Elders and Members

I. Introduction
   A. Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5
      1. God's plan involves every local church to have elders
      2. This is how churches are "set in order"
   B. Many times we speak of qualifications, and such is good
      1. 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-7
      2. If an eldership is to be had, men must be qualified
      3. Important for young men to prepare, plan for that role
   C. Nevertheless, what are the functions of elders?
   D. What are the responsibilities of members to elders?
   E. Let us consider these important aspects today

II. Functions of Elders
   A. The functions of elders can be described using the three main 
      terms used to describe the office in the New Testament
   B. Elder -- presbuteros (1 Peter 5:1)
      1. Literally, "old man"
      2. Indicates older age and therefore experience
      3. Most descriptive term of the person, least of function
      4. Nevertheless, ancient parallels
      5. Deuteronomy 21:2-4, Exodus 3:16, Joshua 23:2, 
         Ruth 4:2, 4, 9, etc.
      6. Indication of "elder" as position of authority based on 
         experience
      7. Common in ancient world (Genesis 50:7, Joshua 9:11)
      8. Not surprising, then, to see similar use in NT
   C. Overseer -- episkopos (1 Timothy 3:1)
      1. Also translated "bishop"
      2. As we will see, roles of oversight and shepherding related
      3. Oversight, however, involves decision-making and general 
         direction (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2)
      4. Elders as point men for decisions that need making
      5. Oversee/supervise/manage all affairs of the church
      6. Evangelism, teaching, church benevolence, etc. are all to 
         be supervised and planned by them or by their delegations
   D. Shepherd -- poimon (1 Peter 5:2)
      1. Also translated "pastor"
      2. To understand concept of spiritual shepherd, must consider 
         physical shepherd
      3. Shepherd responsible for welfare of the sheep
      4. Must give them food and drink (Genesis 29:7, Exodus 2:19)
      5. Must be on the lookout for predators (1 Samuel 17:34-35)
      6. Must watch the sheep to keep them together, recapture any
         wandering sheep (Matthew 18:12)
      7. Such represents a figure for the role of Christ, and by 
         extension that of the elder (cf. John 10:11)
      8. Elders, then, are responsible for direction and the 
         spiritual sustenance of the brethren
      9. Elders are to be on the lookout for false teachings and 
         be able to withstand them (Titus 1:9)
      10. Elders must be constantly vigilant to maintain the flock 
          of God with which they have been entrusted (Acts 20:28)
   E. We can see, then, the nature of the functions of elders
      1. A great responsibility indeed!  
      2. Much work and effort must go into the task
      3. We can see the need for qualifications-- serious role 
         requiring men above reproach who can handle the task
         with skill!

III. Responsibilities of Members
   A. What, then, are the responsibilities of members toward the 
      elders?
   B. First of all, members must be willing to submit to the 
      authority!
      1. Hebrews 13:17
      2. The first commands here are to "obey leaders" and "submit 
         to them"
      3. The reason given is quite clear: they are giving account
      4. Such is the seriousness of the responsibility-- on the 
         day of Judgment, elders will be called into account for 
         not only their own lives but how they directed the church, 
         and therefore how they directed each member 
         (cf. Ezekiel 3:17-21)
      5. They can only direct, however, if members are willing to 
         be directed
      6. That is a question that each member must pose to him or 
         herself
      7. If one refuses to submit to the elders, one stands opposed 
         to God and His authority structure!
      8. Acts 20:28-- God has given the elders the authority over 
         the flock which was purchased by His Son's blood; who are 
         we to argue with God on that?
      9. It may not be popular in America, but in the church there 
         most certainly is accountability-- to God, to the elders, 
         and to one another (Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 13:17, 
         Galatians 6:1-2)
   C. Likewise, members are to do their best to make the job 
      enjoyable!
      1. Such represents the end of the exhortation in 
         Hebrews 13:17
      2. It is of "no advantage" to us if they do the task 
         "with groaning"
      3. We do not get the impression that the sheep should be 
         belligerent, contentious, or difficult for the elders 
         in the least!
   D. Members are to respect elders
      1. 1 Timothy 5:17-18
      2. Elders are to receive honor for their work in the Lord
      3. This should be made manifest by the members
      4. Do the members demonstrate respect for the elders?
      5. Do they let the elders know how they are respected by 
         word and deed?
      6. Again-- shepherding is serious!
   E. Members are only to accuse elders in serious circumstances
      1. 1 Timothy 5:19-20
      2. Timothy is not to receive any accusation against an elder 
         unless fully documented by two or three witnesses
      3. Such indicates to us the seriousness of the position!
      4. If such evidence exists, yes, elders are to be rebuked 
         before all (1 Timothy 5:20)
      5. It is possible for elders to fail grievously (Acts 20:30)
      6. Nevertheless, as it should be with all brethren, it must 
         certainly be with elders-- they must be respected and 
         honored until evidence proves them guilty of wrongdoing
      7. If the evidence of wrongdoing is not there, then in terms 
         of accusations, silence must prevail!
      8. The responsibility is too grave, the matters at hand are 
         too serious to admit idle gossip and mere speculation
   F. We can see, then, the responsibility of members toward elders
      1. Elders who serve well do so out of love for God and the 
         brethren
      2. Members must respect the authority of the elders and the 
         responsibility with which they have been entrusted
      3. If we are found to be rebellious against elders, or do 
         not respect their authority, what will the One who gave 
         them authority say (Acts 20:28)?
      4. If we do not respect the one who has been given authority 
         from God that we have seen (elders), how can we respect 
         Jesus Christ to whom all authority has been given and whom 
         we have not seen (cf. 1 John 4:20)?
   G. Therefore, those who do not respect elders without Biblical 
      cause will be found disrespecting God Himself!
   H. We do not want to be found in that position!

IV. Conclusion
   A. We have seen the nature of elders and members today
   B. We have seen the responsibilities of elders in terms of 
      experience, overseeing, and shepherding
   C. We have seen that members are to respect and honor the 
      elders and submit to them
   D. Let us strive to maintain these proper relationships so 
      that we may all be pleasing to God
   E. Invitation/songbook