BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP

INTRODUCTION TO GOD’S GREAT LEADERSLesson 1

I. Objectives: We will examine a number of great Biblical leaders, and some of the very beautiful leadership qualities that they possessed. In this series, we will also study God’s plan for LEADERSHIP in the New Testament church .

II. A DEFINITION of LEADERSHIP:

A. The English word “leader” came from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “to lead people on a journey.”

B. “Leadership is the process of persuasion or example by which an individual (or leadership team) induces a group to pursue objectives held by the leader or shared by the leader and his followers” (John Gardner)

C. “Leadership is any attempt to influence the behavior of another individual or group” (Paul Hershey). One author estimates that there are perhaps 350 different

definitions of leadership.

D. When one accepts the DEFINITIONS GIVEN ABOVE, in a “GENERAL ” SENSE , everyChristian should be a “LEADER.” Why? Every Christian SHOULD INFLUENCEFOR GOOD THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM. Certainly, there will be “SPECIFIC”LEADERS SUCH AS ELDERS.

1. A Bible class TEACHER is the “LEADER” of that class. He, or she, is “influencing”

the students.

2. A Christian who STUDIES THE WORD OF GOD with his neighbor, classmate,or friend, is “LEADING,” or “influencing” the behavior of that person.

3. A GOSPEL PREACHER is a “LEADER,” but, NOT a “BOSS.” He is“influencing” the people whom he teaches.

4. PARENTS are “ LEADERS ” of their children , “influencing” them to “behave”in a certain way.

E. PLEASE NOTICE the teaching of Hebrews 13:7

1. Good leadership teaches the Word of God!2. Good leadership provides a WONDERFUL EXAMPLE to IMITATE before

those whom they want to “influence.”

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III. NEHEMIAH, an EXCELLENT EXAMPLE of Biblical LEADERSHIP(Nehemiah 1-4)

A. Nehemiah was DEEPLY CONCERNED about people! HE WEPT! (Nehemiah 1:4)He had a CARE FOR OTHERS!

1. He did NOT have a SELFISH ATTITUDE that was only concerned about HIMSELF. (See Philippians 1:1-4; Romans 9:3; 10:1-2)

2. The “mind of Christ” is the attitude that is truly CONCERNED about OTHERS(Philippians 2:4-8)

B. He was a man of PRAYER! (Nehemiah 1:4-11)

1. Have we examined the “prayer life” of Jesus? (See Mark 1:35, Luke 3:21; 6:12-16; 9:28-35; 22:40-46, etc.).

2. Have we considered the “prayer life” of the apostle Paul? (See Philippians 1:3-9; 4:6, 7, and the beginning of several of Paul’s writings, and see how much he prayed. For example, Romans 1:8-10; I Corinthians 1:4; Colossians 1:3-10;I Thessalonians 1:2, 3; II Thessalonians 1:3, 4, etc.)

C. Nehemiah was a “CONFESSING” man (Nehemiah 1:6)

1. He REALIZED his own SIN! He did NOT HIDE IT from God!

2. See the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 and David in Psalm 51:1-17 as they confessed their sin.

D. Nehemiah was a MAN of PRIORITIES! (Nehemiah 2:1-6)

1. Nehemiah knew that which was the MOST IMPORTANT activity at thattime!

2. His journey to Jerusalem to serve his people was more important than being the “cup bearer” to the king of Persia! (See Matthew 6:24-34)

3. We must “Seek the kingdom of God FIRST!” (Matthew 6:33)

E. Nehemiah was a PLANNING man! (Nehemiah 2:11-15).

1. He carefully examined the situation at the wall of Jerusalem, saw the NEED, and then did something about it.

2. Notice the PLANNING of the apostle Paul concerning the CONTRIBUTIONfor the “needy saints” (Romans 15:22-29; I Corinthians 16:1-3;(II Corinthians 8 and 9)

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F. He was a QUIET man! (Nehemiah 2:12, 16)

