Introduction:-

 

To be an Elder in a local church is a challenge and privilege, unfortunately few qualify to meet the standards required in God’s Word. Why is the standard so high and demanding? The answer is revealed in the words of Jesus, John.10:11-15, & 27, and later in the Epistles of Paul and Peter as they wrote under the anointing and revelation of the Holy Spirit 2.Tim.3:16-17, who gave them specific detailed qualifications required by a local church elder. Their own experience of the strengths and weaknesses of people as new churches were established would confirm these standards set by the Lord.

 

Eldership is not one of status, it is one of active participation and ministry as a leader in the Body of Christ, a high calling in which the prime purpose is to serve the people not our own ego this is what makes an elders role so challenging and demanding.

 

John.10:11-15 & 27.

 

v.11a. “I am the good shepherd” Good = Gk. Kalos = That which is well adapted to the circumstances or end (lit: ministry or reason), that which is ethically correct, good, noble and honorable.

 

v.11b. “The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep” Risks and lays down his (own) life for the sheep. Sacrificial life, prepared to risk danger to himself for the sheep.

 

v.12-13. “The hireling or hired hand”, describes someone in our understanding who has sought the office of an elder, for the wrong reasons of position and power or possibly has been appointed because of social standing in the community or commerce, without serious consideration of his spiritual fitness for eldership. Such people have no real concern, no love for the sheep, their prime purpose is to satisfy their own ego with what they believe to be a the proper image or status. The Word says:- 1.Tim.5:21-22a. “Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions hastily” (The Message) literally, do not show favour and always look for real Christian fruit and commitment in their lives first. In reality potential elders should already be involved and showing visible signs of this ministry prior to any consideration for appointment.

 

v.14. “I am the good Shepherd, and I know my sheep” Obviously Elders must know their sheep, this amounts to having a close personal relationship with and care for those church members for whom they are responsibility.

 

v.15. “and I lay down My life for the sheep” This is very demanding upon anyone in leadership, requiring a willingness to sacrifice both time and effort to care for church members and their many needs. Additionally these verses explain from Jesus point of view and His own commitment the qualifications required in the word to be a good shepherd in the likeness of Him.

 

v.27. “My sheep hear My voice,-----and they follow Me” Local shepherd or elders are expected and required to lead from the front by example. A good shepherd leads the flock by his own example of commitment to the Lord and His word. People will hear and follow when they feel loved, cared for and trust the leaders.

 

Psalms 22, 23, & 24. These Psalms vividly portray the ministry of Jesus in line with and the revelation of the proceeding verses. The three Psalms are clearly one group.

 

PSALM.22 PSALM.23 PSALM. 24

 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD THE GREAT SHEPHERD THE CHIEF SHEPHERD

 

IN DEATH John.10:11 IN RESURRECTION Heb.13:20 IN GLORY 1.Peter.5:4

 

MY SAVIOUR MY SHEPHERD MY KING

 

THE CROSS THE ROD AND STAFF THE CROWN

 

THE PAST – GRACE THE PRESENT – GUIDANCE FUTURE - GLORY

 

CALVARY CHURCH & HOLY SPIRIT HEAVEN

 

GIVING ONESELF CARING FOR OTHERS ASSURING A FUTURE

 

1.Peter.2:25. Describes Jesus as “The Shepherd” and “Guardian” of our souls.(Amplified) note Psalm.23, in verses 1-3, “He” is used 4 times, verses.4-6 “You” used 3 times. This speaks of David’s deep personal recognition, that the Lord is both his shepherd and guide throughout his life, regarding himself as a sheep that needed constant care and protection to arrive safely at the place the Lord had reserved for him. An experienced shepherd David used his practical experience to illustrate his own and our potential relationship with the Lord.

 

Moses can also be used as an example of the Lords preparation of a man for leadership. His life can be divided into three periods of 40 years each. The first 40, he is brought up to be an Egyptian prince. Acts.7:20-22, v22; “Moses was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was powerful in both speech and action” nlt. Clearly a leader people would look to and follow. Similarly there are some talented leaders the world today possessing a certain “charisma” to lead others. These qualities are not acceptable to the Lord today, as they were not in the life of Moses whom the Lord had already chosen to lead His people out of Egypt to the Promised Land. At this time the Lord intervenes in Moses life allowing certain circumstances to take place that will ensure Moses complete separation from the life he had previously enjoyed. His very first lesson is that to try and do things for the Lord in our own strength and effort is futile. Ex.2:11-15

 

In the second 40 year period of Moses life, he is placed in God’s training school of leadership. Now separated from Egypt (the world). The Lord provides him with a wife and later children; He is now a shepherd looking after his father-laws flock of sheep. Tremendous change from a proud Egyptian Prince to a lowly shepherd. This is God’s way, Isa.55:8-9. In the Lords Kingdom it is not what anyone was or is in the world, it is what you are prepared to become in His Kingdom that is of prime importance. At the end of this period The Lord reveals Himself and His will for Moses at the “Burning Bush” Ex.3:1-18.

