A Display of God's Glory/Elders - Revision history

Bhkauflin at 14:55, 18 July 2008

2008-07-18T14:55:20Z

Bhkauflin: A Display of God's Glory/Chapter 2 moved to A Display of God's Glory/Elders

2008-07-18T14:53:43Z

A Display of God's Glory/Chapter 2 moved to A Display of God's Glory/Elders

← Older revision

Revision as of 14:53, 18 July 2008

Kirstenyee at 16:02, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T16:02:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 15 July 2008
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	A recognition of the fallen nature of authority and the possibility of its abuse is good and healthy. Power apart from God’s purposes is always demonic. But a suspicion of all authority or an innate distrust of it is very bad. Really, it reveals more of the person questioning than of the authority. Moreover, it shows a cancerous degeneration in our capacity to operate as those made in God’s image. To live as He meant us to live, we have to be able to trust Him, and even—to no small extent—to trust those made in His image. Everyone in the Bible from Adam and Eve to the rogue rulers in the book of Revelation show their evil fundamentally by denying God’s authority, and usurping it as their own.		A recognition of the fallen nature of authority and the possibility of its abuse is good and healthy. Power apart from God’s purposes is always demonic. But a suspicion of all authority or an innate distrust of it is very bad. Really, it reveals more of the person questioning than of the authority. Moreover, it shows a cancerous degeneration in our capacity to operate as those made in God’s image. To live as He meant us to live, we have to be able to trust Him, and even—to no small extent—to trust those made in His image. Everyone in the Bible from Adam and Eve to the rogue rulers in the book of Revelation show their evil fundamentally by denying God’s authority, and usurping it as their own.

-	It is a great privilege to be ''served'' by godly leaders! To have godly authority modeled and practiced for our benefit is a great gift! To reject authority, as so many in our day do, is short-sighted and self-destructive. A world without authority would be like desires with no restraints, a car with no controls, an intersection with no traffic lights, a game with no rules, a home with no parents, a world without God. It could go on for a little while, but before long it would seem pointless, then cruel, and finally unutterably tragic.	+	It is a great privilege to be ''served'' by godly leaders! To have godly authority modeled and practiced for our benefit is a great gift! To reject authority, as so many in our day do, is short-sighted and self-destructive. A world without authority would be like desires with no restraints, a car with no controls, an intersection with no traffic lights, a game with no rules, a home with no parents, a world without God. It could go on for a little while, but before long it would seem pointless, then cruel, and finally unutterably tragic.
		+
		+	Despite our tendency to ignore it, godly and biblical leadership is crucial to the building of a church that glorifies God. Our exercise of leadership in the church relates to God’s nature and character. When we exercise proper authority through the law, around the family table, in our jobs, in the scout troop, in our homes, and especially in the church, we are helping to display God’s image to His creation. This is our call. This is our privilege.

Kirstenyee at 15:59, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:59:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 15 July 2008
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	==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====		==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====

-	I hope that you see in all this that it is a great privilege to serve in leadership, one that should not be missed. Some people may feel too busy, or think that such work is just not worth it. I’m reminded of the actor Gary Cooper’s statement: “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” That’s what Cooper is reported to have said on rejecting the leading role in “Gone With The~~ ~~	+	I hope that you see in all this that it is a great privilege to serve in leadership, one that should not be missed. Some people may feel too busy, or think that such work is just not worth it. I’m reminded of the actor Gary Cooper’s statement: “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” That’s what Cooper is reported to have said on rejecting the leading role in “Gone With The Wind.” What we’ve been thinking about is so much more important than anything that would bring worldly fame or wealth. Paul says that being an elder is a “noble task” and that he who desires it desires a good thing!

-	~~Wind.” What we’ve~~ been ~~thinking~~ about is so ~~much more<br>important than anything that~~ would ~~bring worldly fame or<br>wealth. Paul says~~ that ~~being an elder is~~ a ~~“noble task”~~ and~~<br>that he who desires it desires~~ a ~~good thing!<br> ~~	+	One of the times that I have been most chilled in a conversation was when I was talking with someone who taught at Cambridge University. We were out at a meal, and he was expressing his anger over a recent decision of the city council. As he went on and on, I recalled how typical this was of my friend to show such anger about authority. And so at one point I asked him a simple, direct, unqualified question: “Do you think authority is bad?” Normally, such a question would earn only a puzzled look, a condescending sniffle that one would ask such a naïve question, and a meandering answer shackled by a thousand qualifications. This time, though, I was ''shocked'' by his un-nuanced, simple, direct, unqualified answer—“Yes.”

