Neal continued our series looking at the early church in the book of Acts, looking at the roles and responsibilities of elders and our duties to them.
At the start of his preach, Neal showed the "Class Sketch" from "This Was The Week That Was".
This morning we looked at the early church from Acts and how elders were initiated and their role as outlined by Paul in Acts. We also looked at how the eldership works in our own Church, particularly now that Dave has stepped down and we have three elders leading the Church and lastly we looked at the Church’s responsibility towards the eldership team.
We started by asking what is your view of Elders – are they Christian super Heroes with a hotline to God – with amazing wisdom and super spiritual beings? Actually they are normal guys with normal fears and doubts that have been chosen by God for a specific task – that of leading and protecting the Church.
We looked at Acts 14 vs 23 and Acts 20 vs 28 about the appointment of elders in the early Church and then went on to look at the attributes of an elder from the following scriptures;
Tits 1 vs 5-9, 1 Peter 5 Vs 1-3 and 1 Timothy 3 vs 2-7 – They should be above reproach, the husband of one wife, not arrogant or quick tempered, a drunkard or violent, or greedy for gain. But hospitable,a lover of good, self controlled,upright,holy and disciplined- They must hold firm to the work of God and be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and rebuke those contradict it.
1 Peter 5 vs 1-3 – Shepherd the flock, exercise oversight not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples, clothe yourselves with humility.
I told the story of the Church in Aldershot with Derek Brown and how that has always stayed with me.
PJ Smythe
“The credibility of leadership in Christ rests not on the colour of my skin, nor eloquence, nor gifting or charisma, nor any external matter. Its rests on the internal character of the leader” - Its all about Character.
Clearly Elders are to Pastor or shepherd the church and this view is helpful in our understanding of the role – Four main areas:
1. Leading – Giving direction and leading by example
2. Feeding – With the work of God. Through sound doctrine and teaching and correction if needed.
3. Protecting – From those who would seek to disrupt or destroy the Church – From within or without.
4. Caring – Through encouragement, prayer support and pastoral care if needed.
Elders also bring authority – Not in a heavy handed authoritarian kind of way – but rather one that brings security,peace and real joy in the Holy Spirit. This authority has to be handled with great care and must always be backed by grace.
Galations 6 vs 1- Brotgers if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness- keep watch on yourself lest you too be tempted.
We looked at Jesus washing his disciples feel as their servant and this servant heart is so important in leadership – we are elders not for the title but by the calling of God. If you only want the title then I venture to suggest it will be in vain.
PJ Smythe
“ Our pursuit of the qualification for Eldership is primarily that we may conform more and more to the image of Christ, not primarily to attain eldership status. Our sanctification in Christ is the key and that makes us more eligible as leaders!”
Lastly we looked at the Church’s response to our elders.
1 Thessalonians 5 vs 12 – Now we ask you brothers to respect those who work hard among you , who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live at peace with one another.
Hebrews 13 vs 7 – Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you, consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
1 Timothy 5 vs 17-19 – The elders who direct the affairs of the Church well are worthy of double honour especially those whose work is preaching and teaching!
Double honour means chocolate
