But earlier, in Hebrews 13:7, believers are commanded: Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. The office of an elder is highest office in the laity. Second, in 1 Peter 5:12, elders are exhorted to shepherd the flock of God that is in their charge, which is the role of a pastor. Apostle Nyamekye said this on Day One of his meeting with all elders in the Tema and Ashaiman Areas at the Safo Memorial Temple, Greenwich Meridian District, at Tema Community 5, on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. Likewise, overseer in Titus 1:7 seems to be a synonym for the term elder used in verse 5. As elders teach the congregation to trust God and grow in godliness, loving and persuading them to obey Christ, Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to obey your leaders an submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your soul. (Again, membership matters!). Nowhere in Scripture does one find a local assembly ruled by majority opinion or by a single pastor. The elders' mission is to lead, teach, protect and love their church members the way shepherds care for the sheep in a flock, so that the church members will grow up into spiritual maturity ( Ephesians 4:11-13 ). In these passages, the Greek worddiakonosrefers to an office. Eric and his wife Morgan live in Birmingham, Alabama. This, the Chairman believes, puts elders and unpaid officers in general at a very strategic position to manage the affairs of the Church at the local assemblies, where the actual ministry work takes place. In the opening greeting of his epistle to the Philippians, Paul refers to the overseers [plural of episkopos] and deacons at the church of Philippi (Phil. 4:16). This teaching gift will have a protective purpose for the church: the elder must be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also able to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). The qualification in 1 Timothy 3:2 might seem to settle the issue: the elder is to be the husband of one wife. However, the main point there is probably that the elder is to be faithful within marriage and marked by sexual purity, and so this verse on its own may not settle the issue conclusively. . Caring for the bride of Christ is of the utmost importance because Jesus obtained the church with His own blood. As the apostolic era came to a close, the office of elder emerged as the highest level of local church leadership. 4:14); rule, teach, and preach (1 Tim. Because of its heritage of democratic values and its long history of congregational church government, modern American evangelicalism often views the concept of elder rule with suspicion. Given the stakes, its no surprise that Paul puts a premium on leadership in the church (Acts 20). We are called to protect the gospel (1 Tim 5:19-20; 2 Thess. They do this by feeding, nurturing, and protecting the flock. 3. I dont want to make terminology seem overly important. The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has applauded elders of the Church for the vital role they play in the effective running of the Church. Elders bear authority over Jesuss church only to the extent that they teach, obey, and enforce Jesuss word.iv Elders lead by standing before their congregation on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ and proclaiming his rule, his truth, and his commands. They are not the spiritual leaders of the church. 24:1; Lev. Elder and pastor are not two different offices. Elders not only lead by teaching the Word but by obeying Christ and modeling Christian maturity. The implication here is particularly interesting: Pauls work remains unfinished and the church incomplete until elders are appointed. The priority and purpose of the Church is for equipping believers and sending them to affect the spiritual and moral darkness in our societies. First, in Acts 20:28, elders are encouraged in the "pastoral" duties of overseeing and shepherding. The meeting, which was attended by the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, and Apostles Matthew Larbi Wettey and Patrick Kingsley Ennin, the Area Heads for Tema and Ashaiman Areas respectively, was to explain the new five-year strategic vision of the Church, dubbed Vision 2023 (Possessing the Nations) with the officers. Leadership may be with a head elder, or an eldership team. 3:17). Elder is anelected permanent officer of thePresbyterian denomination, with regional committees of elders governing the church. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Elders lead not only by teaching sound doctrine but by imitating Christ! 5:2-3). As the Apostles devoted themselves to prayer, they also devoted themselves to the ministry of the word (6:4). The qualifications for serving as a deacon in the church are spelled out in 1 Tim. They are servants of the church. Sunday Bible Study - 9:00 am John Piper summarizes the biblical use of the terms elder, pastor, and overseer: The New Testament only refers to the office of pastor one time (Ephesians 4:11). Yet, words are meaningful. 13:17). 4:14), was Pauls instruction to Timothy. First, elders pray (Acts 6:4; Jas. Required fields are marked *. Elders have a fourfold ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service and thus serve in the local church and in extension ministries in witness and service of Christ's love and justice. 