-	~~One~~ of the times that I have been most chilled in a conversation<br>was when I was talking with someone who<br>taught at Cambridge University. We were out at a meal, and<br>he was expressing his anger over a recent decision of ~~the<br>city council. As he went on~~ and ~~on, I recalled how typical<br>this was~~ of ~~my friend to show such anger about authority~~.~~<br>And so at one point I asked him~~ a ~~simple, direct, unqualified<br>question: “Do you think~~ authority is bad~~?” Normally~~,~~<br>such a question would earn only a puzzled look~~, a ~~condescending<br>sniffle that one would ask such a naïve question,<br>and a meandering answer shackled by a thousand qualifications~~.~~<br>This time~~, ~~though~~, ~~I was ''shocked''~~ by ~~his<br>un-nuanced~~, ~~simple, direct, unqualified answer—“Yes~~.~~”<br> ~~	+	A recognition of the fallen nature of authority and the possibility of its abuse is good and healthy. Power apart from God’s purposes is always demonic. But a suspicion of all authority or an innate distrust of it is very bad. Really, it reveals more of the person questioning than of the authority. Moreover, it shows a cancerous degeneration in our capacity to operate as those made in God’s image. To live as He meant us to live, we have to be able to trust Him, and even—to no small extent—to trust those made in His image. Everyone in the Bible from Adam and Eve to the rogue rulers in the book of Revelation show their evil fundamentally by denying God’s authority, and usurping it as their own.

-	A recognition of the fallen nature of authority and the<br>possibility of its abuse is good and healthy. Power apart<br>from God’s purposes is always demonic. But a suspicion of<br>all authority or an innate distrust of it is very bad. Really, it<br>reveals more of the person questioning than of the authority.<br>Moreover, it shows a cancerous degeneration in our capacity<br>to operate as those made in God’s image. To live as He<br>meant us to live, we have to be able to trust Him, and<br>even—to no small extent—to trust those made in His<br>image. Everyone in the Bible from Adam and Eve to the<br>rogue rulers in the book of Revelation show their evil<br>fundamentally by denying God’s authority, and usurping it<br>as their own.<br>	+	It is a great privilege to be ''served'' by godly leaders! To have godly authority modeled and practiced for our benefit is a great gift! To reject authority, as so many in our day do, is short-sighted and self-destructive. A world without authority would be like desires with no restraints, a car with no controls, an intersection with no traffic lights, a game with no rules, a home with no parents, a world without God. It could go on for a little while, but before long it would seem pointless, then cruel, and finally unutterably tragic.
-		+
-	It is a great privilege to be ''served'' by godly leaders! To have~~<br>~~godly authority modeled and practiced for our benefit is a~~<br>~~great gift! To reject authority, as so many in our day do, is~~<br>~~short-sighted and self-destructive. A world without~~<br>~~authority would be like desires with no restraints, a car~~<br>~~with no controls, an intersection with no traffic lights, a game~~<br>~~with no rules, a home with no parents, a world without God.~~<br>~~It could go on for a little while, but before long it would~~<br>~~seem pointless, then cruel, and finally unutterably tragic.	+

Kirstenyee at 15:56, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:56:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 15 July 2008
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	==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====		==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====

