The Elder: The Work and His Children

I. Introduction: Paul said that if a man desired the position of a bishop, or elder, he desired a good work (1 Timothy 3:1). His work benefits the local church in its attempt to serve God. Though he may undergo personal trials as an elder, his reward will be great for he has chosen, and met God’s qualifications, to lead God’s people through the difficulties of life to the eternal home by following the path Jesus laid before him.

II. Text:

III. Grave responsibility of elders

A. God’s leaders usually approached their positions with trepidation and humility.

B. Moses: Exodus 3:7-11 – who am I? Saul: 1 Samuel 10:17-24 – abbreviate choosing process; hid among the baggage David: 2 Samuel 2:1-7 – Did not arrogantly assume the throne when anointed Solomon: 1 Kings 3:6-10 – Saw himself as a child, not a leader

C. Leadership of God’s people is not earthly leadership positions

D. PTO president or other activity leader: probably more concerned with having the time to do the work effectively more than your qualifications or feeling inadequate to lead the group. Occupational leadership (manager, project leader, etc.): Probably more concerned with being able to fulfill the responsibilities demanded by the position. An elder realizes that he is leading God’s people and though time and the elder’s responsibilities figure into his desire to serve, he is more likely to be concerned that he is not worthy of the role or that his inadequacies might harm the church. It is a serious leadership position and one must not take it lightly; however, one must also realize that he is not alone in the work.

E. Concerns of one desiring to serve as an elder

F. Many unknowns, like parenthood and marriage

G. We do not know all that we will endure in marriage and parenthood but we enter into those relationships with a hope that all will work out well.

H. We may have seen someone else’s experience and fear that we will repeat their mistakes.

I. A man may not want to be like his father in his husband/father role. A woman may want to be like her exemplary mother and add characteristics her mother did not have.

J. An elder may have seen a father or other respected person as an elder and desire the work or seek to avoid it.

K. Must remember that each person’s experience is unique: different times, different people, different churches, and different fellow elders We can learn from the good examples of others but we travel the road for the first time—each experience is new and unique to our situation.

L. Desire to be successful

M. God desired those with maturity and experience serve as elders because the inexperienced are likely to make decisions that hurt rather than help the work.

N. The plurality of elders also reflects God’s wisdom in the desire for an effective and successful eldership.

O. One person cannot be all things to all people One person cannot be effective in every area of service Each elder has different strengths and weaknesses and, with a plurality, the strengths are magnified and the weaknesses are minimized. Perhaps we are more afraid of failure than we should be; God desires success and will help the work to be successful if we trust Him.

P. Dealing with Christians who do not act like Christians, who teach false things, or ignore their responsibilities

Q. Brethren should not act in such a way, Hebrews 13:17. If we do not have elders, eventually everyone will have to deal with problems that may have grown out of control if given time. The elders are able to address dangerous issues before they flourish.

R. Dysfunctional problems need the wisdom, patience, and rule that the eldership can provide—together they can devise a prudent solution.

S. Proverbs 15:22 – multitude of counselors All of the elders want what is best for the church and so can devise a workable solution through their combined wisdom.

IV. Qualifications of elders

A. Discussed recently but we should do a quick review

B. Mental Discipline

C. Sober-minded – prudent or sensible Temperate – vigilant; A person who is moderate in all of his appetites and emotions; not extravagant Not covetous or greedy for money - NAS: “not fond of sordid gain”; NIV: “[not using] shameful ways to make money” Not self-willed - Though the elder is to rule over the flock of God, he does not do so as a harsh overseer but as a loving shepherd; his mind reflecting the mind of Christ, the congregation over his own will and desire. Holy - The elder must be a devout follower of God; dedicated to His service.

D. High Moral Character

E. Blameless - A person whose character is without reproach; This does not mean that he is a perfect person, but he does not have character issues that would bring reproach upon the church Experienced Christian - He is not to be a new Christian; a novice. Just - An honest and fair person; Albert Barnes said “he is upright in his duty to all and faithful in his duty to God.” A lover of what is good - lover of good men;” He, like God, love those who love Jesus; he is drawn to high character and appreciates those who are trying to serve God. Proper Behavior - Naturally, we expect that one, who is dedicated to God in mind and character, would be dedicated to Him in his behavior. Of good behavior - Some translations say respectable; When people see the elder, they should see one who acts like a Christian in all his dealings with others; people should see Christ living in him.

F. Sober-minded influence

G. Not violent - His mind and temper are under his control; he does not lash out in the heat of anger nor does he engage in fistfights. Not quarrelsome - The elder does not strive about in useless quarrels either. Not given to wine - His sober-minded approach and good reputation in the community will not allow him to become a drunkard. Hospitable - The elder has an open heart and friendly greeting for those who are strangers among the brethren.

H. Spiritual Leader

I. Able to teach - he must be knowledgeable of God’s will and have the ability to teach it to others in various types of settings. Able to confront error - He must be able to see false doctrine for what it is and oppose it with God’s word.

J. Positive Family Relationships

K. Rules his own house well - One can see by the daily administration of the family whether he is ruling his house or being ruled by it. He must have the oversight of this primary relationship before he can hope to have oversight over the church of God. Husband of one wife – not a single man or a bigamist; if a man’s wife dies and he remarries, he is still the husband of one wife for his first marriage was ended by death, else he is a bigamist.

L. Faithful children - Children who are faithful to God and obedient to their parents while under their rule

M. Not accused of riot - NIV: “who are not accused of having wild lifestyles” Not unruly - Other translations say not insubordinate or rebellious ; The elder must lead his children with example and authority.

N. Can a man with one child be considered for the eldership?

O. If we want to know the meaning of a word, such as baptism, we look at all uses and their contexts to determine the scriptural use of the word. We should approach the word “children” the same way.

P. “Children” is used in a singular and plural sense in scriptures and in our language

Q. Common use:

R. Movie: Children under 17 not admitted without parent or guardian—can one plead that he or she is an only child? Application: “How many children do you have?” Can a person with one child answer the question?

S. Bible use:

T. Genesis 21:7 – Nursed “children” yet had Isaac only Mark 10:29 – Will the person who left one child not receive the blessing? Mark 12:19 – One child would invalidate their argument1 Timothy 5:10 – Only reared multiple children? Titus 2:4 – Only love multiple children? Colossians 3:21 – Do not provoke multiple children only? Ephesians 6:1 – Only multiple children are to obey parents? Therefore, in strict scriptural usage the word “children” can refer to one or several children.

U. Opinion objection: A person who has reared only one child does not have the same experience as one who has reared multiple children.

V. Either one or several children are a challenge to any parent One with only two children does not have the experience that the parent who has reared three, four, or more children has Rearing any children and keeping them in subjection requires wisdom and godly direction.

V. Process of selection at Northwood

A. A person who wishes to be considered as an elder, who feels that he meets the qualifications, submits his name for consideration to our elders.

B. The elders consider his qualifications and whether to pursue an appointment at this time or give the person some things to work on so that he could be considered again in the future.

C. If the elders think that he meets the scriptural qualifications, they put his name before the congregation to see if there are any scriptural objections to his appointment.

D. Objections must not be based on hearsay, opinion, or other subjective criteria. Objections must have a scriptural basis whether in regard to leadership, family qualifications, or personal qualifications for the elder.

E. If there are no objections or any objections are settled to the satisfaction of the elders they will, at a time they choose, appoint the man to the office of elder—this is a decision for the elders to make.

F. This is not written in stone so if the elders determine a more expedient way of handling the process, they have the right to do so.

G. We should pray for them in their decision, carefully consider the names that have been presented for consideration, and support the person if appointed as elder.

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