bishops have asked me to discuss the work and role of an elder for the next several weeks.  We are going to do this for three reasons:

1.      It is a Biblical Topic (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 4:11).

2.      It is a Misunderstood Topic (i.e. Pope, Pastor/Preacher).

3.      It is a Vital Topic to this congregation.

a.  It is difficult, if not impossible for two men to oversee a congregation this   size.

b.  If there are qualified men they need to step up an be accounted for(Josh. 24:15, Isa. 6:1ff).

c.       A congregation is lacking when it does not have proper leadership (Titus 1:5).

B.     One can never overemphasize the need to study the Scriptural Organization of the church.

1.      The first mentioned departure from the pattern was in church Government (Bishop, Acts 20:29-31a)

2.      Many congregations have been hurt because some members did not understand how the church should be lead.

3.      Pray for this congregation as we enter into this elder/deacon process.

I.  What Church Government is NOT…

            A.  Not Majority Rule

                        1.  The 12 year old and the 60 year old would have the same voice in the church

                        2.  Bible knowledge and experience in the kingdom would not matter.

                        3.  This makes the church into a democracy and a vote.

4.      Politicking and Division would occur if this were the rule.

B.  Not Mob Rule

            1.  Generated by very emotional issues

            2.  Raises its head during big decisions.

            3.  Ring leaders call all the members and stir them up so they can get what they                       want.

C.    Not a Dictatorship

1.  God intended for the church to have a plurality of elders (Titus 1:5; 30 x’s elders)

2.  God never intended for one man to be the Pastor.

3.  Why a plurality of elders? (lead away, checks and balances, different talents).

4.  Among the elders, a “Head Elder” should not exist.

D.    Not a Hierarchy

1.  A Hierarchy is a clergy/laity system (i.e. Pope, Cardinal, Priests, Members).

2.  1 Peter 5:2a “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you…” 

3.  Chock and Vernon have no authority over the Long Grove congregation.

E.     Not Proxy Rule

1.  Proxy rule is when one votes the wishes of another.

2.  Some think the elders must poll the congregation when making decisions.

3.  When members rebel against elders because they weren’t asked before a decision was made it shows they do not understand the work of an elder

4.  Hebrews 13:17 “ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.”  NASB

5.  However, wise elders will strive to know and be in touch with the congregation.

F.     Not a Board of Directors

1.  The church has been terribly harmed in its mission because of this mentality.

2.  When elders primary concerns are finances and the budget the church government has missed the mark.

3.  The majority of elders meetings should consist of discussing the faithfulness of members and how they can better tend and feed the flock. (Acts 6:4).

4.  The church does not need business men it needs shepherds of our souls who can help lead us to heaven not to financial security.

*Some of the ideas for this sermon were taken from a book by Robert Taylor entitled “The Elder and His Work”.