-	I hope that you see in all this that it is a great privilege to serve in leadership, one that should not be missed. Some people may feel too busy, or think that such work is just not worth it. I’m reminded of the actor Gary Cooper’s statement: “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” That’s what Cooper is reported to have said on rejecting the leading role in “Gone With The	+	I hope that you see in all this that it is a great privilege to serve in leadership, one that should not be missed. Some people may feel too busy, or think that such work is just not worth it. I’m reminded of the actor Gary Cooper’s statement: “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” That’s what Cooper is reported to have said on rejecting the leading role in “Gone With The
		+
		+	Wind.” What we’ve been thinking about is so much more<br>important than anything that would bring worldly fame or<br>wealth. Paul says that being an elder is a “noble task” and<br>that he who desires it desires a good thing!<br>
		+
		+	One of the times that I have been most chilled in a conversation<br>was when I was talking with someone who<br>taught at Cambridge University. We were out at a meal, and<br>he was expressing his anger over a recent decision of the<br>city council. As he went on and on, I recalled how typical<br>this was of my friend to show such anger about authority.<br>And so at one point I asked him a simple, direct, unqualified<br>question: “Do you think authority is bad?” Normally,<br>such a question would earn only a puzzled look, a condescending<br>sniffle that one would ask such a naïve question,<br>and a meandering answer shackled by a thousand qualifications.<br>This time, though, I was ''shocked'' by his<br>un-nuanced, simple, direct, unqualified answer—“Yes.”<br>
		+
		+	A recognition of the fallen nature of authority and the<br>possibility of its abuse is good and healthy. Power apart<br>from God’s purposes is always demonic. But a suspicion of<br>all authority or an innate distrust of it is very bad. Really, it<br>reveals more of the person questioning than of the authority.<br>Moreover, it shows a cancerous degeneration in our capacity<br>to operate as those made in God’s image. To live as He<br>meant us to live, we have to be able to trust Him, and<br>even—to no small extent—to trust those made in His<br>image. Everyone in the Bible from Adam and Eve to the<br>rogue rulers in the book of Revelation show their evil<br>fundamentally by denying God’s authority, and usurping it<br>as their own.<br>
		+
		+	It is a great privilege to be ''served'' by godly leaders! To have<br>godly authority modeled and practiced for our benefit is a<br>great gift! To reject authority, as so many in our day do, is<br>short-sighted and self-destructive. A world without<br>authority would be like desires with no restraints, a car<br>with no controls, an intersection with no traffic lights, a game<br>with no rules, a home with no parents, a world without God.<br>It could go on for a little while, but before long it would<br>seem pointless, then cruel, and finally unutterably tragic.

Kirstenyee at 15:48, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:48:28Z

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	We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.		We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.
	<blockquote>1) '''Clear Recognition'''. Elders are to be recognized by the church as gifts from God for the good of the church. The church should therefore delegate to them the duties of teaching and leading the church. Those duties are only to be revoked when it is clear that the elders are acting in a way that is contrary to the Scriptures. And for their part, the elders must recognize the God-given authority of the congregation ''(e.g.,Matthew 18; I Cor. 5; II Cor. 2)<br>''2) '''Heart-felt Trust'''. The church should trust, protect, respect and honor its elders. Thus Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:17, ''“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”'' The elders should direct the affairs of the church, and the church should submit to their leadership. So the writer to the Hebrews wrote in 13:17,''“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”''<br>3)'''Evident Godliness'''. We have seen the emphasis in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus on the elders being ''“blameless.” ''(In Titus 1:6 Paul wrote,''“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”'') The elder, then, must be willing to have a life that is open to inspection and even a home that is actively open to outsiders, giving hospitality and enfolding others into their lives.<br>4) '''Sincere Carefulness'''<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1216136474918_170"></span>. The elders should be marked by a use of their authority which shows that they understand that the church belongs not to them, but to Christ. Christ has purchased the church with His own blood, and therefore it should be cherished, treated carefully and gently, led faithfully and purely, for the glory of God in the good of the church. The elders will give an account to Christ for their stewardship.<br>5) '''Beneficial Results'''. As in a home, or in our own relationship with God, a humble recognition of rightful authority brings benefits. In a church, when authority is used with the consent of the congregation for the good of the congregation, the congregation will benefit as God builds His church through the teachers He gives to His church. Satan’s lie—that authority is never to be trusted because it is always tyrannical and oppressive—will be subverted by the benevolent practice of and recognition of the elders’ authority in the context of the congregation. </blockquote>		<blockquote>1) '''Clear Recognition'''. Elders are to be recognized by the church as gifts from God for the good of the church. The church should therefore delegate to them the duties of teaching and leading the church. Those duties are only to be revoked when it is clear that the elders are acting in a way that is contrary to the Scriptures. And for their part, the elders must recognize the God-given authority of the congregation ''(e.g.,Matthew 18; I Cor. 5; II Cor. 2)<br>''2) '''Heart-felt Trust'''. The church should trust, protect, respect and honor its elders. Thus Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:17, ''“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”'' The elders should direct the affairs of the church, and the church should submit to their leadership. So the writer to the Hebrews wrote in 13:17,''“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”''<br>3)'''Evident Godliness'''. We have seen the emphasis in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus on the elders being ''“blameless.” ''(In Titus 1:6 Paul wrote,''“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”'') The elder, then, must be willing to have a life that is open to inspection and even a home that is actively open to outsiders, giving hospitality and enfolding others into their lives.<br>4) '''Sincere Carefulness'''<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1216136474918_170"></span>. The elders should be marked by a use of their authority which shows that they understand that the church belongs not to them, but to Christ. Christ has purchased the church with His own blood, and therefore it should be cherished, treated carefully and gently, led faithfully and purely, for the glory of God in the good of the church. The elders will give an account to Christ for their stewardship.<br>5) '''Beneficial Results'''. As in a home, or in our own relationship with God, a humble recognition of rightful authority brings benefits. In a church, when authority is used with the consent of the congregation for the good of the congregation, the congregation will benefit as God builds His church through the teachers He gives to His church. Satan’s lie—that authority is never to be trusted because it is always tyrannical and oppressive—will be subverted by the benevolent practice of and recognition of the elders’ authority in the context of the congregation. </blockquote>
		+	===== Regard for Pastors =====
		+
		+	When Edward Griffin (1770-1837) was retiring from the church he had served so well for many years, he exhorted the congregation with some words that instruct us well on how to regard not just the pastor (as Griffin then intended) but in fact all of those whom God has given us as elders:
		+	<blockquote>For your own sake, and your children’s sake, cherish and revere him whom you have chosen to be your pastor. Already he loves you; and he will soon love you as ‘bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh.’ It will be equally your duty and your interest to make his labors as pleasant to him as possible. Do not demand too much. Do not require visits ''too ''frequent. Should he spend, in this way, half of the time which some demand, he must wholly neglect his studies, if not sink early under the burden. Do not report to him all the unkind things which may be said said against him; nor frequently, in his presence, ''allude'' to opposition, if opposition should arise. Though he is a minister of Christ, consider that he has the feelings of a man,” ''(Edward Griffin, “A Tearful Farewell from a Faithful Pastor” [1809]).'' </blockquote>
		+	==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====
		+
		+	I hope that you see in all this that it is a great privilege to serve in leadership, one that should not be missed. Some people may feel too busy, or think that such work is just not worth it. I’m reminded of the actor Gary Cooper’s statement: “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” That’s what Cooper is reported to have said on rejecting the leading role in “Gone With The