1. He said NOTHING to any one UNTIL he knew something about the NEED.

2. He was “slow to speak” UNTIL he had something important to say.

3. Examine the need for all Christians to control their speech (James 1:26; 3:1-12)

G. Nehemiah was a man who INCLUDED GOD in his life! (Nehemiah 2:12)

1. Building the walls of Jerusalem was NOT “HIS” WORK! It was God’s work!

2. He realized the presence and work of God! See Jesus’ attitude concerning God’s work in John 6:38; 9:4 etc..

H. He was a “LET US ....” kind of man! (Nehemiah 2:17)

1. He was an “ENCOURAGER!” (See 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14). See Barnabas below. He was saying in substance, “LET US DO IT, AND LET US DO IT NOW!”

2. The expression “LET US...” means “LET’S GO!” “LET US ALL DO ITTOGETHER!” Note the “let us” expressions in Hebrews 10:22-25.

a. “Let us draw near with a sincere heart....” (Hebrews 10:22)

b. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope....” (Hebrews 10:23)

c. “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and gooddeeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

d. “Encourage” one another (Hebrews 10:25)

I. Nehemiah was a man with TOTAL DEPENDENCE on God! God will give SUCCESS! (Nehemiah 2:20). (See also Hebrews13:5, 6)

J. He was a “NEXT TO HIM” type of man! See Nehemiah 3:1-12.

1. Every man WORKED “NEXT TO EACH OTHER.”

2. Nehemiah was a man who encouraged good COOPERATION! Everyone worked together on the wall!

3. NOTE: THE WALL WAS COMPLETED IN 52 DAYS!

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(Nehemiah 6:15)

K. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION: ARE WE THE KIND OF LEADER THAT NEHEMIAH WAS?

OTHER EXAMPLES AND QUALITIES OF GOD’S GREAT LEADERSLesson 2

I. OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES of GREAT LEADERS:

A. ABRAHAM – A Great Leader of Faith (Genesis 12:1-7)

1. Abraham had the quality of “great, active faith.”

2. Notice THREE EXAMPLES of the GREAT FAITH of ABRAHAM

a. Leaving his HOME LAND to become a wanderer and strangerin a foreign land (Genesis 12:1-7; Hebrews 11:8-10)

b. Accepting as an OLD MAN the promise of God that he wouldhave a son who would be the ancestor of a great nation (Romans 4:16-25)

c. Taking his son, Isaac, to Mount Moriah to OFFER HIM as aSACRIFICE to God (Genesis 22:1-24)

3. Abraham had such great FAITH that, even though he must kill his son, hebelieved that GOD WOULD RAISE HIM FROM THE DEAD so thatIsaac could be the son through whom a great nation would come(Hebrews 11:17-19)

B. JOSEPH -- “A Young Leader” Facing Many Challenges

1. Joseph faced the great challenge of the PARTIALITY of his father.His father LOVED HIM more than the other brothers(Genesis 37:3)

2. He encountered the HATRED of his brothers who wanted to KILL him(Genesis 37:4). But, they decided there was “PROFIT” in selling himas a SLAVE (Genesis 37:26-28)

3. He was greatly challenged, as a youth, in the LONELINESS he wouldfeel as he traveled as a slave to EGYPT

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4. As a LEADER in the house of Potiphar, who placed Joseph over all his household, he was challenged with TEMPTATION TO IMMORALITY

a. He was placed in a LEADERSHIP role by Potiphar (Genesis 39:1-6)

b. The Lord WAS WITH JOSEPH (Genesis 39:2, 3)

c. But, his master’s wife wanted to commit IMMORALITY withJoesph (Genesis 39:7-20). Notice the beautiful question ofJoseph, “How then could I do this great evil, and sin againstGod?” (Genesis 39:9)

5. Joeseph was challenged as a young man with the FALSE ACCUSATION

of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:14-19)

a. But, even in prison, the LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH (Genesis 39:21-23)

b. Joseph was a “young LEADER” even in the prison. He wasgiven responsibility over the other prisoners.

