Christian Elders

Reading Acts 16:1-5

What are the roles of an Elder?

·         Elders are to lead the church - 1 Tim 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4 (Examples)

·       They are to teach and preach the Word - 1 Tim 3:2; 2 Tim 4:2; Titus 1:9

·    They are to protect the church from false teachers - Acts 20:17, 28-31

·         Exhort and admonish the saints in sound doctrine - 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 3:13-17; Titus 1:9

·         Visit the sick and pray - James 5:14; Acts 20:35

          Judge doctrinal issues - Acts 15:6

Elders are to be in every church

Qualifications of a Bishop/Elder are:

1 Tim 3:2-3/Titus 1:5-11

•                    Blameless - unrebukeable

•                    Husband of 1 wife

•                    Vigilant

•                    Sober (Sound Mind; Self-controlled)

•                    Good behaviour (Orderly arrangement/Modest)

•                    Given to hospitality – fond of guests

•                    Teacher - instructive

•                    Not a drunkard

•                    Not a striker (Quarrelsome) see 2 Tim 2:24

•                    Not for money (Greedy)

•                    Patient – Mild/Gentle

•                    Not a brawler (you need to be peaceable)

•                    Not covetousness

•                    Able to rule over his own house. Maintain. Children honouring their parents

•                    Mature. Not a young convert. No always to do with age!

Elders are to oversee, lead, and care for the local church