Kirstenyee at 15:43, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:43:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:43, 15 July 2008
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	===== Five Characteristics of the Relationship =====		===== Five Characteristics of the Relationship =====

-	We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.	+	We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.
		+	<blockquote>1) '''Clear Recognition'''. Elders are to be recognized by the church as gifts from God for the good of the church. The church should therefore delegate to them the duties of teaching and leading the church. Those duties are only to be revoked when it is clear that the elders are acting in a way that is contrary to the Scriptures. And for their part, the elders must recognize the God-given authority of the congregation ''(e.g.,Matthew 18; I Cor. 5; II Cor. 2)<br>''2) '''Heart-felt Trust'''. The church should trust, protect, respect and honor its elders. Thus Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:17, ''“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”'' The elders should direct the affairs of the church, and the church should submit to their leadership. So the writer to the Hebrews wrote in 13:17,''“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”''<br>3)'''Evident Godliness'''. We have seen the emphasis in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus on the elders being ''“blameless.” ''(In Titus 1:6 Paul wrote,''“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”'') The elder, then, must be willing to have a life that is open to inspection and even a home that is actively open to outsiders, giving hospitality and enfolding others into their lives.<br>4) '''Sincere Carefulness'''<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1216136474918_170"></span>. The elders should be marked by a use of their authority which shows that they understand that the church belongs not to them, but to Christ. Christ has purchased the church with His own blood, and therefore it should be cherished, treated carefully and gently, led faithfully and purely, for the glory of God in the good of the church. The elders will give an account to Christ for their stewardship.<br>5) '''Beneficial Results'''. As in a home, or in our own relationship with God, a humble recognition of rightful authority brings benefits. In a church, when authority is used with the consent of the congregation for the good of the congregation, the congregation will benefit as God builds His church through the teachers He gives to His church. Satan’s lie—that authority is never to be trusted because it is always tyrannical and oppressive—will be subverted by the benevolent practice of and recognition of the elders’ authority in the context of the congregation. </blockquote>

