The Office of Elder

Intro: What is a pastor? There are many ways that people think of pastors. It can be influenced by a few things. History, perception, and how its been taught. A few examples: pastors are mostly chaplains, called to marry, dedicate babies, visit me when I’m sick, bury me, and do that preaching thing on Sundays. Pastors are preachers, but that’s mostly all they do or should do. Pastors are CEOs, meant to run the church to make it more successful, make more money, get more behinds in chairs. Some view pastors as the means for new blood and new success in the church, but as long as doesn’t change much.

But the biblical model is so much more than those things. That doesn’t mean pastors/elders don’t these things, but that’s not all they do. Their task is to be rooted in what the Bible says. It is a weighty responsibility, and to those that aspire to it and are made elders/pastors, there is a standard and judgment they will be hold to in how they shepherded the church, the bride of Christ.

Today, I want to give you a portrait of pastors/elders: who they are, what they do, and why the biblical model points us to Jesus and His heart for the church as the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

READ 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7

CTS: God has entrusted and gifted qualified men to help lead His church called elders/pastors.

But what is an elder? Before we answer that question, let’s lay a clear foundation first of who is the ultimate shepherd of God’s people…

JESUS AS SHEPHERD

This will help us to remember and to operate with Jesus and His Word being the one whom we give our allegiance and obedience to.

Jesus the Head of the Church (Col 1:18, Eph 1:22-23)

Colossians 1:18 ESV

18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Jesus as Shepherd (John 10:7-18, Psalm 23)

John 10:7–18 ESV

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 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.”

Jesus as Overseer (1 Peter 2:24-25)

1 Peter 2:24–25 ESV

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

What you find in Jesus is how the elders/pastors of the church are to shepherd as undershepherds. Yet they hold no authority outside of the authority of Christ found in his word. Let’s explore the office of elder and their responsibility as elders from Scripture:

ELDERS DEFINED

Three Words, Same Office - Elders, Overseers, Pastors:

There are three different words used in the Bible that describe one office. Some have argued that each of these are different in their offices. The problem with that view is that there is a qualification list only for elders, and not a separate description of the other two. Two big examples: First is found in the Acts 20:28, where the elders of the church are called to oversee and to shepherd (pastor) the church. Second is Titus 1:5-7,

Titus 1:5–7 ESV

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Titus is told to appoint elders, and then Paul switches the word to overseers in verse 7, continuing the instructions about elders.

One office, yet three aspects of the same office. Elders most likely constituted an idea of maturity and respect, which you’ll find in the qualifications. This had to do with their character, qualified and spiritually mature men. Overseers and pastors spoke about the function. They were lead and shepherd the flock of God, giving vision and care for the body of Christ through prayer and the Word.

The Need for Plurality

Second, let us remember that the overall argument of the Scriptures is a call to a plurality of elders in the church. We see this when Paul calls the elders, plural, here in Acts and later in Titus, tells Titus to appoint elders, plural, in each town, church. Shepherding/pastoring is a shared task, essential to healthy church leadership. Let us see what these elders/pastors are called to do.

THE TASK OF THE ELDERS

I. Elders Care (Acts 20:28-30, 35 / Titus 1:9-11)

First, let us remember that the overall argument of the Scriptures is a call to a plurality of elders in the church. We see this when Paul calls the elders, plural, here in Acts and later in Titus, tells Titus to appoint elders, plural, in each town, church. Shepherding/pastoring is a shared task, essential to healthy church leadership. Let us see what these elders/pastors are called to do.

Guard (Acts 20:28-30 / Titus 1:9-11)

Acts 20:28–30 ESV

28 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. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

Paul calls the elders of the church at Ephesus to guard the flock. That guarding was a facing of what we already discussed from chap 1 of this book. The task of the elder is important in how it guards Christ’s sheep, His church, from that which will harm and destroy it.

