Elders

Part 1 - Shepherd Leaders

At the close of his third missionary journey, Paul met with the elders from the church at Ephesus. Paul gathered with them on the seashore near the little village of Miletus. As a part of his message, Paul related this exhortation. "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28).

Here is a place to start discussing the work of elders within the church. Before we proceed, let's make something clear. Such a discussion is applicable to all of us. Children need positive role models. They ought to be able to look to their elders. Young men and women in the church ought to be able to emulate their pastors and ruling elders. At one time or another, all church members will be in the position of electing elders. Young men ought to pursue the eldership. Pastors need a better grasp of the primary requisites for the eldership. An improvement in our learning and living in this area will enhance our overall church life and our effectiveness as churches.

First of all, to whom does Paul speak? Overseers. The King James Version translates the tern bishop in Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:2, and Titus 1:7. The bishop is the leader or supervisor. These bishops do not differ from elders. Acts 20: 17 calls them elders. "From Miletus he [Paul] sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church."

Paul also knows these elders or bishops have two different functions. He tells us this is the case in 1 Timothy 5:17. "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching." Elders rule within the church. Elders also preach and teach. We commonly call the latter pastors or teaching elders. We normally call the former ruling elders. Ruling elders and teaching elders or pastors are two classifications within the same office.

Paul also designates the primary task of the bishops, overseers, supervisors, or elders within the flock of God. Look at the exhortation of Paul once again. "Shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." The task of the overseer is not that of a king, or lord, dictator, or local potentate. The task of the overseer is that of a shepherd.

This is in keeping with the pattern of Christ. We must confess "Jesus as Lord" (Romans 10:9). But Christ did not emphasize His office as Lord and King in His ministry among His disciples and in his relationships with them. Another emphasis dominated. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11 and 14). Psalm 23:1 reflects this emphasis. "The Lord is my shepherd." The leader and King of the church manifests Himself as a shepherd. Elders and overseers must also be shepherds.

What are the chief characteristics of the shepherd? A favorite ruling elder gave me my favorite illustration. Giving the charge to a new pastor in an installation service, this ruling elder urged, "Remember, you are a shepherd not a cowboy." Cowboys herd cattle by getting behind them and driving them. The work of the shepherd is far different. The shepherd stands before the flock. He leads by word and example.

The text before us, along with several others, explains how the shepherd leads his flock by word and example. Every elder must take heed. Every potential elder must take heed. Every church member who votes for a pastor or ruling elder must take heed.