13:17). Elders have a duty to care for the church as shepherds, to edify the body of Christ through faithful teaching, and to protect it from error. They must be away of the futility of all their actions apart from the life-giving work of Gods Spirit.iii. Aside from that episode, we have no example of deacons at work.vi Writing to the Philippians, Paul addresses all the saints in Christ Jesus . They were given the role of correcting people who weren't following the approved doctrine. "While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the Christians 'unless you keep the ancient Jewish custom of circumcision taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.' In biblical terminology, elders shepherd, oversee, lead, and care for the local church (16). Emmanuel Brown) and Treasurer (Sister Victoria Gyimah). This was important to them notice they prayed with fasting. Third, in Ephesians 4:11, the one time that the word pastor occurs in the NT, pastors are treated as one group with teachers. The eldership is vital to the structure and health of the church; a church . Learn how your comment data is processed. In fact, I never stand up and say "I'm Gary Branden - I'm lead pastor." I always stand up and say "I'm one of the elders here at Fellowship." Bill Hendricks And "I happen to teach." Gary Brandenburg "And my particular role is the oversite of the church on a day-to-day basis. The primary responsibility of an elder is to serve as a manager and caretaker of the church (1 Tim. Some churches have that type of leadership, but Holy Spirit rarely can have His way in such an environment. Episkopos and presbuteros are regularly translated elder in English (episkopos will sometimes be translated overseer as well). In some denominations, bishops fulfill the roles of elders. The elders must shepherd the sheep. 2. This would include making sure the place of worship is prepared for the worship service, cleaning up, or running the sound system. Immature or self-important people get puffed up with titles. While it's always a title of honor and duty, it might mean someone who serves an entire region or someone with specific duties in one congregation. 1:1 and 1 Tim. It is used often in the New Testament in the general sense of one who serves. The writer of Hebrews asks for prayer for himself as a leader (Heb. appearing before the District/Area Vetting Committee. According to the Chairman, elders who are the 'gatekeepers' of the Church ensure that members are engrained in their faith in Christ as they teach and [] Help train Christians to boldly share the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that clearly communicates to this secular age. 5:2-3). 5:17-18; cf. They are custodians of the faith" that is, they guard jealously the, fundamental doctrines of the Church, in order that no unscriptural. 3:1) and encompasses guiding, protecting, teaching, disciplining and governing the church. 13:17). Provide resources (print, video, archdiocesan events) for effective programming. In fact, the very idea that a spiritual leader is one who has natural abilities to run things is wrong. 1Cor.9:1-14). Does the Bible talk about church government? Elders do not march to the beat of their own drum, but rather submit to Gods Word. Fifth, elders raise up elders (2 Tim. The single, overarching qualification of which the rest are supportive is that he is to be above reproach. That is, he must be a leader who cannot be accused of anything sinful because he has a sustained reputation for blamelessness. The elders have a general responsibility to care for and protect the church (see Acts 20:28-31). When we come to the New Testament, the evidence indicates that every church had a plurality of elders. An elder is a spiritual leader with authority in the church. Radical exists to equip Christians to be on mission. Much can be said for the benefits of leadership made up of a plurality of godly men. Nowhere in the New Testament is there a reference to a one-pastor congregation. Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. In Titus 1:5-9, Paul appears to be speaking of the same group throughout his discussion but uses the term presbuteros in verse 5 and the term episkopos in verse 7. Here are four duties that are central to the elder's job description. So, to sum it all up: Elders equip the saints to do the work of ministry. Paul says an elder must be blameless: Many translations use the term "overseer" for elder: In the early church, there were usually two or more elders per congregation. 2:15) and declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27); therefore, they must be devoted to knowing Gods Word. Merkle writes, There is no example in the New Testament of one elder or pastor leading a congregation as the sole or primary leaderi(see Acts 11:30; 20:17; Php. 13:18). Why is Joel Osteens Megachurch Still Growing? Urgent comes alongside indigenous believers in some of the hardest to reach places on earth. Elders must be godly in life and are held to a high standard of accountability. Methodist Church I feel like in my role as a pastor I am one of the elders. The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics helps Christians show unbelievers the truth, goodness, and beauty of the gospel as the only hope that fulfills our deepest longings. As ruling elders are called to ordered ministry for life, it is important to approach the work of nominations to this role with humility, open hearts, and open minds. (Near Maale Dada Street) Being sober and not greedy are qualities that prevent the Deacon from taking advantage of the church's resources for his own benefit. In the New Testament, elders served as spiritual overseers of the church. Matt Bedzyk serves as lead pastor at Emmanuel Community Church where he has faithfully served in many capacities for most of his life. The office of eldership is given in Scripture to provide spiritual nurture and protection for the church. In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul appointed elders in the early church, and in 1 Timothy 3:17 and Titus1:69, the office of elder was instituted. In the absence of the District Minister they are to conduct Church services. Your email address will not be published. 