From cultural false teaching (from the outside)

The elder/pastor must be equipped well to be able to address false and worldly teaching from infiltrating the church. This is why the preaching of the Bible is vitally important because it becomes the basis for truth. Shepherds should know how to guard from those influences that affect us and to show us the true and better way of God’s word, God’s gospel, and to not let undue influence come upon the church.

From religious false teaching (inward)

The elder/pastor also must properly interpret the Bible from false teaching. Though an outward influence can bring about false teaching, the elder must also be keen to see abuse and misinterpretation of God’s word and rightfully correct and remove it from the congregation. Many false teachings use the Bible to bring about their points. The pastor/elder must be clearly know the Gospel, the Bible’s whole intended message, and how it all comes together and to teach it well to God’s people, centering them on who Jesus is.

Titus 1:9–11 ESV

9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

It is vitally important that the elders/pastors of the church are well equipped and knowledgeable about the Word. They must defend it and are able to declare that which is truth. For the church today, you want men who hold to this Word and are willing to stand boldly on it, defend it, and rebuke that which challenges it. The Gospel is at stake, and the Gospel must be guarded.

Love (Acts 20:35)

Acts 20:35 ESV

35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Pray for and encourage

The loving acts of the elders/pastors are to encourage, pray for, and be involved in the life of the sheep. This means that the pastors/elders are checking in, praying for, and lifting those hurting sheep up. This is incredibly helpful when you have a plurality of elders that are able to take this great task and fulfill it amongst a plurality of qualified men.

Rebuke and restore

Sometimes love requires leading people away from that which destroys them, just a like a good parent disciplines their child when they are headed to that which is dangerous and destructive. Your pastors/elders should be willing to point out that which is sin from Scripture, not to come off as self-righteous, but in a loving manner of concern for you and the flock. Sin destroys and the shepherds will be held to account for how the flock is handled and cared for.

II. Elders Feed (John 21:15-19, Acts 6:2-4, 1 Tim 5:17, Eph 4:11-16)

The way that Jesus feeds his sheep his through his word. Jesus calls himself the bread of life. Because he is the bread of life, the task of the elder is to proclaim his words and not their own. Jesus called Peter to this task, and because the apostolic teachings, the gospel is now given us to us in this book we have in our hands, the undershepherds, elders/pastors feed the sheep the teachings, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, throughout the entire Bible. They are called as Timothy was commanded in 2 Timothy 4 to preach the Word.

Preach/teach (Acts 6:2-4, 1 Timothy 5:17)

Acts 6:2–4 ESV

2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Early in the church, there were some disputes over physical needs in the church. The apostles called on the church to appoint men to help oversee these physical needs. These are typically seen as the prototypical deacons. The apostles had the task to preach and teach and pray, and it was important to their gifting. This teaching would be passed on to the elders/pastors as will be seen in a bit from Ephesians 4. Paul will remind Timothy of this task to later in this book in chapter 5:17. Elders/pastors are called to teach God’s word. This is the feeding of the flock.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

As you will see from 1 Timothy 5:17, there may be some elders in the church that are giving “double honor,” or in other words, monetary support in order for them to be focused on the task of preaching. This typically looks like a pastor/elder who is dedicated to the work of ministry full time, and is often one who may do a bulk of the teaching preaching in the church. Yet, all elders should be involved in the preaching and teaching of the church. What we want to see here is a shared responsibility. What we are moving toward here is through your support allowing me to be that primary preaching/teaching pastor while other lay pastor/elders help alongside of me to teach and preach. That teaching and preaching can be fulfilled in a number of ways. Bible studies. Discipleship in small groups or even one on one. You may have a question or need in your life that needs biblical counsel. Your elders/pastors would be able to open the Bible and help you with biblical direction. That isn’t just meant for one pastor/elder, but a plurality of pastor/elders. This is the biblical vision and something that we will strive for here at Cross Church.