6. Joseph was challenged as a young man by BEING FORGOTTEN bythe King’s butler (Genesis 40:1-23). See Genesis 40:23.

7. Joseph was finally remembered by the butler, and was brought to theking to interpret his dreams. Now, he will be challenged as a youngman, by GREAT EARTHLY SUCCESS in this world. How will he deal with his success?

a. When Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharoah, he said that“God has told to Pharoah ....” (Genesis 41:25, 28, 32)

b. Now, Joseph will be challenged by GREAT SUCCESS as anational LEADER in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43)JOSEPH BECAME A GREAT LEADER IN EGYPT!

8. Finally, Joseph was challenged by FORGIVENESS of his brothers

a. He did NOT seek revenge. He WEPT! (Genesis 45:2)

b. He said, “God sent me before you ....” (Genesis 45:5-7)

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c. When their father, Jacob, died, the brothers were CONCERNED about REVENGE from Joseph (Genesis 50:15, 16)

d. Joseph WEPT when they spoke to him (Genesis 50:17)

e. He said, “God meant it for good ....” (Genesis 50:20)

f. He would PROVIDE for his brothers and their families(Genesis 50:21)

JOSEPH, A GREAT, YOUNG LEADER!

C. MOSES -- “Leader of a nation”

1. NOTE: A great leader can “delegate” responsibility (Exodus 18:14-27) Moses found good men to assist him in the work .

2. Moses was a “MEEK” man, a HUMBLE MAN (Numbers 12:3)

3. GREAT LEADERS can, and do, MAKE MISTAKES!

a. God told Moses HOW to bring forth WATER from the rock(Numbers 20:1-8)

b. Moses STRUCK the rock and the water came (Numbers 20:9-11)

c. Because of disobedience, Moses could NOT enter the LAND of PROMISE (Numbers 20:12, 13)

d. Yet, Moses was a “FAITHFUL” MAN (Numbers 12:6, 7).Note Deuteronomy 34:1-12 that records Moses’ death onMount Nebo.

e. Moses appeared with Elijah talking to Jesus about His departure

on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5)

D. JOSHUA -- This great leader had the quality of “Decisive Leadership”

1. He was the “lieutenant” of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9)

2. Moses told Joshua to be “strong and courageous” and that the Lordwould “go ahead” of them (Deuteronomy 31:1-8)

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3. Many years later, Joshua called on the nation of Israel to CHOOSE! CHOOSE WHOM YOU WILL SERVE! Joshua said that he and his

family “Will SERVE the Lord!” (Joshua 24:15). STRONG, Decisive LEADERSHIP!

E. ELIJAH -- A Leader who must sometimes “STAND ALONE!” (I Kings 18:19)

1. He had a “contest” with the prophets of BAAL (I Kings 18:17-39)

2. He said to the people, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?”(I Kings 18:21). “If the Lord is God, follow Him: but, if Baal, followhim.”

3. The prophets of Baal were killed (I Kings 18:40)

4. Jezebel wanted to KILL ELIJAH , and he ran away. He wanted to DIE(I Kings 19:1-6)

5. There were still 7,000 people who had not bowed to Baal (I Kings 19:14-18)

F. EZRA -- A Leader “Who practiced what he preached” (Ezra 7:10)

1. He had “set his heart” to STUDY the Law of the Lord .

2. And then, TO PRACTICE IT.

3. And finally, TO TEACH IT TO ISRAEL !

G. JEREMIAH -- The “ weeping prophet ” WHO MUST SPEAK OUT FOR GOD! (Jeremiah 20:9). See also Jeremiah 8:20-22; 9:1. LONELYLEADERSHIP!

II. NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES of great LEADERSHIP

A. PAUL -- “Missionary” to the nations!! (I Thessalonians 2:1-13)Note the qualities of life of this great “leader” found in just this ONE

passage of Scripture:

1. His “BOLDNESS” (I Thessalonians 2:2)

2. He had NO DECEIT or DISHONESTY! No Error! (I Thessalonians 2:3)

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3. He desired to PLEASE GOD, not man! (2:4)

4. He was NOT “GREEDY! (2:5)

5. He was as “GENTLE” as a MOTHER! (2:7)

6. He had a LOVE for his brothers! (2:8)

7. He was HARD WORKING! (2:9)

8. He lived a PURE LIFE! (2:10)

9. He was an ENCOURAGER! (2:11)

B. BARNABAS -- The ENCOURAGING LEADER ! (Acts 4:36, 37)

1. He wanted to HELP PEOPLE in NEED! (Acts 4:36, 37)

2. He was a man who INTRODUCED a “new convert” to the church, one who

was NOT afraid to work with “UN-TESTED” men (Acts 9:26, 27)

3. He was sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch as an “ENCOURAGER!”

(Acts 11:22-26). HE “EXHORTED THEM ALL!” (Acts 11:23)

4. He was a man of “VISION!” -- He thought of Saul! He went to Tarsus

to search for Saul (Paul) (Acts 11:24-26). He and Saul taught MANY

IN ANTIOCH! Great Leadership! (Acts 11:26)

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5. He was a “MISSION WORKER!” An evangelist among those who do NOT KNOW JESUS! Acts 13 and 14). Paul also had a DEEP

CONCERN for souls (Romans 9:3; 10:1-2)

6. Barnabas was a “TRAINER” of Mark! (Acts 15:39) Barnabas took

Mark to Cyprus Read also II Timothy 4:11. Mark matured!

Many years later he was a mature “minister” of the Lord.

C. TIMOTHY --- He was taught by his mother and grandmother (II Timothy 1:5; 3:14, 15), and he was taught by Paul (II Timothy 3:10; 2:2)

1. He was YOUNG (I Timothy 4:12)

2. But, he was to be an “EXAMPLE” (“tupos”) to the believer in:

a. In his SPEECHb. In his CONDUCTc. In his LOVEd. In his FAITHe. In the PURITY of his life

3. He was to be a “model” for others to imitate. See the word “tupos”(“example”) also in Titus 2:7; I Peter 5:3; and Philippians 3:17.

4. To do this, Timothy must GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO:

a. His own life

b. And, his teaching (I Timothy 4:15, 16)

5. He may have been SHY or TIMID (II Timothy 1:6, 7)

6. Yet, Paul DID NOT KNOW ANOTHER person like TIMOTHY who would truly “be concerned” for THEIR WELFARE” (Philippians 2:19, 20)

D. TITUS, as a “leader” must be an EXAMPLE of “ good deeds ” (Titus 2:6, 7)

E. JESUS -- GREATEST OF ALL EXAMPLES AS A LEADER!

1. Our Lord was a leader whose life was filled with HUMBLE SERVICE! (Philippians 2:4-11; Matthew 20:20-28). He became a “slave”

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to help us. The word “servant” in Philippians 2:7 is the word, “doulos,” a slave. This word, “slave,” is also used in Matthew 20:27. Note how he taught

the disciples to “WASH FEET” (John 13)

2. He was a great EXAMPLE of OBEDIENCE before His Father (Luke 2:49;

Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 5:8, 9; John 6:38, etc.)

3. He was a beautiful EXAMPLE , as a “leader ,” in PRAYER

a. He prayed at his BAPTISM (Luke 3:21, 22)

b. He prayed ALL NIGHT before selecting the TWELVE(Luke 6:12-16)

c. He prayed QUIETLY by Himself , ALL ALONE(Mark 1:35)

d. He TAUGHT the disciples TO PRAY (Luke 11:1-13)

e. He PRAYED in the Garden of GETHSEMANE (Luke 22:41-44)

f. He PRAYED for those who crucified Him(Luke 23:46)

4. He was a great EXAMPLE in his ASSOCIATION with PEOPLE

a. He associated with “SINNERS” to help them (Luke 15:1, 2)

b. He BLESSED little children (Matthew 19:13, 14)

c. He had pure relationships with WOMEN during Hisministry (Luke 10:38-42)

d. He worked closely with HIS DISCIPLES, teaching and givingthem an EXAMPLE (Mark 3:14; Acts 4:13)HE IS THE GREATEST OF LEADERS!

