Role of Elders in the Church

Elders Who they are and what they do Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

1 Peter 5:1-5 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:1-5 To whom, from whom To the elders of a local church 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. From Peter; not the disciple or apostle, but elder

Peters 3 reasons for writing this 1 Peter 5:1-5 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. an elder to elders I saw Jesus suffer for His sheep I, along with you elders, will receive glory

1 Peter 5:1-5 3 Terms for 1 Office elder 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. shepherd/ pastor overseer/ bishop

Acts 20:17,28 3 Terms for 1 Office Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. And when they came to him, he said to them: elder Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood overseer/ bishop shepherd/ pastor

1 Peter 5:1-5 2 Tasks for Elders 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Tend the flock Watch over them

1 Peter 5:1-5 done in 3 ways Form: - not like this, + but like this 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. - not because you have to, + but because you want to, as God would want you to

1 Peter 5:1-5 done in 3 ways Form: - not like this, + but like this 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. - not for a love of money, prestige or power, + but wanting to for the value of the task itself

1 Peter 5:1-5 done in 3 ways Form: - not like this, + but like this 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. - not for the authority + but in such a way that you are a positive role model to those for whom you are responsible

The Reward for Eldering Like this 1 Peter 5:1-5 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. an elders reward is a future and eternal crown of glory from Jesus, the chief Shepherd Himself

One instruction for non-elders 1 Peter 5:1-5 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit to your elders ( cf. Heb 13:17)

One crucial element for all 1 Peter 5:1-5 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humility for God will either oppose you proud, or supply you meek

Elders and Deacons - Qualifications and Roles Roles Elders Deacons Preach - 2 Tim 4:2; Acts 6:2 Pray - Jas 5:14; Acts 6:4 Serve - 1 Tim 3:10; Acts 6:2 Serve well - 1 Tim 3:13 Command & teach - 1 Tim 4:11 Grow doctrinally - 1 Tim 4:6-7 Refute error - Tit 1:9 Guard - Acts 20:28-29 Watch over - 1Pet 5:2 Care for - 1Tim 3:5 Rule well - 1Tim 5:17 Set an example - 1Tim 4:12 Watch their life - 1Tim 4:16 Anoint the sick - Jas 5:14 Lay on hands -1Tim 5:22

Elders Who they are and what they do Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

The Ordination Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

The Ordination TO THE ELDERS 1. Do you reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ your Saviour, acknowledge him Lord of all and head of the Church and through him believe in one God Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON 2. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

1. Do you reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ your Saviour, acknowledge him Lord of all and head of the Church and through him believe in one God Father, Son and Holy Spirit? The Ordination 2. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, totally trustworthy, fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and the supreme final and only infallible rule of faith and practice? Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 the essential tenets of faith as expressed in 3. Do you sincerely believe, receive and adopt LANCE LAUGHTON this church s Statement of Belief, as reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

rule of faith and practice? The Ordination 3. Do you sincerely believe, receive and adopt the essential tenets of faith as expressed in this church s Statement of Belief, as reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by the Statement as you lead the people of God? 4. Do you promise that if at any time, you find yourself out of accord with any part of the Statement of Belief, you will, on your own Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 initiative, make known to your fellow elders LANCE LAUGHTON the change which has taken place in your views since your assumption of this vow? Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

The Ordination 4. Do you promise that if at any time, you find yourself out of accord with any part of the Statement of Belief, you will, on your own initiative, make known to your fellow elders the change which has taken place in your views since your assumption of this vow? 5. Do you subscribe to the government and discipline of the Horison Baptist Church? Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 6. Will you fulfil your office in obedience to Jesus Christ, being continually guided by the LANCE LAUGHTON Holy Spirit under the authority of Scripture? Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

initiative, make known to your fellow elders the change which has taken place in your views since your assumption of this vow? The Ordination 5. Do you subscribe to the government and discipline of the Horison Baptist Church? 6. Will you fulfil your office in obedience to Jesus Christ, being continually guided by the Holy Spirit under the authority of Scripture? Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 7. Do you promise to be mutually submissive LANCE LAUGHTON to your fellow elders in the Lord and will you love your colleagues in ministry, working with Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

The Ordination 6. Will you fulfil your office in obedience to Jesus Christ, being continually guided by the Holy Spirit under the authority of Scripture? 7. Do you promise to be mutually submissive to your fellow elders in the Lord and will you love your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God s Word and Spirit? Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 own heart, to accept the office of elder from 8. Have you been led, as far as you know your LANCE LAUGHTON love of God and a sincere desire to promote his glory in the gospel of His Son? Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

to your fellow elders in the Lord and will you love your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God s Word and Spirit? The Ordination 8. Have you been led, as far as you know your own heart, to accept the office of elder from love of God and a sincere desire to promote his glory in the gospel of His Son? 9. Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in promoting the truths of the gospel and the purity and peace of the church, whatever Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 persecution or opposition may arise against LANCE LAUGHTON you on that account? Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

own heart, to accept the office of elder from love of God and a sincere desire to promote his glory in the gospel of His Son? The Ordination 9. Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in promoting the truths of the gospel and the purity and peace of the church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise against you on that account? 10. Will you be faithful and diligent in the exercise of your private duties as an elder whether personal or relative, private or public, Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 and will you endeavour by the grace of God to LANCE LAUGHTON live a life that demonstrates the gospel before this congregation. Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

you on that account? The Ordination 10. Will you be faithful and diligent in the exercise of your private duties as an elder whether personal or relative, private or public, and will you endeavour by the grace of God to live a life that demonstrates the gospel before this congregation. 11. Are you now willing to take personal responsibility in the life of this congregation as elders to oversee the ministry and resources of the church and to devote yourself Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 to prayer, the ministry of the Word and to the LANCE LAUGHTON shepherding of God s flock, relying on the grace of God, in such a way that this church Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

11. Are you now willing to take personal responsibility in the life of this congregation as elders to oversee the ministry and resources of the church and to devote yourself to prayer, the ministry of the Word and to the shepherding of God s flock, relying on the grace of God, in such a way that this church and the entire church of Jesus Christ will be blessed? The Ordination TO THE CONGREGATION Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 12. Do you, the members of the Horison LANCE LAUGHTON Baptist Church, acknowledge and publicly receive Brian van Olden and Rodney Grobler Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

The Ordination 12. Do you, the members of the Horison Baptist Church, acknowledge and publicly receive Brian van Olden and Rodney Grobler as elders as a gift of God to this church, to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ? We do. 13. Will you love them and pray for them in their ministry and work together with them humbly and cheerfully, that by the grace of God you may accomplish the mission of the church, giving them all due honour and Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON support in their leadership to which the Lord as called them, to the glory and honour of Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

church, giving them all due honour and support in their leadership to which the Lord as called them, to the glory and honour of God? We will. The Ordination Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash

The Ordination Elders: who they are and what they do 1 Peter 5:1-5 LANCE LAUGHTON Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash