ISERVE Leadership through Serving Training The Minister The Elder/Minister Servant-Leadership Training

ISERVELeadership through Serving Training

The Minister The Elder/Minister

Servant-Leadership Training

Gifted Congregations should be able to provide the following gifts according to scripture

• The Word of Wisdom• The Word of Knowledge• The Gift of Faith• The Gift of Healing• The Working of Miracles• The Interpretation of

Tongues• Serving

• Teaching• Exhorting•Giving•Prophecy• The Discernment of Spirits•Governing• Showing Mercy

The Early Church• The early church considered the actual work of the ministry

to be much more important than an office.• The work is more important than the rank, and the early

church put it emphasis on the function of the saints of God, rather than on their official position.•When it was necessary to create a position, the early church

chose out from among its members those who already manifested the wisdom, character and anointing of the Lord upon their lives.

The Early Church• Acts 6 King James Version (KJV)6 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

The Early Church5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

The Early Church

• Saying “Never lay hands on a empty head”• The early church Fathers did not desire to “fill position” in the

church just or its own sake. Today, the church needs to restore this same attitude.• The 1st century church had only two offices:• Bishop (Elder/Ministers, Pastors, Overseers, or Shepherds)• Deacons

• Oversight of each local congregation was totally in the hands of the local church Elder/Minister (Pastor), while the Deacons ministered to the practical needs of the people.

The Early Church• The 2nd century church, a third office began to emerge in the church.

Elder/Ministers were added to Deacons and Bishops (the local Pastor). • The Bishop (The Senior Pastor) was the one man who received the mantle of

leadership, and his other Elder/Ministers recognized this, but he could not use this position to domineer his fellow Elder/Ministers.• James, the Bishop/Pastor of the local church at Jerusalem, rose up and applied

the Old Testament to the issue of circumcising Gentiles, during the Apostolic Conference in Acts 15. James was the one who “steered the bus” but he consulted with his fellow team leaders on how to reach their goal.• This illustrates how God appoints one man among the local church

Elder/Ministers to be “first among equals,” not to dominate, but to receive a specific mantle of appointed direction

The Concept of a Minister• Ministers were originally called Shepherds• The word “Shepherd” is a more accurate term to describe a man of

God serving Christ’s flock, however it is a contrast to the way the word “Minister” is used today.• Today: Minister refers to an licensed Pastor, Elder/Minister, or

Reverend who does the work of the Lord on a full-time basis.

The Concept of a Minister - Grammatically• In the early church (33 A.D.) “minister” was used as a verb, an action word. • All Christians in the early church had a ministry of actively, dutifully, functionally,

and effectively working for the Lord and His people. • The concept of a “minister” (a Christian servant) with a “ministry” (a specific

service in the Body) applied to anyone who performed normal Christian functions.• Leading someone to Christ, helping widows, praying for the sick, exhorting other

saints were functions all Christians performed.• The work load of the church was not in name, title, or position or salary. It was in

action, commitment, spontaneity, and individual service. • All Christians acted to perform “ministry” that extended the kingdom of Jesus

Christ

The Concept of a Minister - GrammaticallyToday’s meaning: Is used to refer to the name, title, position, and salary of those few who performs certain sacred New Testament activities.• Preaching• Water baptizing• Serving communion• Anointing the sick• Counseling

• Today Minister is no longer used as an action word (verb), but as a noun, to name a person, place, or thing.

The Concept of a Minister - GrammaticallyToday’s ministry refers to the title of a special person who has been ordained by a certain denomination. •This person functions out of a place (a special office or study)•Fills a hierarchical position (a thing, not an action)

The Concept of a Minister - TheologicallyThe theological meaning of the word did not apply to a small elite, but to active Christians in general.• Minister – There was no distinction between clergy and laity as we use today.

All believers in the early church were understood to be “ministers” (servants) of the Lord Jesus Christ.• Luke 17:10 “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are

commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”• 2nd Corinthians 6:4 “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of

God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.”• 1 Peter 2:9 9 ”But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy

nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”

The Concept of a Minister - Theologically• 1 Peter 4:10-11 “10 As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”• 1 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV) 7 ”But the manifestation of the

Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

The Concept of a Minister - Theologically• Positionally minded people pursue ministry positions without aspiring to true

service in the Church• Professionally-oriented people may attain a Church title, yet miss the anointing of

God• Authoritarian people may domineer the flock of God, thinking that ministry is

exercising power over people’s lives• The division between clergy and laity produces a lazy majority of Christians in the

church who do not realize their callings in God• Deacon boards attempt to rule over Pastors and Congregations • Politically-oriented leaders put professionalism, money, and man-pleasing before

serving the flock and pleasing God• An overworked minority does most if not all of the true “ministering” in the Body

of Christ.

The Concept of a Minister

A.D. 33 The Early Church

• “Minister”• Grammatically; a verb, an action

word• Theologically; a function and

service of all Christians

20th Century

• “Minister”• Grammatically; a noun, the name of

a person• Theologically; a position for one

high-status individualIN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SUMMIT – WE WILL REFER TO CALLED CHURCH LEADERS AS MINISTERS, BECAUSE GOD INTENDS AND CALLS MINISTERS TO AN ACTION, RATHER THAN JUST BEARING THE NAME OF A TITLE, WE WILL REFER TO CALLED CHURCH LEADER AS “A MINISTER” AND TO ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CHURCH IN GENERAL AS “MINISTRIES.”

New Testament Elder/Minister/Minister

Servant-Leader Training

New Testament Elder/Minister

• In the New Testament, Church government is entrusted to the Elder/Minister, which includes the five-fold governmental ministries of Ephesians 4:11-12.• Governmental ministries operate within the support, strengthening,

and accountability of the Elder/Minister.• The Elder/Ministers are called and recognized by character

qualifications as well as ministry and functional duties.• True Biblical Elder/Minister, therefore, is not only what a person is,

but what a person does.

Important Elder/Minister Terms

• Elder/Minister – Greek: Presbuteros” The eldest, or a person advanced in life, or senior. Of rank or position of responsibility, either among the Gentiles or in the Jewish nation. In the Church, the same word applies to those who are appointed to exercise spiritual oversight and care for a local church.• Bishop – Greek: “Episkopee” Office of Overseer, for the purpose of

watching over and inspecting. As a ministry office, a “bishop” is one of the governmental ministries.• Deacon – Greek: “Diaconia” A Servant, who serves another in any task

or job; to support, to minister, to wait upon.

Scriptures Concerning Elder/Minister

• Acts 11:30 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the Elder/Ministers by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.• Acts 14:23 23 And when they had ordained them Elder/Ministers in

every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.• Acts 15:2 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small

dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and Elder/Ministers about this question.


• Acts 15:22-23 (KJV)• 22 Then pleased it the apostles and Elder/Ministers with the whole

church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and Elder/Ministers and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia..


• Acts 16:4 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and Elder/Ministers which were at Jerusalem.• Acts 20:17 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the

Elder/Ministers of the church.• 1 Timothy 5:19 19 Against an Elder/Minister receive not an accusation,

but before two or three witnesses.• Titus 1:5 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in

order the things that are wanting, and ordain Elder/Ministers in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Appointing of Elder/Ministers

• Elder/Ministers were ordained, instructed, and directed by the Apostles.• Elder/Ministers worked in a supportive roles of the God-appointed

Leaders• The Elder/Minister is definitely a local church governing body which

operates under the direction of the senior ministry (Pastor).• Nothing in the scripture supports the Elder/Minister’s co-equality in

decision making and governance of a local church.• Elder/Ministers are responsible to work with the Senior Pastor, and to

govern and feed the sheep (congregation)


• Elder/Ministers provide wise counsel to the senior ministry.• In the 1st Century Church, Elder/Ministers were not appointed on the

basis of their executive abilities, their career or social success, or their public relations skills. They were chosen and appointed because of their spiritual qualifications.• The act of appointment precedes the act of ordination


Appointment entails the institutional elements of naming a person to an office:• Naming or selecting a person to a position• To set a time and place for an act or meeting of appointment• To outfit, equip, or furnish a person for a set of prescribed duties• Establish a probationary or trial period will be conducted between the

time of appointment and ordination.1 Timothy 3:10 (KJV) 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.


The act of ordination involves the following:• Ordering • Establishing• Investing with AuthorityThis act the Spirit has already made obvious in a person’s life—that he or she is called and gifted to perform certain ministry functions

Ministry Functions of Elder/Ministers

Functions Description/Scripture

Overseer / Guardian Greek “Episkopos” Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 2:25

Feeder Greek “Poimano” To tend as a shepherd, John 21:16; Jude 12

Prayer Warrior To make powerful intercessions and spiritual warfare for special needs in the church. James 5:15-16; Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4

Watchman Greek “Gregoreo” To keep awake spiritually Acts 20:28-30; 1st Thess. 5:6,10; Luke 12: 37,39; Ezekiel 3:17-21

Student of the Word To maintain correct doctrine 1st Tim. 3:2; 2nd Tim. 2:24; Titus 1:17

Teacher Such an Elder/Minister is “apt (adept) to teach” 1st Tim. 3:2; 2nd Tim. 2:24; Titus 1:17; Titus 1:9



Compassionate 1st Timothy 3:5; Ezekiel 34

Example to Believers They are to be exemplary in all they are, says, and does. This includes character, lifestyle, work, family life and marriage. Phil 3:17; Thess. 3:9; 1st Tim 4:12; 1st Peter 5:3

Leader Hebrews 13:7,17,24; Luke 22:26

Sacrificial Servant II Sam. 24:24; Luke 14:25-33; Romans 12:1,2

Wise Counselor Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50; Psalm 16:7; Proverbs 1:25, 30

Hard Worker 1st Tim. 3:1; 1st Thess. 5:13; Phil. 2:30; 1st Cor. 3:13-15



Bearer of Burdens “And Moses sad unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant…that thou layest the burdens of all this people upon me?...And the Lord said unto Moses…”I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burdens of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone (Numbers 11:11,16,17

Loyal Team Member Philippians 2:19-22

Sharer of the Vision Like Johnathan’s armor-bearer, who said to his master, “Do all that is in thine heart; turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart” 1 Sam. 14:7

Ministry Functions of Elder/MinistersFunctions Description/Scripture

Transparent A quality of life, resulting from having no sins or secret motivations to hide, in which his own plans and intentions are open for all to see

Submissive The root of all sin is self-will. “for whatever is not faith is sin” (Romans 14:23) The Elder/Minister/Minister must be so submissive to the will of God that they actively seek it, and does not resist change or new decisions in pursuit of his own comfort.

Liberal Giver In Sacrificial giving, it isn’t the size of the gift that matters, it the cost to the giver, and the love and faith in which the gift is offered. 2 Corinthians 8:2,5 and 9:5-6

Sacrificial Servant II Sam. 24:24; Luke 14:25-33; Romans 12:1,2

Ministry Functions of Elder/MinistersFunctions Description/Scripture

Positive in Faith As a shepherd-ruler, an Elder/Minister must maintain active, positive faith to help others do the same. An Elder/Minister/Minister must lead the people in rising to the challenges of spiritual warfare or hard circumstances, and responding to faith. A negative attitude, cynicism, or lack of faith will harm everyone he is called to help.

Disciplined A disciplined lifestyle captures the blessings of the Lord and releases them to their full purpose.

Keeper of Unity Unity and Harmony in the Church begins with the Elder/Ministers/Ministers. Their own unity and harmony, in turn, depends upon their knowledge of the Word and its important principles. If each Elder/Minister/Minister is guided by the Holy Spirit, the Word, and active prayer, the Elder/Minister will be unanimous in all decisions. (Eph. 4:1-2; Isa. 65:8)



Worshipper A lifestyle of worship releases the moving of the Holy Spirit. Rev. 4:4-11

Protector of the Flock Satanic attacks come both from outside the flock, and from inside. As Shepherds, Elder/Ministers/Ministers play an important role in protecting the flock of God

Filled with the Holy Spirit Their life must be open and receptive to the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Properly Motivated A weakly motivated Elder/Minister/minister will be indifferent to the needs and sufferings of God’s flock. An improperly motivated Elder/Minister/minister will be driven by personal need, rather than the moving of the Holy Spirit.

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ISERVE Leadership through Serving Training The Minister The Elder/Minister Servant-Leadership Training