Organization of the Church - Part 3
By Allan E. McNabb

We continue our series on the organization of the church, studying God’s word concerning elders.

Three Terms For Elders
There are three words in the Bible referring to elders, denoting a specific human quality or specific characteristic of His work.

• Acts 11:30  Presbuteros translated “elder” and “presbyter” denotes that fact that he is an older man.
• 1 Tim. 3:2  Episkopos translated “bishop” and “overseer” denotes his oversight of the church.
• Acts 20:28  Poim‘n translated “pastor” and “shepherd” denotes his leading and feeding of the flock (church).

Paul uses all three terms regarding the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17, 28).  Therefore, all three terms are designations of the same office, and not designations of separate offices as some affirm in religion today.

Plurality of Elders in a Congregation
In the New Testament, a plurality of elders rule over a congregation (Acts 14:23; 15:2-6; 20:17, 28; Tit. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1-5).

Only a plurality of elders are appointed in a congregation (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5). In Ephesus, Paul warns of the future apostasy of elders (Acts 20:28-30).  When reviewing secular history we see this apostasy included a single elder ruling over a congregation, then a single elder ruling over multiple congregations, as they moved away from the apostolic pattern (1 Pet. 5:1-5).

Qualifications of Elders
The qualifications of elders are in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9.

It’s not my intention to list or analyze these qualities, most of which should be present in every Christian.  But generally speaking, an elder is a strong Christian man who is married and has children who are Christians.  He’s able to teach, with a good track record as a spiritual leader in his home, showing he has the experience and ability to be a spiritual leader in the church.

Many strong Christians aren’t qualified to be an elder, often due to life experiences or their lot in life.  But we all serve the Lord in whatever ways we are blessed, knowing that our service is equally important to everyone else (Eph. 4:16).

For example, the apostle Paul wasn’t qualified to be an elder.  But his work in the Lord was very important to the church in the first century, and to the church today.

Work of Elders
Elders are the spiritual leaders of the church.

• Acts 20:28-29  Elders spiritually guard themselves and the congregation, watching for wolves who could harm the flock with false doctrines (Acts 20:28-29).
• 1 Pet. 5:2  Elders shepherd and oversee the flock.
• "Shepherd" figuratively denotes the responsibility an elder has over the sheep.  Elders rule over the flock, care for the flock, and spiritually feed the flock according to the commands of the Chief Shepherd (Jn. 10:1f; 1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4).
• 1 Tim. 3:5  Elders take care of the church.
• 1 Pet. 5:3  Elders do not rule as lords, but as examples to the flock.  They do not “drive” but “lead” the flock.
• Heb. 13:17  Elders will give account for themselves and the discharge of their office.

Christians’ Responsibility to Elders
Members of a congregation have responsibilities toward the elders.

• 1 Th. 5:12-13  Members should appreciate and esteem elders.  They are to pay attention to them.
• 1 Tim. 5:17-18  Members should consider elders worthy of double honor if they rule well, and financially support them as needed.
• 1 Tim. 5:19-20  Members shouldn’t receive an accusation against an elder without two or three witnesses.  Elders who are guilty of unrepentant sin should be openly rebuked.
• Heb. 13:7  Members should imitate elders’ faith.
• Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5  Members should obey and be subject to the elders.
• Ja. 5:14-15  Members should call on the elders when needed.
• 2 Cor. 5:10  Members will be judged as to their relationship with the elders.

To Be Continued
In the next article, we’ll continue our study of the organization of the church as we study God’s word concerning deacons and evangelists.