Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He

makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

The Role of an Elder

James A. Garfield – 20th President

“I resign from the highest office in the land to become president of the United States.”

The Need for LeadersGod was always the leader of the Israelites

◦Moses◦ Joshua◦Gideon and other judges◦David

Jesus Christ is the leader of the Church “And He(Jesus) is the head of the body, the

church”-Colossians 1:18

Human Leadership in ChurchElder Overseer/Bishop ShepherdTo the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow

elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock, that is under your care, serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” – 1 Peter 5:1-4

Human Leadership in ChurchElder Overseer/Bishop ShepherdTo the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow

elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock, that is under your care, serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” – 1 Peter 5:1-4

Human Leadership in ChurchElder Overseer/Bishop ShepherdTo the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow

elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock, that is under your care, serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” – 1 Peter 5:1-4

Jesus’ Radical Leadership

Matthew 20:24-26And when the 10 heard it they were greatly

displeased with the 2 brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet is shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you; let him be your servant.”

Jesus says leadership in the Kingdom will be servant leadership. It will look like this…

The Shepherd Leadership Model

Why Shepherd Leadership?“Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel…” Psalm

80:1

Jesus is called the Good Shepherd because He lays down His life in John 10.

God has chosen the Shepherd model for Himself and He has chosen it for the Church as well.

The congregation are sheep and the elders/Overseers/Bishops/Sheperds must shepherd

1st Century Shepherds

1. Elders Must Know Their SheepShepherds must know the physical condition

of their sheep, elders must know spiritual condition of their sheep.

2. Elders Must put the Flocks needs and feelings above their own

Just like Jesus laid his life down for His sheep so must the Shepherds. Shepherds fight for the sheep, they take on enemies for the sheep.

Elders cannot be People Pleasers

It doesn’t matter who you please if you don’t please God because if God is not happy then it doesn’t really matter who

is happy.

3.Elders Must Protect from False Teaching

“Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” – Titus 1:9

This means they need to know their Bibles inside and out and be able to teach.

False Teaching Will ComeTherefore take heed to yourselves and to all

the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore WATCH, and remember that for 3 years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” – Acts 20:28-31

Living Examples of JesusThey don’t only need to KNOW their Bible they

to also LIVE the Bible.

Be shepherds of God’s flock, that is under your care, serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” – 1 Peter 5:1-4

4. Elders must search and bring back the lost sheep

Sheep wander off and people wander off.Luke 15:1-7 illustrates the value God places

on individual souls. Elders must place same value.

Do You See How Hard This Job is?Elders do not have time to worry about:

Paint ColorBudget Concerns

Parking Lot ProblemsWebsite Issues

Plumbing ProblemsOr any other non-spiritual issue

God has other leaders, called Deacons, for that

The Highest Position in the World

God has expectations

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” – Hebrews 13:17

God is watching the elders, but He is also watching how we treat the elders.

As we select additional elders pleasePray and carefully consider

1 Timothy 3:1-7Titus 1:5-9