THE LOCAL CHURCH AND ITS ELDERS

God designed the church to function under qualified elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11; 1 Peter 5:1-4). It would be a misconception to insist that elders be sinlessly prefect people. It would also be a misconception to believe that one could be a scriptural elder who has not attained the Bible qualifications.

 

WHAT DO BIBLE ELDERS OWE THE CHURCH?

(1) Bible elders owe the church a good example of true Christianity (1 Peter 5:3).

(2) They also are to shepherd God’s flock (Acts 20:28; Ezekiel 34).

(3) They are to take heed to all the flock (Acts 20:28).

(4) They are to feed the church of God (Acts 20:28).

(5) They are to guard and care for the flock (Acts 20:29-32).

(6) They are to see that the Lord’s work is carried out properly by taking the oversight

(1 Peter 5:2).

(7) They are not to be Lord’s over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:3).

 

WHAT DOES THE CHURCH OWE THE ELDERS?

(1) The church is to imitate the faith of its elders (Heb. 13:7).

(2) It must also esteem the elders highly and to do all that is possible to keep the church at

peace (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

(3) The church must obey the elders and be submissive because elders must give account for

every soul in the church they oversee (Hebrews 13:17).

(4) It must be careful to handle criticism against an elder in a scriptural way (1 Timothy 5:19).

Leadership and fellowship are essential to strong churches. A church with Bible elders

and members willing to obey God is both blessed and a blessing!