The Job of an Elder

The Job of an Elder

1 Peter 5:1-5

Introduction:

Peter begins this passage by talking about Elders

Elder meant “advanced in years”

Elder came to mean an officer in the Church

Acts 14:23

Acts 20:17 refers to Church leadership

Titus 1:5-7 Elder and Bishop interchanged

Peter shared his responsibility:

1)      Elder:  He is a leader in the Church

2)      Witness:  Emphasis is not on seeing but on testifying.  See 2 Peter 1:16

3)      Partaker of the glory that will be revealed.  See also 4:13-14

Peter is talking to “fellow Elders” and is going to give them their job description. 

I.                   The Job of an Elder v. 2

1.      Feed the flock of God

1)      Caring for the flock:

*Shepherd is not just concerned with large flocks but individuals in flock

*Feeding:  Led from pasture to pasture:  Elder to pasture of the Word

This was told to Peter by Jesus in John 21:15-19

Peter said he was an Elder, now he is passing it on to other Elders

Guarding the flock Acts 20:28-35

2.       Taking oversight:  Lead not with compulsion

Important to remember that it is God’s flock not the Elders!!

II.                 The Motive of an Elder v. 2

1.      Not for the sake of power:  compulsion

2.  Not for the sake of riches

      See also 1 Tim. 3:1-3 and Titus 1:7

A hireling works because he is paid to:  cares only for his own needs

A shepherd works out of love and devotion

            To the master of the sheep

            To the sheep themselves

Many have been lured away into “greener” pastures

Being paid for ministry is not wrong but money should not be the motive

            1 Tim. 5:17

3.  A ready mind

= An eager mind or a willingness to serve

2 Tim. 2:3-4 out of a willingness to please the one who chose him

Paul’s attitude:

         Romans 1:15

         Acts 20:17-28

III.              The Manner of an Elder v. 3

1.      Not as lords over

Not with a high handed rule:  They do have the authority, but are not to force it.

You don’t force sheep anywhere, you lead them.

Peter already learned this from the Lord Himself Luke 22:24-30

2.      Lead by example

We see Paul telling others to follow his example as he has followed Christ

Leaders today must be able to say the same thing

Often there are too many celebrities and not enough servants!!

IV.              The Reward of an Elder v. 4

1.      The time the reward is given:  When the Chief Shepherd will appear

      Motivation to the Elders:  You will be held accountable

2.      What will be given:  “Crown of glory”

3.      What will be done with it:  Rev. 4:10 Lay it at the feet of Christ