 

Please note the following important truths:-

 

1. It is the Lord who has called, chosen and prepared Moses for leadership, not man!

 

2. Moses as Ex.4:1-17 reveals, does not think he is ready to do the work the Lord has called him to do, and tries to avoid this responsibility. We are never ready, the man who thinks he is not only still proud and also prime material for failure.

 

3. Realize that if the Lord has selected and trained anyone for leadership, refusal to take the ministry position may result in Him never opening another door of opportunity in the church.

 

4. Refusal to take ones position as a leader will result in the Lord choosing another to take your place; the Lord will not be stopped in His divine purpose.

 

5. Ex.4:24-26. Reveals that Moses had yielded to his wife Zipporah regarding circumcision of their children. Reversing God’s order of authority in the family, this situation had to be corrected before Moses could fulfill his role of leadership of the nation of Israel.

 

6. The scriptures clearly teach. 1.Tim.3:1-7, that an elder must be the head and leader of the family otherwise he does not qualify for leadership position, note verses,4-5.

 

It is only when these requirements have been fulfilled does the Lord permit Moses to move into the third and most productive 40 year period of his life. He has had to learn many lessons at God’s hand, to bring him to the point where he is totally submissive to the Lord.

 

During 35 years of full time ministry, we have experienced many appointed into eldership or leadership positions who have failed due to their wives inability to accept their husband’s leadership in the home or they have unduly influenced their husbands regarding church related matters. Fathers who fail in their duty to correct their children in the home fall far short of the requirements for eldership.

 

Every potential leader must have a good testimony in the community, workplace or business relationship with the unsaved. If by seeking or accepting “eldership” for prestige and recognition the result will be failure with disastrous consequences for a church.

 

Inevitably pressure situations will arise in a church leadership which will quickly reveal weaknesses in any leader falling short of the requirements of God’s word.

 

The influence of the Synagogue in the structure of church authority

 

Before moving on to the detailed qualifications required for N.T, eldership is, we need reminding that Judaism is the foundation from which the church developed. This helps us to better understand the relationship roles of pastors and elders, as seen in the leadership structure of a Synagogue, at the time of Christ, from which biblical church leadership apparently was based upon as it evolved from the beginnings at Pentecost.

 

Leadership structure in a local Synagogue was comprised in the following manner. There would be a Ruler of the Synagogue as, Luke.8:41, describes; “Jairus a ruler of a Synagogue came seeking Jesus to heal his daughter”. As ruler or prime/first leader it would have been his responsibility to lead and control the services, selecting participants and maintaining order, plus representing the Synagogue in the community. He would have other men as elders to act as an advisory panel, assisting him in administration and teaching.

 

It is obvious as the early church developed this same principle was adopted, Timothy is sent by the Apostle Paul to pastor the church at Ephesus, he was effectively in control and responsible for the efficient running of the church. It is also clear from 1.Tim.3:1-7, that he was given very concise qualifications regarding the appointment of new elders. Timothy was expected to select and develop men to assist in running the church under his personal leadership. One pastoral leader, sowing vision etc, assisted by suitably qualified candidates who would as we say “buy into his vision for the church” An analogy is a dog cannot have three or more heads trying to control its body. Nor can a church operate scripturally under multiple or congregational rule. The Kingdom of God is a THEOCRACY, NOT A DEMOCRACY!

 

In the local church, there can only be one head anointed, appointed and sent by the Lord. Eph.4:11, plus several assistant leaders selected and appointed from church proven members. They are to comprise a ruling panel/board responsible to lead and direct the church caring for its welfare and wellbeing of every member, applying scriptural principles of discipline as required or found necessary.

 

Occasionally the Lord may also place His hand and anointing upon a locally raised elder, who then may become a gift ministry of Eph.4:11 recognized and sent out to take a role of the Pastor (leading elder) of another church. Incidentally where this happens it is preferable that all the previous elders in that church voluntarily step down and allow the new Pastor to develope a new leadership structure, having the same vision and purpose for the church as he does. This does not exclude a previous elder becoming part of a newly constituted leadership team providing he accepts the new Pastor and receives an invitation from him, being willing to change, submit and prepared to work under his leadership and direction.

 

Concerning eldership.