5. As the greatest of leaders, He was an EXAMPLE of SUFFERING

a. He left the glory of HEAVEN (Philippians 2:5-8;II Corinthians 8:9)

b. He did not have “a place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58)

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c. An EXAMPLE of willingness to SUFFER (I Peter 2:21-24)

(1) He committed NO SIN (I Peter 2:22)

(2) He did NOT DECEIVE (I Peter 2:22)

(3) He did NOT SEEK REVENGE and RETALIATION(I Peter 2:23)

(4) He just committed HIMSELF TO GOD! (I Peter 2:23)

(5) He “bore our sins” on the CROSS (I Peter 2:24)

d. He is the great “SHEPHERD” and “BISHOP” of our souls(I Peter 2:25)

A GREAT CONTRAST IN GOOD AND BAD LEADERSHIPLesson 3

I. VERY BAD LEADERSHIP

A. Seeking to CONTROL other people is VERY BAD LEADERSHIP

1. This is a very CARNAL, FLESHLY type of Leadership. Jesus told hisdisciples that the rulers of the Gentiles are like this, and “lord it

over” people (Matthew 20:20-25)

2. Jesus said that His disciples would be “servants,” even “slaves” of others (Matthew 20:26, 27; Read Luke 22:24-27)

NOTE: The “leader” (“chief”) must become the “ servant ” (Luke 22:26)

3. Jesus taught the disciples to “WASH FEET” (John 13:1-17)

B. Note “NATURAL Leadership” characteristics (Oswald Sanders quoted by Richard Rogers). This is BAD LEADERSHIP:

1. The CARNAL leader is CONFIDENT in himself. He may be lifted up with pride (Proverbs 16:18; 21:24; I Peter 5:5, 6)

2. His “natural” leadership causes him to “know men” and how to “use” ormanipulate them.

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3. He is very AMBITIOUS and uses his ability to ADVANCE HIMSELF

4. He makes DECISIONS based on his OWN DESIRES and promotion .

5. He is more concerned about HIS OWN METHODS of doing a thing, rather than GOD’S METHODS

6. He really desires to COMMAND PEOPLE, and enjoys that commandingspirit.

7. He wishes to fulfill HIS OWN NEEDS even at the expense of the NEEDSOF OTHERS

II. VERY GOOD, SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

A. This LEADERSHIP is NOT SELF-CENTERED and NOT SELF-PROMOTING

B. QUALITIES of good, SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

1. His trust is in God , and he never trusts in his own abilities.

2. He knows people, but he also KNOWS GOD, and the NATURE OF GOD

3. He does NOT exalt himself, but understands HOW MUCH he really NEEDS GOD

4. He is a GOOD STUDENT of the Word of God , and wants to know more

of God’s WILL

5. Because of this, he always searches and seeks for GOD’S WAY

6. He is really MOVED by his LOVE FOR GOD and OTHERS.

7. He considers the church the REAL FAMILY OF GOD

THE APOSTLE PAUL TEACHING BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP(Ephesians 4:11-16)

Lesson 4

1. THERE IS A LIST OF “LEADERS” in these verses (Ephesians 4:11)

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A. APOSTLES -- Men who were “SENT OUT!”

1. The word “apostle” is used both in a general and a specific sense. In the general sense, anyone who is “sent out” is a “messenger,” or

“apostle.”(II Corinthians 8:23). The 12 apostles were “specific” messengers.

