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Biblical Eldership: Part 1

A growing flock needs more shepherds.

What if the Word says it matters? Would we hold that same standard to

our government? Structure can enhance or hinder the

Great Commission.

Objection: Structure doesn’t matter. Just preach the Word.

Structure facilitates growth.

Ephesians 4:11–13 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

Purpose of Church Leadership

Church led by senior pastor with elders and deacons.

Pastor = Paid ShepherdElder = Board MemberPastor ≠ Elder

Grace Community Church 2000

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

1 Peter 5:1-4

Elder – Presbyteros: 1. to being relatively advanced in age, older, old. 2. an official.

Describes who they are (mature).

Overseer – Episkopos: one who has the responsibility of safeguarding or seeing to it that something is done in the correct way, guardian

Describes what they are to do (oversee).

Pastor – Poimen (usually a verb): 1. to serve as tender of sheep, herd, tend, (lead to) pasture . 2. to watch out for other people, to shepherd, of activity that protects, rules, governs, fosters, fig. ext.

Describes how they are to do it (like a shepherd).

Terms

Teach/Preach – 2 Timothy 4:1-2 Reprove – bring to light, expose, convict Rebuke – warn, speak seriously Exhort – come alongside, encourage

Manage (lead) – 1 Timothy 5:17 Protect – Acts 20:28 Pray – James 5:16

This cannot be done by one person who is accountable to a board of directors.

How are elders to shepherd (pastor)?

Elders are overseers who pastor and can be lay or vocational.

The church shall be led by a team of elders.

Pastor = Elder

How We Understand Eldership

Pitfalls of isolation or poor structure. Isolated, even in a crowdStuck in infancyVulnerable to enemy.

Benefits of well led community.Experience presence of Christ

collectivelyEquipped to serve and matureProtection from the enemy.

Are you being shepherded?

John 10:14-18 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”