We are Concord – Elders

Rusty Wirt   -   May 26, 2024

Title: We Are Concord

Main Passage: Various

The Big Question:

Should the Bible influence how the Church should be structured?

The Problem (Background on the Church at Ephesus):

• Basing authoritative teachings on something other than the Scriptures (1 Timothy 1:3-7)
• Basing teaching on a philosophy know as asceticism. (1 Timothy 4:3-6)

Asceticism- the idea of denying yourself pleasure as a matter of discipline to grow detached from your body and the created world around you. In some Jewish circles this became the prescribed path toward holiness.

Paul’s Solution:

Good Leadership

Key Terms:

A grouping of words in the New Testament that refer to the senior position of leadership within a church. “Elder” (presbutueros), speaks of someone advanced in years and experience, while having the respect of the community. Pastor (poimen), refers to the work of caring for the spiritual needs of a congregation. Overseer (episcopos), is in reference to this office overseeing and managing the temporal affairs of the church work. All three terms point to the same office.

8 Key Observations

1. Elders are present in both the Old and New Testament. Number 11:16-25
2. Elders provide service with humility. Acts 20:17-18
3. Elders must be ready to face the hardships of leadership.  Acts 20:19
4. Elders ensure the preaching is Acts 20:20, 27
   1. Helpful
   2. Doctrinal
5. Elders love all people and not just the people from their own clan. Acts 20:21
6. Elder must be committed to the long haul of completing the task. Acts 20:22-24
7. Elders must protect the flock from wolves. Acts 20:29-31
   1. Legal Wolves
   2. Doctrinal Wolves
   3. Divisive Wolves
8. Elders must use their power for generosity toward the weak. Acts 20:32-35, 1 Peter 5:1-4

Application

• Pray (ask God for direction)
• Read (absorb out our information)
• Decide (activate your selection

Learn more about our lay leadership and nomination process.