Pastor’s Note:
The deacons and I continue our study of Biblical Eldership. As previously reported, we want to keep you up-to-date on our
study and findings. This
month I wish to report on the distinguishing features of a New
Testament, Christian eldership.
First feature, New Testament eldership is pastoral leadership.
“According to the New Testament, elders lead the church, teach
and preach the Word, protect the church from false teachers, exhort and
admonish the saints in sound doctrine, visit the sick and pray, and
judge doctrinal issues. In
biblical terminology, elders shepherd, oversee, lead, and care for the
local church.” [i]
Second feature, New Testament eldership is shared leadership.
The leadership of the local church is not left in the hands of
one man. The New Testament
reveals that the pastoral oversight of many of the first churches was
committed to a plurality of elders.
The “eldership patterned after the New Testament model requires
qualified elder candidates to meet specific moral and spiritual
qualifications before they serve (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
The qualifications of such elder candidates must be publicly
examined by the church (1 Timothy 3:10).
The elders selected must be publicly installed into office (1
Timothy 5:22; Acts 14:23). They
must be motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do their work
(Acts 20:28). Finally, they
must be acknowledged, loved, and honored by the entire congregation.
This honor given by the congregation includes the provision of
financial support to elders who are uniquely gifted at preaching and
teaching, which allows some elders to serve the church full or part time
(1 Timothy 5:17,18).”
Third feature, New Testament eldership is male leadership.
“During His earthly ministry, Jesus trained and appointed
twelve men whom He called ‘apostles’ (Luke 6:13).
Jesus’ choice of an all-male apostolate affirmed the creation
order as presented in Genesis 2:18-25.”
“First Timothy 2:11-14 … prohibits women from doing two
things: (1) teaching the
men in the church; and (2) exercising authority over the men.”
This does not mean that women do not have a place in the church,
or that they have no opportunity to minister.
As I mentioned in a sermon a number of weeks ago, I believe that
there is a place for deaconesses (women deacons) within the church, with
their primary ministry being to women (1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3-5).
I also believe that women should exercise their Spiritual gifts
within the body of Christ for the edification of the body, but not as
elders.
Fourth feature, New Testament eldership is qualified
leadership. “The
overriding concern of the New Testament in relation to church leadership
is to ensure that the right kind of men will serve as elders …”
Elders are not to be chosen by popularity, influence, wealth, or
education (seminary or otherwise).
Elders are to meet only the biblical requirements found in 1
Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.
Fifth feature, New Testament eldership is servant leadership.
“New Testament, Christlike elders are to be servant leaders,
not rulers or dictators. God
doesn’t want His people to be used by petty, self-serving tyrants.
Elders are to choose a life of service on behalf of others.
Like the servant Christ, they are to sacrifice their time and
energy for the good of others. Only
elders who are loving, humble servants can genuinely manifest the
incomparable life of Jesus Christ to their congregations and a watching
world.”
I can tell you that from our study we each have been challenged
to consider our calling and service carefully.
We have not entered into this study without much prayer for
wisdom and strength. We
appreciate your prayers on our behalf as we continue this study, and as
we seek to lead in a God-honoring way.
It is our great privilege to serve our Lord by serving you.
Pastor Frank
Updates
Our Crown Financial Ministries Bible Study is under way. Be watching for another opportunity to get involved in May.
I cannot stress how important this study is, and my desire for as
many as possible to go through it.
Be ready to sign up.
Our Introduction to Systematic Theology home study is
already filled. We will
make it available again after we complete the four-week study.
Please be ready to sign-up as space is limited.
We begin our new sermon series from the book of Daniel this
month. If you would like to
be put on the Sermon of the Week email list, then just email Pastor
Frank at franktal@peoplepc.com.
Men, don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Men’s
Retreat at Scioto Hills. We
will have the retreat on February 28-March 1.
[i] All quotes are from Biblical
Eldership by Alexander Strauch.