Kirstenyee at 15:35, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:35:46Z

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	That said, let me give you four glimpses of this kind of role that I think we see in the New Testament.		That said, let me give you four glimpses of this kind of role that I think we see in the New Testament.
	<blockquote>1) Even in the New Testament, there were some men who moved from place to place (like Timothy or Titus) who served as elders, and some who didn’t (presumably like those that Titus ''[in Titus 1:5]'' appointed in every town). So, while Timothy came from outside, others were appointed from within the local congregation.<br>2) There were some who were supported full-time by the flock ''(cf. I Tim. 5:17-18; Philippians 4:15-18)'', and others who worked at another job (as Paul often did when he was first establishing the gospel in an area). One would think that not all the elders Titus made sure were appointed on Crete would have been paid full time.<br>3) It is interesting to note that Paul wrote to Timothy alone with instructions for the church there, even though we know from Acts that there were other elders in the Ephesian church. Timothy, though, seems in some sense to have had a unique function among them.<br>4) Finally, the letters of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are addressed to the messenger (singular) of each of these churches. </blockquote>		<blockquote>1) Even in the New Testament, there were some men who moved from place to place (like Timothy or Titus) who served as elders, and some who didn’t (presumably like those that Titus ''[in Titus 1:5]'' appointed in every town). So, while Timothy came from outside, others were appointed from within the local congregation.<br>2) There were some who were supported full-time by the flock ''(cf. I Tim. 5:17-18; Philippians 4:15-18)'', and others who worked at another job (as Paul often did when he was first establishing the gospel in an area). One would think that not all the elders Titus made sure were appointed on Crete would have been paid full time.<br>3) It is interesting to note that Paul wrote to Timothy alone with instructions for the church there, even though we know from Acts that there were other elders in the Ephesian church. Timothy, though, seems in some sense to have had a unique function among them.<br>4) Finally, the letters of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are addressed to the messenger (singular) of each of these churches. </blockquote>
		+	None of these, of course, are air-tight commands, but they are descriptions that are consistent with our practice of setting aside at least one (perhaps more) from among the elders who is not necessarily from our own community, supporting that one, and giving him the primary teaching responsibility in the church.
		+
		+	===== The Pastor as Elder =====
		+
		+	We must, however, remember that the preacher, or pastor, is also fundamentally one of the elders of his congregation. Probably the single most helpful thing to my pastoral ministry among my church has been the recognition of the other elders. The service of the other elders along with me has had immense benefits. A plurality of elders should aid a church by rounding out the pastor’s gifts, making up for some of his defects, supplementing his judgment, and creating support in the congregation for decisions, leaving leaders less exposed to unjust criticism. Such a plurality also makes leadership more rooted and permanent, and allows for more mature continuity. It encourages the church to take more responsibility for the spiritual growth of its own members and helps make the church less dependent on its employees. Our own church in Washington has enjoyed these benefits and more because of God’s gift to us of elders.
		+
		+	==== VII. Relationship of the Elders and the Church ====
		+
		+	===== Five Characteristics of the Relationship =====
		+
		+	We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.

Kirstenyee at 15:29, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:29:19Z

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-	{{Info\|Elders}}	+	{{Info\|Elders}}

	As important as the deacons are, even more fundamental to our lives together as Christians is the ministry of another group to which we now turn—the elders.		As important as the deacons are, even more fundamental to our lives together as Christians is the ministry of another group to which we now turn—the elders.
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	===== Teaching and Authority =====		===== Teaching and Authority =====

