Protect and Proclaim the Gospel, The teaching ministry of the church: The who, what, and why of elders (1 Timothy 3)

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.  (1 Timothy 3:1–7, ESV)

Priority #1 Pray for all kinds of people to be saved

Priority #2 The Teaching ministry of the church: The who, what, and why of overseers/elders. 

Last week we took a morning and looked at a big picture doctrine concerning the church- Congregational Authority… the church itself has been given the most authority, and when teh members of the church carry out their responsibilities to God and one another it produces a healthy church. 

if you weren’t here I think it would be great to go back and listen through the message. The reason for the excursus was because of the sermon we are preaching today. 

We need a solid understanding of the role of the congregation when we come to the role of overseers in the local church. I hope to explain this fully as we walk through the passage, but in summary, the overseers have a clear responsibility to shepherd the church, but The role of the overseers does not negate the responsibility that God has given to the members of the church regarding membership, doctrine, and discipline (accountability)

Membership = who belongs to the family of God

Doctrine = what we believe based on the Word of God.  

Discipline (accountability) = Spurring one another on in the faith and if necessary removing someone from the family. 

1 Timothy 3:1-7

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.  (1 Timothy 3:1–7, ESV)

Who are the overseers and what they do?

There are three words in the NT used to refer to the same leadership position within the church: Presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος), Episkopos (ἐπίσκοπος), & Poimen (Ποιμήν). 

Translating & Defining the Terms: 

Presbyteros is commonly translated as “elder” or “presbyter.” An Elder is a leader over an assembly of believers.

Episkopos is commonly translated as “overseer” or “bishop.” An Overseer is a leader who watches over, directs, cares, and is accountable for an assembly of believers.

Poimen is commonly translated as “shepherd” or “pastor.” Refers to various kinds of leaders including a church leader who protects members from danger, feeds their souls, and keeps them within the safekeeping of Christ’s dominion and reign.

For Sunday Night- a more broad look at the role of elder/overseer/pastor/shepherd

Sunday Night: 

What is the evidence that these three terms, translated as six different English words, are referring to the same office or leadership position? 

Acts 20:17-28

In Acts 20:17 Paul calls together the Elders (presbyteros) of the church in Ephesus. Then in Acts 20:28 he says, “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.” In this verse Episkopos is translated as “overseer” and Poimen is translated as “to care for.”

Though this passage makes it clear, there are other instances that support the use of three terms to speak of one position. 

1 Peter 5:1-2

Look at 1 Peter 5:1-2; “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.” 

In this passage Peter addresses the elders (presbyteros) and instructs them to “shepherd (Poimen) the flock of God that is among you, exercising overisight (episkopos).” 

These three terms apply to one office and they present some of what is involved in the work of those who carry out this role in the life of the church. 

Elder (Presbyteros)

Whereas the elders in the Old Testament were men who were seasoned in years, the New Testament elders are “seasoned” in the faith.  

Overseer (Episkopos)

In 1 Timothy 3 it says that overseers must be able to teach (3:2) and that they are not to be new converts (3:6). These men must know the foundations of the faith and be willing to exercise responsibility for the spiritual well-being of those under their charge. Elders are men who have proven themselves at home to be able to train instruct, and discipline according to the Word of God. The authority of the elder is exercised in ways that bring spiritual benefit and give strength to the church. 

Shepherd or Pastor (Poimen)

The term shepherd or pastor “adds the dimension of tender care, provision, and protection of the flock. If likened to Psalm 23 or John 10 the elder then is one “who seeks good pasture and clear water for his flock, al the while watching carefully to defend against the attempts of any predator to harm any of his sheep.”(Bruce Ware, Shepherding God’s Flock: Chapter 10 p. 290)

For rest of our sermon we will use the term “Elder” since it is the most commonly used term for the office of leadership. 

An important question: Is this a continuation of the elders in the Old Testament and the Gospels?

The Old Testament office of elder is rooted in the patriarchal and tribal social system. The elders are typically the patriarch or oldest male of the household. The Jewish elders did not have a specifically religious role, but the role was a significant role in social life and in relation to the Synagogue community as administrators of justice. Because the elders were charged with upholding the Torah or law, they were involved in the accusations and eventual crucifixion. The act of crucifying Jesus was justified in their defense of the law. Not only were the OT elders involved in the crucifixion of Jesus they also were present and active in the persecution of the apostles and the early church.

The New Testament elder is not the result of age and genealogy; but of faith in Christ, the knowledge of the Gospel, and a personal and family life that is in harmony with the Word of God.

Who are Elders?

