The office of elder in the church
- Established by Christ, Acts 14.23; Titus 1.5
The qualifications
- 1Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
The role of elder
- They have oversight of the flock, 1Peter 5.2
- They watch for the souls of the flock, Hebrews 13.17
- They are examples to the flock, 1Peter 5.3
- They have rule over the flock, 1Timothy 5.17
- They are to know the Word, 1Timothy 5.17; Titus 1.9
- They are exhort the flock, and refute & rebuke opposition, Titus 1.7-13
- They are to feed the flock, 1Peter 5.2
- James 5.14-15 (the sick)
- If they are sinning, they are to be rebuked in the presence of the church, 1Timothy 5.20
- They will give an account, Hebrews 13.17
The role of the congregation to the elder
- They are to obey and submit themselves, Hebrews 13.17, 1Peter 5.5; that the elder may serve with joy, and not grief
- They are to know the elders, 1Thessalonians 5.12
- They are to esteem the elders, 1Thessalonians 5.13
- They are not to receive an accusation against an elder, except on 2 or 3 witnesses, 1Timothy 5.19
The character of the elder
- They are worthy of double honor, 1Timothy 5.17
- Titus 1.5ff; 1Peter 5.1ff; 1Timothy 3.1ff