-	To sum up this point, the elder’s authority is directly related to his task of teaching. He is to be a pastor/shepherd. We who are elders are to serve as overseers. In Acts 6 we see the elders proposing something to the assembly. Paul in I Timothy 5 refers to the elders as “''directing the affairs of the church”'' and ''“preaching and teaching.” ''But chiefly, it seems that the elder’s role is one of leading by patiently and carefully teaching.	+	To sum up this point, the elder’s authority is directly related to his task of teaching. He is to be a pastor/shepherd. We who are elders are to serve as overseers. In Acts 6 we see the elders proposing something to the assembly. Paul in I Timothy 5 refers to the elders as “''directing the affairs of the church”'' and ''“preaching and teaching.” ''But chiefly, it seems that the elder’s role is one of leading by patiently and carefully teaching.
		+
		+	It would be to the great benefit of many churches to again distinguish the role of elder from that of deacon.
		+
		+	==== VI. Relationship of the Elders and “The” Pastor ====
		+
		+	If you ask the question, “Does the Bible teach that there is to be a Senior Pastor-figure alongside, or inside the eldership?” I think the answer to that question is “No, not directly.” Having said that, I do think that we '''''can''''' discern a distinct role among the elders for the one who is the primary public teacher of the church.
		+
		+	===== “Pastor” in the New Testament =====
		+
		+	“Pastor” only appears in the New International Version of the New Testament in Ephesians 4:11 in the list of God’s gifts to his church (paired with teachers). Behind the English word “pastor” is the Greek word ''poimenas'' which is related to “shepherd.” The related word for shepherd appears a few times (e.g., I Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28), but in none of these examples does a separate position from elder seem to be indicated. Indeed in Acts 20:17, 28 it is clear that “elder,” “overseer [Bishop],” and “shepherd [pastor]” are all used interchangeably of the same group of people.
		+
		+	===== Glimpses of the Pastoral Role =====
		+
		+	That said, let me give you four glimpses of this kind of role that I think we see in the New Testament.
		+	<blockquote>1) Even in the New Testament, there were some men who moved from place to place (like Timothy or Titus) who served as elders, and some who didn’t (presumably like those that Titus ''[in Titus 1:5]'' appointed in every town). So, while Timothy came from outside, others were appointed from within the local congregation.<br>2) There were some who were supported full-time by the flock ''(cf. I Tim. 5:17-18; Philippians 4:15-18)'', and others who worked at another job (as Paul often did when he was first establishing the gospel in an area). One would think that not all the elders Titus made sure were appointed on Crete would have been paid full time.<br>3) It is interesting to note that Paul wrote to Timothy alone with instructions for the church there, even though we know from Acts that there were other elders in the Ephesian church. Timothy, though, seems in some sense to have had a unique function among them.<br>4) Finally, the letters of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are addressed to the messenger (singular) of each of these churches. </blockquote>

Kirstenyee at 15:15, 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T15:15:43Z

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	==== V. Relationship of Elders and Deacons ====		==== V. Relationship of Elders and Deacons ====

-	In practice, if not in doctrine, many churches have confused the New Testament roles of deacon and elder. The concerns of the deacons, as we have seen, are the practical	+	In practice, if not in doctrine, many churches have confused the New Testament roles of deacon and elder. The concerns of the deacons, as we have seen, are the practical details of church life: administration, maintenance, and the care of church members with physical needs—all in order to promote the unity of the church and the ministry of the Word.
		+
		+	===== Similarities in Qualifications =====
		+
		+	In I Timothy 3, what is most noticeable in comparing the lists of qualifications for elder and then for deacons is not their differences, but their similarities. Both overseers (elders) and deacons need to be reputable, blameless, trusted, monogamous, sober, temperate, generous individuals. Indeed, so similar are these two lists of traits, that the striking thing is that with such similar qualifications, Paul and these early Christians should so clearly recognize''two separate bodies of leaders.''
		+
		+	===== The Root of the Distinction =====
		+
		+	In Acts 6, we have seen something of the root of the distinction in the roles and responsibilities of the deacons and the elders. In Acts 6:2, after the complaining in the church at Jerusalem had begun, we read, ''“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables.’” ''From this, we could say that the ministry of the Word of God is central to the responsibility of the elders. Not only that, but it is absolutely central to the church. When it is characterized again in 6:4, we find them resolving, ''“We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” ''They would be, literally, deacons of the Word. This fits with what we see later in Acts 15, and again in Acts 20, and in the qualification that elders must be able to teach. It seems that the role of the elders is fundamentally to lead God’s people by teaching God’s Word. This teaching must be by the public handling of God’s Word and also by the exemplary lives they lead.
		+
		+	===== Teaching and Authority =====
		+
		+	To sum up this point, the elder’s authority is directly related to his task of teaching. He is to be a pastor/shepherd. We who are elders are to serve as overseers. In Acts 6 we see the elders proposing something to the assembly. Paul in I Timothy 5 refers to the elders as “''directing the affairs of the church”'' and ''“preaching and teaching.” ''But chiefly, it seems that the elder’s role is one of leading by patiently and carefully teaching.