The elders of the church are a plurality of leaders

“The New Testament never mentions a specific number of elders for a congregation, but it regularly refers to “elders” in the plural.” (Mark Dever, Understanding Church Leadership p. 17)

“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Acts 14:23 (see also Acts 11:30; 15:2,4,6, 22-23; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18)

“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14 (see also 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1)

This provides a place for the senior pastor to be submitted to men with similar callings and qualifications. 

The elders of the church are men. 

(1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 2:12)

The role of elder is designated for men because of the responsibility of teaching and oversight. 

God has ordained women leading in the church, there’s no reason to deny the truth of God’s work through women. Elders being men does not equal anything other than God’s good design. There is more than one leadership role in the church, and just like the body is made up of many parts- and all the parts are important, there is more than one role of leadership in the church, and they are all important. But, just like the body, each part must carry out it’s responsibility. We cannot say we have no need of one another, and we cannot say that anyone one part is greater. 

The role of deacon seems to be open to women when organized in a manner consistent with Scripture. But, in a church where the deacons are also functioning like elders then the women are precluded from serving as a deaconess like Phoebe in Romans 16:1. 

The elders of the church are men who live humbly before the Lord in public and private. 

(1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9)

1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 both provide qualifications and characteristics of those who serve the church as elders. 

1 Timothy 3:1-7 

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

“Above reproach” 

The man who is “above reproach” isn’t against criticism, but is simply a man who can pass the scrutiny of others as it relates to his faithfulness to God.  

You could make a case that the description that follows is for the overseer who is above reproach. 

Husband of one wife: Faithful in marriage

Surrendered and submissive to Christ in all things

Soberminded- restrained and tempered

Self-controlled- prudent, moderate, and sensible.

Respectable- modest and well ordered, disciplined and consistent

Humble and sacrificial with his life toward others. 

Hospitable- to wash feet, instead of differing the humble, does the thing no one else wants to do without any negative attitude. 

In the world but not of the world. 

Not a drunkard- drunk on the Spirit where the world is drunk on wine

Not violent but gentle- forbearing, gracious, kind

Not quarrelsome- peaceable, not contentious. 

Not a lover of money- free of avarice, not coveting what others have and not bemoaning what he doesn’t have.

In addition to these characteristics of someone who is “above reproach”, overseers must also be: 

A skillful teacher of the Word

Able to teach- sound in doctrine, able to convey the truth in ways others can understand… evidence in practice and in fruit. 

A faithful steward of what the Lord has given him

Family, finances, property, belonging, family name… 

He is directing and guiding his home and personal life… 

A man’s personal life with his wife, kids, finances, etc are the resume for his position as an overseer in the church. 

He who is faithful in little/small

How can a man manage the church if he can’t handle his home… the church just adds to his life. 

A mature, devoted, and content follower of Christ

Not a recent convert… content with the Lord without the role of overseer. 

A man who is respected for his faith at home, in the church, and in public. 

No one is going to be considered by the church as an overseer or elder who isn’t respected in the church. But, he must not also be respected for his faith in the church, but also known as the same faithful man outside the church. 

These additional qualifications are necessary for the sake of the church. The church must have elders/overseers who can actually carry out the responsibilities of the role because of what depends on their leadership. 

See also: Titus 1:5–9 (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, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 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.” 

Responsibilities of oversight, teaching, leading, etc in NT 

Titus 1:5–9 (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, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 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.”

Acts 20:28 (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. 

1 Peter 5:1–2 (ESV) 

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: 2 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; 

Ephesians 4:11–13 (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, 

Elders (Overseers) are under-shepherds who tend to God’s flock. 

(Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-2)

1 Timothy- caring for and managing the household of God. 

Acts 20:28 (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. 

1 Peter 5:1–2 (ESV) 

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: 2 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; 

How do they tend to God’s flock? What do Overseers/Elders/Pastors, Shepherds do?

They lead the church primarily through preaching and teaching. 

(Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9; Ephesians 4:12; John 21)

Sound doctrine

Refuting false doctrine and teachers

They shepherd the church by actively knowing, feeding, leading, retrieving, and protecting the members of the church. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2; John 21:15-17)

They oversee the church by keeping a close watch on themselves and the lives of the members. (1 Timothy 3:4; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:6)

Holding each other accountable

Holding the members accountable

Simply put the elders are charged with overseeing the church. This means managing, admonishing, and keeping watch over the members of the church. The Bible does not place elders in a ruling position over the church; instead God has delegated a measure of Christ’s authority to the elders to direct the affairs of the local congregations. 

They serve as a model of spiritual maturity to the members of the church. 