2. Note the “qualities” or “qualifications” (Acts 1:21, 22)

3. The 12 apostles had the “ministry” of PRAYER and PREACHING(Acts 6:1-6)

B. PROPHETS -- A “spokesman” of God. A good definition of a “prophet”is found in Exodus 4:16 and 7:1. Aaron was the “prophet of Moses,”(Exodus 7:1), but, he is called a “mouth” for Moses (Exodus 4:16)

1. Prophets were “inspired” men

2. They filled the “gap” between the apostles and the written Word

3. Men such as Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were “prophets” (Acts 13:1)

4. Before God’s Revelation of Truth was complete, “prophets” REVEALED NEW TRUTH (See I Corinthians 14:29-33)

5. Prophecy was to CEASE! (I Corinthians 13:8-10)

C. EVANGELISTS -- A Preacher of “good news!” The word “evangelist” comesfrom the same root word as the word “gospel.” Please see Acts 21:8 andII Timothy 4:5 for other examples of the word “evangelist.”

1. “Do the work of an evangelist” (II Timothy 4:5). Preach the GOSPEL(Romans 1:14-16; I Corinthians 15:1-4)

2. Each preacher should be an “EVANGELIST.” He has a “message,” the message of his KING JESUS. Paul was a “preacher,” whichmeant the “herald” or “messenger” of the King (I Timothy 2:7;II Timothy 1:11).

3. Timothy was to be an EVANGELIST who “TAUGHT OTHERS” toteach (II Timothy 2:2)

D. PASTORS AND TEACHERS -- This means “Teaching Pastors”

1. Elders are “shepherds” or “pastors” who “care for” the sheep

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(I Peter 5:1-5). Please note that the word “elders” is found inActs 20:17, and these SAME men are called “overseers” and“shepherds” who “feed” the “flock” in Acts 20:28.

2. NOTE: One great problem in the church today is that “evangelists” have become “church chaplains” and “elders” have become “business managers.” Note the detailed study on ELDERS BELOW.

II. PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP (Ephesians 4:11-16)

A. NOTE: “Ministries” are the “gifts” of God’s grace!

B. LEADERS are to “EQUIP” God’s people for SERVICE! (Ephesians 4:12).Good leadership will train and encourage the members of the body to develop and use the abilities they have. See Romans 12:3-8.

C. They are to LEAD THE CHURCH TO MATURITY (Ephesians 4:16)

D. They “WATCH” over souls! (Hebrews 13:17)

III. CHALLENGES AND AREAS OF DEEP CONCERN IN LEADERSHIP

A. Sometimes preachers become church “pastors” in the denominational sense. This

is wrong! Preachers are “servants” of the church, they are “ministers”(II Corinthians 4:5; I Timothy 4:6 etc.)

B. Sometimes there is an unscriptural “hierarchy” of church leadership.

C. Sometimes “elders” hold an “office” of “absolute authority,” and rule in an “autocratic way.” But, see I Peter 5:3. Elders are NOT to be “lords!”

They are to be “servant leaders.” Please note BELOW, in this series,

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the MEANING of the word “RULE” as it is used concerning the work of elders.

D. Sometimes, “elders” are like a “board of directors” making decisions for thechurch, but having NO UNDERSTANDING of the ministry of being“SHEPHERDS” of the “flock of God.”

A CONTRAST IN “MANAGEMENT” AND “LEADERSHIP”The church of our Lord needs “Biblical Leaders,” NOT

“CORPORATION MANAGERS”Adapted From “Leadership In The Kingdom” by Dr. Ian A. Fair, p. 281

GOOD LEADERSHIP CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

By Personal Example (Servant Leaders) By Authoritarian ControlParticipatory (Many involved)

Hierarchical (From “Top Down)

Seeks Change that is Biblical Resists ChangeBuild Relationships (People Are Important) Builds

StructuresEmphasizes Correct Values Emphasizes

Goals and QuotasVisualizes Concepts (Vision, Good Ideas)

Visualize Tasks (Get Job Done)

Interpersonal (Working Together)Impersonal

Focus on the Individual (So Important) Focus on the AOrganization@

Prize Effectiveness Prize Efficiency(Are Good Things Happening)

GrowthStability

BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP THAT NECESSITATES CHURCH “INVOLVEMENT”

Lesson 5

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I. A definition of “BIBLICAL AUTHORITY”

A. The common Greek word for AAUTHORITY@ is “exousia” (

B. This is ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY such as that of God, the Father, and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, (See Matthew 28:18 where Jesus has “ALL“EXOUSIA”).