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-	{{Info~~\|Elders~~}}	+	{{Info}}

	As important as the deacons are, even more fundamental to our lives together as Christians is the ministry of another group to which we now turn—the elders.		As important as the deacons are, even more fundamental to our lives together as Christians is the ministry of another group to which we now turn—the elders.
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	That said, let me give you four glimpses of this kind of role that I think we see in the New Testament.		That said, let me give you four glimpses of this kind of role that I think we see in the New Testament.
-	<blockquote>1) Even in the New Testament, there were some men who moved from place to place (like Timothy or Titus) who served as elders, and some who didn’t (presumably like those that Titus ''[in Titus 1:5]'' appointed in every town). So, while Timothy came from outside, others were appointed from within the local congregation.<br>2) There were some who were supported full-time by the flock ''(cf. I Tim. 5:17-18; Philippians 4:15-18)'', and others who worked at another job (as Paul often did when he was first establishing the gospel in an area). One would think that not all the elders Titus made sure were appointed on Crete would have been paid full time.<br>3) It is interesting to note that Paul wrote to Timothy alone with instructions for the church there, even though we know from Acts that there were other elders in the Ephesian church. Timothy, though, seems in some sense to have had a unique function among them.<br>4) Finally, the letters of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are addressed to the messenger (singular) of each of these churches. </blockquote>	+	<blockquote>1) Even in the New Testament, there were some men who moved from place to place (like Timothy or Titus) who served as elders, and some who didn’t (presumably like those that Titus ''[in Titus 1:5]'' appointed in every town). So, while Timothy came from outside, others were appointed from within the local congregation.<br>2) There were some who were supported full-time by the flock ''(cf. I Tim. 5:17-18; Philippians 4:15-18)'', and others who worked at another job (as Paul often did when he was first establishing the gospel in an area). One would think that not all the elders Titus made sure were appointed on Crete would have been paid full time.<br>3) It is interesting to note that Paul wrote to Timothy alone with instructions for the church there, even though we know from Acts that there were other elders in the Ephesian church. Timothy, though, seems in some sense to have had a unique function among them.<br>4) Finally, the letters of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are addressed to the messenger (singular) of each of these churches. </blockquote>
	None of these, of course, are air-tight commands, but they are descriptions that are consistent with our practice of setting aside at least one (perhaps more) from among the elders who is not necessarily from our own community, supporting that one, and giving him the primary teaching responsibility in the church.		None of these, of course, are air-tight commands, but they are descriptions that are consistent with our practice of setting aside at least one (perhaps more) from among the elders who is not necessarily from our own community, supporting that one, and giving him the primary teaching responsibility in the church.

