Study on Terms that Refer to Elders
Most of us hear and understand the qualifications of elders. But further, let's apply these qualifications to the position.. What an elder does with the position is equally as important as making sure one is qualified.
1. Elder (able to teach, not a novice, self-controlled, sober-minded, husband, blameless, temperate) indicates an older man with wisdom that can only come from age and experience.
1 Tim 5: 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,”[c] and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”[d] 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
2. Overseer (rules his own house well, exhort & convict those who contradict, not quarrelsome) indicates a position of top authority, in charge and makes all final decisions for the local congregation.
Acts 20: 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God[c] which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember
3. Shepherd (hospitable, lover of what is good, not violent, not self-willed, gentle) is a metaphoric term that indicates the men are to show love, care, dedication and self sacrifice for the members.
1 Peter 5: 1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
4. Steward (steward of God, holding fast faithful word, not greedy, not given to wine, not covetous) indicates a man who can be trusted with great treasures such as the souls of the local church members and the church's financial assets.
Acts 11: 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And finally,
The members' have responsibilities too. The responsibility of the eldership is not entirely on the elders.
1. Communicate your needs - Jas 5:14 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him.."
2. Obey & submit - Heb 13:17 esp. the latter part: "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." We should have the right attitude that will help the elders with their job, not cause them grief..
3. Do your part to grow future elders (women, exhort the men; men, grow with the qualifications in mind)