 

Referring to eldership in the O/T, elders were usually mature men who had attained through experience a certain degree of wisdom. No Levitical priest was appointed to the work of the Lord before becoming 30 years of age. Jesus did not commence his ministry until the same age. Moses as previously referred to was approximately 80 years old when he commenced his ministry to Israel. David although earlier anointed to replace Saul as king of Israel did not become king of Judah until he was 30 years old, and then a further 7 years before he was crowned king over all Israel. 2.Samuel.5:1-5. From a shepherd to ruler took several years of God’s method of preparation.

 

Compare the N/T, 1.Timothy.4:12. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” This does not justify the appointment of young inexperienced men into eldership. The “Pulpit Commentary” indicates that Timothy was probable between 35-40 years old, also in accordance with tradition it is believed he was martyred whilst Bishop of Ephesus in 97AD when 80 years old. Paul wrote to Timothy in approx 65AD, this would make Timothy 48 at the time Paul wrote to him at Ephesus.

 

Paul who had spent three years building, establishing and teaching the Ephesians assembly, is obviously very concerned that Timothy should not let anyone discriminate against him, because of his relatively “young age” as compared to Paul’s old age in spirituality, experience and maturity. From this we can conclude that the question of “youth” was in regard to spiritual maturity, not age.

 

Ministry qualifications for Eldership

 

1. Timothy.3:1-7 - Titus.1:5-9 The Amplified Bible. Comments based upon 1.Tim.3.

 

 

 

v.1. Desire = Gk. Lit; “ To stretch o0ne’s self forward to grasp”

 

Excellent/good work – Not the position but the work itself.

 

 

 

v.2. Husband of one wife – Practice of more than one wife or having concubines

 

fairly common in those days, Ephesus was known for loose living and Temple

 

prostitution.

 

Temperate = Sober in habits. Self controlled. Respectable = well behaved.

 

Leading orderly disciplined life. Hospitable = showing love and care for believers, especially visitors. Able to teach = Knowing the basic foundations of faith Hebrews.6:1-2, and teaching by being an example to the congregation.

 

v.3. Not a drinker, violent person, longsuffering and peaceable. Not a lover of money

 

v.4-5. This verse clearly teaches that if a man cannot lead, control and discipline his own family, is disqualified from taking care of God’s family the church.

 

v.6. An immature believer or one recently saved cannot become an elder, pride is the trap into which he may fall, following in the footsteps of Satan. Isaiah.14:12-14.

 

v.7. Also stresses the fact that anyone considered for eldership, must be highly regarded by those outside of the church. Obviously, leaders of the church are required to live to a higher moral and business standards than the unsaved. If any potential leader is living a double life it will be quickly picked up by the unsaved and bring the name of Christ and the church into disrepute, resulting in slander, and victory for the devil. Reputations of both the church and the individual will suffer.

 

n.b. The above are personal observations based upon scripture passages from Timothy and Titus, the qualification requirement should be strictly adhered to, when appointing elder/s for the good and well being of the church.

 

1.Peter.5:1-4. Peter’s further counsel concerning leaders/eldership of the church.

 

v.1. Peter gives a short testimony of his relationship with Christ, from his calling to a revelation of Jesus future glory,Mt.17:1-13, including Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, ascension of Jesus plus the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He does this to encourage the church elders who are in the churches scattered throughout Asia Minor, 1.Peter.1:1-2, modern day Turkey. He is also appealing and warning them of their responsibilities to the church members and their accountability to the Lord

 

v.2. Be shepherds of the flock that the Lord had made you responsible for. Willingly tend and care for them. Peter is probably referring back to the commission the Lord gave him in, John.21:15-17. Not greedy to use the flock for financial gain.

 

V.3 NOT AS LORDS OVER THOSE ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE, arrogant, overbearing, but by being examples to those you are leading.

 

n.b. Unfortunately some in leadership use their position to “Lord it over the flock” others use their position to literally “milk or fleece” the flock for personal financial gain.

 

v.4 Great reward awaits the faithful leader, a conqueror’s crown of glory. Abuse of the ministry will lead to judgement.

 

The proceeding clearly places strong emphasis upon elders to walk carefully before the Lord as all who hold this office will be held accountable on Judgment day. 2.Cor.5:10 and James.3:1.

 

Hebrews.13:7 and 17. These should also be read and understood in relationship to those already discussed.

 

v.7. This is primarily an exhortation to church members to, respect their leaders, follow their commitment to the Lord. Leaders must set an example that others can follow. (The good Shepherd leads the flock)

 

v.17. Secondly members are expected to submit or obey spiritual leaders, recognizing their spiritual authority in the Lord, as men who continually watch over the flock guarding and protecting their souls. The reason for this is that leaders will one day have to give an account for every person under their care.

 

A VERY STRONG REMINDER TO EVERY ELDER (PASTOR) OR THOSE DESIRING TO BECOME ONE, THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THEY KNOW THOSE ENTRUSTED TO THEIR CARE, SO THAT THEY MAY GIVE AN ACCOUNT TO THE LORD WITH JOY.