(1 Peter 5:3)

They, like deacons, serve as examples of faithfulness to the Lord and His Word

They make disciples and raise up more elders. (2 Timothy 2:2)

They pray for the members of the church (James 5:14; Acts 6:4)

Relationship of the elders to:

Deacons- the deacons are complimentary to the elders in this way: The elders serve the church through preaching and prayer while the deacons serve the church through taking care of the physical and practical needs of the congregation. The deacons serve as a support ministry of the elders for the sake of the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation. (Destination Illustration)

Sr. Pastor- a Senior Pastor is the primary public teacher, but when there is a plurality of elders he is one of the elders, but could be seen as a “first among equals.” As the one who has been set aside for the work of weekly preaching there are various ways that he will have leadership related to the direction and vision of the church. But, fundamentally the Sr. Pastor is one of the elders who oversees the congregation in concert with the rest of the body of elders. 

Congregation- the elders and the congregation serve one another and depend on God together. The elders lead, discern, and direct the church; but the congregation is the final rule as it relates to settling the most difficult disputes, affirming sound doctrine, final say in matters of church discipline, and affirming or taking away church membership.

In 1 Timothy 1 is says anyone who aspires to the office of overseer… why would anyone desire to do this? Is there an acceptable motivation for being an overseer/elder? 

Why do elders do what they do?

They desire to be faithful to God’s calling.  (1 Timothy 3:1)

What’s the motivation of their desire? 

not for personal gain… Overseeing the church comes with worldly and earthly cost. In the same way that leading and being part of a family comes with cost, being an overseer/elder comes with the cost associated with being responsible for the household of God- the church. 

They desire to serve by equipping others to fulfill God’s calling on their lives (maturing of the congregation, Eph. 4:11-13)

Jesus Christ has ordained the role of elders as “one of the greatest means for the growth and maturity of his people” (Bruce Ware, Shepherding God’s Flock: Chapter 10 p. 290)

They desire to glorify the name of Jesus above all.

The name that makes the biggest difference in history is the name of Jesus. Overseers lead and serve for the sake of the name of Jesus and not their own. 

Ultimately overseers (elders) point us to the Good Shepherd- Jesus. 

This happens through all the means we mentioned earlier… but the biggest takeaway is that the sheep, the church, belong to Jesus. He is the chief shepherd

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.åΩ7 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.  (John 10:1–11, ESV)

The characteristic of hospitality resembles Jesus… Jesus washed feet, and Jesus laid down his life for the sheep. 

Jesus says that a good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… which means that a good overseer/ elder/ pastor/ shepherd is known for his sacrifices for the sake of the sheep. 

but, the sacrifices of an elder are nothing in comparison to the sacrifice of Jesus. 

The humility and hospitality of an overseer are nothing in comparison to Jesus. We can walk through each of these characteristics in 1 Timothy 3… and not one of the compares to Jesus. 

Jesus demonstrated his love for us (Romans 5:8) and Jesus calls out to the world to come home and find rest… because He is gentle and lowly at heart. 

Good elders/overseers are a huge blessing to the church. The help keep the church on track in it’s walk with the Lord and faithful to His Word… but, good elders are nothing compared to Jesus. 

“The one who plans and the one who waters are not anything at all… but it’s God who gives the growth.” 

Jesus is without sin

Jesus is committed to His bride

Jesus maintained his purpose and self control in the face of unjust persecution and death.

Jesus is hospitable

Jesus is not a drunkard

Jesus is not a lover of money, but he is a lover of people

Jesus demonstrated his love for the church with his death and the sending of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus has always been. (In the beginning was the Word)

Jesus was well thought of outsiders, even when the insiders didn’t think highly of him. 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, have you heard his voice and followed Him? 

Come find rest

Come back home

Consider the blessings God has given you through the faithful men and women in your life. 

Consider the benefit it is to the body of Christ to have godly men serving and caring for the needs of the church. 

Remember that God cares about how you are living your life right now.. . 

Every Christian is called to live faithful to Christ & His Word.

God cares about how you are living your life right now.

The church is God’s plan for the spiritual growth of His people.

God cares about the world knowing & believing the Gospel

Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd who came for you, loves you, leads you, and guards you until He returns.

Maybe…. 

Ways you can respond today?

Pastors Commit to faithfully tending the flock of God as described in the sermon today. Keeping a close watch on yourself and the members of the church.

Deacons: Commit to caring for the physical & practical needs of the church, preserving unity, & supporting the ministry of the Word.

Members: Commit to growing in your faith and knowledge of Scripture while seeking to live faithful to the call of Christ. 

Say yes to the call of God to believe the truth about Jesus, confess your sins, cry out for forgiveness, and repent of your present way of life to live for Christ. 

Pursue membership at New Union for the purpose of growing in your faith and following God’s Word.

Next in our series (April 20) Priority #3 The ministry of service (of the members)

Tonight: 

An important question: Is this a continuation of the elders in the Old Testament and the Gospels?

What is the evidence that these three terms, translated as six different English words, are referring to the same office or leadership position?

Jeremiah 3:15 

“and I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”