Equip/Disciple (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Ephesians 4:11–16 ESV

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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

With this teaching comes expectation as seen in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. There are those leaders in the church that are gifted in this preaching and teaching, feeding you so that you grow up into maturity in Christ. This means that the preaching and teaching is not just an intake for you to grow in knowledge, but rather, and equipping you to do the work of ministry. Overall, the whole church is called to evangelize, disciple, counsel, and further the kingdom. The idea that only pastors do the work of ministry is foreign to the NT teachings. Good elders/pastors will equip you in teaching and lead by example, but never the only ones doing this work of ministry. You should expect at Cross Church that as a member, you will do as God has gifted you in the Spirit, serving Jesus through His church, and fulfilling the Great Commission together with God’s people by hearing the Word, obeying the Word, and living the Word. You should expect your elder/pastors to equip you with the Word, feeding you weekly. If they are not, you need to confront and challenge the elders if they neglect teaching and preaching the Word of God to you.

III. Elders Lead (1 Peter 5:1-4, Heb 13:7, 17)

This is where some people get a little worked up in misunderstanding. But we want to be biblical. We do not see anywhere in Scripture an elder ruled church. Though I don’t have time this morning to explain the idea of congregationalism in full, know that the church is still vitally involved in the decision and direction of the church. Because if every member is a regenerated believer, they are indwelt by the Spirit, saints of God. The way they truly make decisions under the guidance of the Spirit and His word, is to entrust men in the church to help lead them. Elders don’t elect more elders themselves. Deacons aren’t elected by elders. People are not made members by elders or disciplined out of the church by elders. This is all done by the church. Elders help lead and even bring forward people they feel are qualified for offices of the church and who they believe to be qualified for membership, but they are not the final say. Even in major decisions like yearly budgets, buying of property or buildings, and other major decisions are done by the whole church body, not just the elders. We are not striving for elder rule. We are striving for elder-led.

And here is how elders are to lead...

By Example (1 Peter 5:3, Heb 13:7)

1 Peter 5:3 ESV

3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

The elders/pastors are called to shepherd. This means they are called to lead, having oversight over the body. This does bring with it a sense of authority, though limited. Remember whom the ultimate authority is. The way that elders exercise their authority is by living the word they preach, by example. They are not to domineer, but eagerly and willingly giving of themselves in service to the flock. They are to be examples of the Christian life, hence why Paul twice, once to Timothy and once to Titus, gives spiritual qualifications for elders. If we read those correctly, those are things that all Christians should strive for. Your elders are meant to be examples of those things. The first way that elders lead is by example, living with godly character and integrity. That’s why Heb 13:7 says to imitate their faith.

By Direction (Heb 13:17)

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

The elders do lead and give oversight and direction to the church. There is a giving of leadership responsibility to the elders. By virtue of selecting elders for the body, the church agrees and selects those men to lead them. Hence, the wording of Hebrews says to submit to those leaders. This is an important task, and if they are living godly lives and preaching and teaching the word well, shepherding well, this submission should come naturally as God’s people. The elders will not be perfect mind you and may make decisions that may not work out. But if the consistency of their lives is a desire to honor Christ and obey His commands as the church, we should obey them. Where they fail to honor God and to lead in His Word, the church then has the right and obligation to invoke discipline upon them, hopefully leading to repentance and restoration. If they refuse to change and repent, then the church should remove them from their position of leadership.

Where are some ways the elders lead? Over the teaching of the church, vision of the church, seeking the spiritual good of God’s people and to lead God’s people to be equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and the Bible as a whole.

CONCLUSION: Where elders/pastors are ultimately to lead you is to Jesus. The elders undershepherd you to the Great Shepherd Jesus. He is our Savior. He is our Lord. And they help lead us to exalt Jesus, evangelize others to Jesus, and to equip and disciple one another towards Jesus. That’s their task. Not power or prestige, but rather, as John the Baptist said “He must increase, and I must decrease.” That should be the motto for all Christians, but especially, the elders/pastors of the church. Jesus is the only Savior, our Great Overseer and Shepherd of our souls, who died and rose again to give us eternal life.