 

Acts.20:17-32, v.28-31. Paul’s strong exhortation to the Elders of the Ephesian church, to on their guard, constantly warning and protecting the members against those who would cause problems for the church from both outside and inside sources Watch and pray constantly. Time approximately A.D.58, and left Timothy behind at Ephesus with specific instructions regarding ministry to the Church 1.Tim.1:3-4. From this we can conclude that Timothy was effectively the Pastor or Senior Elder to the assembly.

 

1.Timothy, written by Paul in A.D.64, 2.Timothy written A.D.67, To Timothy who is in charge as the Pastor/Bishop, in later years he is known as the Bishop of Ephesus.

 

Finally every Elder or potential Elder should clearly understand that there is no such thing as once an Elder always an Elder, a concept that was taught by some in the past. Providing that an Elder continues to do the work of the Elder, there is no reason that it cannot be for a lifetime. However it is my personal belief that every newly appointed Elder be regarded as a Probationary Elder, for at least the first 12 months, during which time assessment can be made of his performance and commitment to the church. During this period he would be regularly interviewed by the Pastor with regard to pointing out any weaknesses and encouraged to continue to grow into the ministry of leadership. At the end of the 12 month period a decision made as to whether or not he been allowed to continue in the eldership team. Also existing elders in the same manner should also be reviewed every 12 months their performance and commitment to eldership coming under close examination by the Pastor, and if found lacking or wanting in their accountability as leaders in the church. They should be prepared to gracefully step down as elders.

 

Elder’s wives and their role in the church. References taken from Amplified and N.L.T.

 

1.Tim.3:11.

 

“(The) women likewise must be worthy of respect and serious, not gossipers, but temperate and self-controlled, (thoroughly) trustworthy in all things”. Amp.

 

“In the same way, their wives* must be respected and must not speak evil of others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do” N.L.T. *Greek word can be translated:- women or wives

 

Contextually the passage is referring to the ministry of a deacon 1.Tim3:8-12, and may also refer to the qualities required in either a Deacons wife or that of a Deaconess. Ref Romans.16:1-2.

 

 

 

Titus.2:3-5.

 

“Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment. As being those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble,

 

So that they will wisely train the young women to be sensible (sane) and sober-minded – temperate, disciplined – and to love their husbands and their children;

 

To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted) adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach – blasphemed or discredited” Amplified Bible.

 

v3.“Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. They must not go around speaking evil of others and must not be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. v4. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, v5. to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good. And be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God”. N.L.T

 

These passages have been quoted at length in order to stress the wives role in regard to the husband being or becoming an elder in the church. Referring to 1.Tim.3:11, must be taken in the context of verses 8-15 which refer to qualifications required for Deaconship, v.11. Starts with “likewise” or “in the same way” obviously it is clear that contextually the qualifications for a Deacon’s wife must also apply to the wives of Elders/Pastors. Any conclusion other than this is misleading. In fact the Elders ministry demands even higher standards than those of a Deacon. Therefore the same standards regarding wives must be applied to both ministries.

 

What is the role of a church leader’s wife?

 

a. Primarily to be a good and faithful helpmeet.

 

b. To be a companion as dedicated to the Lord as he is, an elder’s work is heavy.

 

c. Because a leader’s wife is often aware or privy to situations in the church or individuals lives, it is absolutely necessary for her to be discreet, and not a gossip.

 

d. Should be seen to be both alongside and supportive of her husband’s ministry.

 

e. Elder’s wives are not “church officers” but they are “one flesh” with the man who serves in that capacity.

 

f. The wife is there to protect her husband – No man should ever counsel or visit any other women alone.

 

g. Finally it is important to stress that although a leader’s wife may be very involved. She does not hold an official position in God’s order for the church.

 

Simply put:- The Pastor’s wife = A wife of the Pastor. An Elders wife = A wife of the elder, A Deacon’s wife = A wife of the Deacon

 

There is nothing in N.T, scripture that substantiates ordination of women to an office of leader, elder or a position in the church other than of a Deaconess.

 

 

 

This does not preclude women ministering in the church, those who do so with anointing and success are invariably answerable to a church leadership operating under their spiritual authority. Kerry Southey, now deceased had the most profound teaching and prophetic ministry, she always submitted herself to spiritual authority of church leaders, even to the fact she asked a number of Pastors to be her “wise men” who she could consult at various times for spiritual direction.

 

n.b. These notes are not intended to belittle the valuable role that women play in the church. Without doubt they are the most faithful and committed of all church members. Frequently because of the indifference and failure of men to take up their responsibilities in the church, women have stepped into the gap, and proved to be remarkably faithful and capable.