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	We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.		We’ll deal with this more specifically later when we consider what we mean by congregationalism, but in general, the relationship between the elders and the local congregation they serve should be marked by many evidences of godly character and mutual dependence on God. Let me mention five characteristics of this relationship—recognition, trust, godliness, carefulness and results.
-	<blockquote>1) '''Clear Recognition'''. Elders are to be recognized by the church as gifts from God for the good of the church. The church should therefore delegate to them the duties of teaching and leading the church. Those duties are only to be revoked when it is clear that the elders are acting in a way that is contrary to the Scriptures. And for their part, the elders must recognize the God-given authority of the congregation ''(e.g.,Matthew 18; I Cor. 5; II Cor. 2)<br>''2) '''Heart-felt Trust'''. The church should trust, protect, respect and honor its elders. Thus Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:17, ''“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”'' The elders should direct the affairs of the church, and the church should submit to their leadership. So the writer to the Hebrews wrote in 13:17,''“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”''<br>3)'''Evident Godliness'''. We have seen the emphasis in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus on the elders being ''“blameless.” ''(In Titus 1:6 Paul wrote,''“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”'') The elder, then, must be willing to have a life that is open to inspection and even a home that is actively open to outsiders, giving hospitality and enfolding others into their lives.<br>4) '''Sincere Carefulness'''<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1216136474918_170"></span>. The elders should be marked by a use of their authority which shows that they understand that the church belongs not to them, but to Christ. Christ has purchased the church with His own blood, and therefore it should be cherished, treated carefully and gently, led faithfully and purely, for the glory of God in the good of the church. The elders will give an account to Christ for their stewardship.<br>5) '''Beneficial Results'''. As in a home, or in our own relationship with God, a humble recognition of rightful authority brings benefits. In a church, when authority is used with the consent of the congregation for the good of the congregation, the congregation will benefit as God builds His church through the teachers He gives to His church. Satan’s lie—that authority is never to be trusted because it is always tyrannical and oppressive—will be subverted by the benevolent practice of and recognition of the elders’ authority in the context of the congregation. </blockquote>	+	<blockquote>1) '''Clear Recognition'''. Elders are to be recognized by the church as gifts from God for the good of the church. The church should therefore delegate to them the duties of teaching and leading the church. Those duties are only to be revoked when it is clear that the elders are acting in a way that is contrary to the Scriptures. And for their part, the elders must recognize the God-given authority of the congregation ''(e.g.,Matthew 18; I Cor. 5; II Cor. 2)<br>''2) '''Heart-felt Trust'''. The church should trust, protect, respect and honor its elders. Thus Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:17, ''“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”'' The elders should direct the affairs of the church, and the church should submit to their leadership. So the writer to the Hebrews wrote in 13:17,''“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”''<br>3)'''Evident Godliness'''. We have seen the emphasis in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus on the elders being ''“blameless.” ''(In Titus 1:6 Paul wrote,''“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”'') The elder, then, must be willing to have a life that is open to inspection and even a home that is actively open to outsiders, giving hospitality and enfolding others into their lives.<br>4) '''Sincere Carefulness'''<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1216136474918_170"></span>. The elders should be marked by a use of their authority which shows that they understand that the church belongs not to them, but to Christ. Christ has purchased the church with His own blood, and therefore it should be cherished, treated carefully and gently, led faithfully and purely, for the glory of God in the good of the church. The elders will give an account to Christ for their stewardship.<br>5) '''Beneficial Results'''. As in a home, or in our own relationship with God, a humble recognition of rightful authority brings benefits. In a church, when authority is used with the consent of the congregation for the good of the congregation, the congregation will benefit as God builds His church through the teachers He gives to His church. Satan’s lie—that authority is never to be trusted because it is always tyrannical and oppressive—will be subverted by the benevolent practice of and recognition of the elders’ authority in the context of the congregation. </blockquote>
	===== Regard for Pastors =====		===== Regard for Pastors =====

	When Edward Griffin (1770-1837) was retiring from the church he had served so well for many years, he exhorted the congregation with some words that instruct us well on how to regard not just the pastor (as Griffin then intended) but in fact all of those whom God has given us as elders:		When Edward Griffin (1770-1837) was retiring from the church he had served so well for many years, he exhorted the congregation with some words that instruct us well on how to regard not just the pastor (as Griffin then intended) but in fact all of those whom God has given us as elders:
-	<blockquote>For your own sake, and your children’s sake, cherish and revere him whom you have chosen to be your pastor. Already he loves you; and he will soon love you as ‘bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh.’ It will be equally your duty and your interest to make his labors as pleasant to him as possible. Do not demand too much. Do not require visits ''too ''frequent. Should he spend, in this way, half of the time which some demand, he must wholly neglect his studies, if not sink early under the burden. Do not report to him all the unkind things which may be said said against him; nor frequently, in his presence, ''allude'' to opposition, if opposition should arise. Though he is a minister of Christ, consider that he has the feelings of a man,” ''(Edward Griffin, “A Tearful Farewell from a Faithful Pastor” [1809]).'' </blockquote>	+	<blockquote>For your own sake, and your children’s sake, cherish and revere him whom you have chosen to be your pastor. Already he loves you; and he will soon love you as ‘bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh.’ It will be equally your duty and your interest to make his labors as pleasant to him as possible. Do not demand too much. Do not require visits ''too ''frequent. Should he spend, in this way, half of the time which some demand, he must wholly neglect his studies, if not sink early under the burden. Do not report to him all the unkind things which may be said said against him; nor frequently, in his presence, ''allude'' to opposition, if opposition should arise. Though he is a minister of Christ, consider that he has the feelings of a man,” ''(Edward Griffin, “A Tearful Farewell from a Faithful Pastor” [1809]).'' </blockquote>
	==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====		==== VIII. On the Gift of Authority ====