20:25-25: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 10:17), because we are born again through the word of God (1 Pet. (For an explanation of these qualifications, see pages 215-33 of The Masters Plan for the Church by John MacArthur.). In fact, church membership is what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus; a disciple is a healthy church member. In order to be more faithful to Scripture in the area of church polity we must embrace and understand the roles of elders, deacons, and members. But an elder doing the work of a pastor or prophet, etc., speaks more of service. The word translated elder is used nearly twenty times in Acts and the epistles in reference to this unique group of leaders who have responsibility for overseeing the people of God. "That's what this webinar will focus on, honing the skills of deacons and ruling elders and helping them claim the identity as being worship leaders. Under this system, the presbyter will have charge of a parish, while the bishop will oversee groups of parishes within a region and appoint presbyters to those parishes.4 Generally, though, most Protestant denominations will see those two terms as referring to the same role, that of the elder in the local church. Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle Uncontentious, not soon angry or quick-tempered Not covetous, not a lover of money Rules his own house well, his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God Not a novice or new convert Has a good rapport or reputation with outsiders Not self-willed A lover of what is good Just, fair Holy, devout The congregation has a role to follow the elder's example. Fourth, elders lead by example (Heb. These biblical qualifications of an elder come fromTitus 1:69 and 1 Timothy 3:17. All Rights Reserved, Cape Coast Area Ministers And Wives Hold Retreat, COP Donates Vehicle To Ghana Police Service, Methodist Church Ghana Backs Anti-Gay Bill, Abuakwa Area Lays Foundation Stones For 43 Projects In 2018, Teshie-Nungua Area Youth Ministry Holds Night Of Carols, Seminar, Kwabenya Old Town District Holds Maiden Mass Wedding, Lets Take Spirit-Inspired Decisions Chairman Tells Councillors, The Church Of Pentecost Donates LCD Projector To Dormabin JHS, Old Tafo Area Donates To Afram Plains Area, Leadership Transition: The God Of Pentecost Will Do It Again. RAPTURE in 20 CENTURIES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION, 40 Year Old Kenneth Hagin Prophecy NOW Coming to Pass, Developing: 1,000+ Illegals Rush US Southern Border Entry Points, #Russian Soldiers are Leaving Deadly #Traps in #Liberated #Ukrainian Territory #shorts, Miraculously No injuries from Powerful Twisters in Virginia, Florida, Maryland Democrats want state to be an abortion haven, From Childrens Toys to Farmers Fields, Russia Is Leaving Deadly Traps to Kill Civilians, US think tank: High level of activity at N. Korean nuclear complex. This willingness to serve is a key component of identifying potential elders. paid on time to the appropriate quarters. 5:17; Titus 1:5). In verse 28 he says, Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [episkopos], to shepherd [poimaino] the church of God. First Peter 5:1-2 brings all three terms together as well. Where episkopos and presbuteros are used to refer to leaders within the church, it is very difficult to discern any marked difference in meaning between them. (Acts 6 is narrative more than normative). When it comes to theroleof deacons in the local church, the Scriptures are surprisingly quiet. Elders are to shepherd the flock of Jesus Christ through the faithful ministry of the Word and are to lead by godly example. Learn Religions. 3:8-13). Since God rules his people by his Word, elders must be faithful to proclaim the Word to Gods people. Deacons serve in churches around the world, meeting the needs of the physically as well as the spiritually hungry, visiting the sick, caring for the elderly and assisting church overseers in making important decisions. When Judaizers came to Antioch, trying to impose their ways, it was determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and ELDERS, about this question (Acts 15:2). Continue to grow spiritually and intellectuallythroughformation and learningopportunities. Our focus in this essay is fixed on three New Testament terms that are used in closely related ways to refer to key spiritual leaders within the church: presbuteros, episkopos and poimn.3 The meaning of these terms and their relationship to one another have long been matters of debate. In this way, the unity and harmony that the Lord desires for the church will begin with those individuals he has appointed to shepherd His flock. It is a functional description of the role of elder stressing the care and feeding of the church as Gods flock, just as bishop/overseer is a functional description of the role of elder stressing the governing or oversight of the church. He spent a total of 15 years of his 36-year long full-time ministry in that Region. Understand the biblical and church office of elder. But the word is often used in a more general sense to mean simply servant or minister. Even in Romans 16:1, when Paul commends Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, who was a patron of man and of [Paul] as well, its debated whether she was an official deacon of that church or simply a faithful servant of the church.
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