C. This word is NOT USED for the work or the “office” of the ELDERS!

D. NOTE: I Timothy 3:1 uses the word “office,” but it means a “WORK” or “MINISTRY,” NOT a “POSITION” of ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY!

E. Judas Iscariot had an “office” or “bishoprick,” but this was a “MINISTRY” (Acts 1:20-25)

F. ELDERS HAVE A “MINISTRY” or FUNCTION!

G. The word “RULE” in the work of an elder DOES NOT mean a “dictatorial” rule (I Timothy 5:17; I Thessalonians 5:12)

H. The word “RULE” means to give “direction” as a FATHER “LEADS” his family (I Timothy 3:4, 5). This is the same Greek word. See study below.

I. It means, “Be concerned about, care for, give aid” (Arndt and

Gingrich Greek Lexicon)

J. In Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24, the word for “rule” means “to be a leader,” and “to go before.” This word is used for “leading men” in Acts 15:22.

II. A BIBLICAL MODEL, OR EXAMPLE, OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP

A. In the Scripture, the church is a “BODY” and every member is IMPORTANT to the BODY (I Corinthians 12:12-27)

B. Seeking PROMINENCE and POSITION is NOT worthy of the kingdom of the Lord (Matthew 20:20-28; Luke 22:27)

C. ELDERS must NOT “LORD IT” over the charge given to them

(I Peter 5:1-5)

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D. All of the “one another” passages, and their emphasis on relationships would also teach this

1. We are to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)THIS INCLUDES ELDERS!

2. We are to “serve one another” (Galatians 5:13)THIS INCLUDES ELDERS!

3. We are to “love one another” fervently (I Peter 1:22)THIS INCLUDES ELDERS!

4. We are to “encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25) THIS INCLUDES ELDERS! There are many other “one

another” verses.

E. Leaders are in the “PEOPLE BUSINESS!” They are SERVANTS!(Matthew 20:20-28)

F. The ELDERS are:

1. GENTLE “SHEPHERDS,” NOT DOMINEERING AUTHORITIES!

2. They LEAD through RELATIONSHIPS !

3. They LEAD through SERVICE !

III. THE “PARTICIPATING LEADERSHIP” MODEL IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. THE CHURCH WAS INVOLVED! (Fair, p. 267-275)

A. The SELECTION OF MATTHIAS to replace JUDAS before the church began

(Acts 1:12-26). This was shortly before the church began on Pentecost.

1. Peter spoke for the APOSTLES! Here is “leadership!”

2. Clear “parameters” (boundaries) were given. What qualifications were necessary? The apostles made this known. Those consideredmust have been with Jesus from the BAPTISM of JOHN until theASCENTSION (Acts 1:22)

3. There was PRAYER, the SCRIPTURE, and a DEPENDENCE on the

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Lord.

4. The WHOLE GROUP WAS INVOLVED!

5. The LORD was involved!

B. The SELECTION of the SEVEN brothers to help WIDOWS (Acts 6:1-6)

1. The 12 APOSTLES were the “LEADERS.” There was strong, decisive leadership.

2. There were definite qualifications given. What kind of men should these men be?

3. There was “CHURCH DECISION MAKING!” THE WHOLE

CHURCH WAS INVOLVED IN THE DECISIONS! Many participated! The church did the SELECTING !

4. There was PRAYER!

5. These events were followed by GREAT GROWTH! (Acts 6:7)

C. The Jerusalem “CONFERENCE” About CIRCUMCISION (Acts 15:1-35)

1. NOTE THIS INTERESTING POINT: The church at Antioch “SENT” an apostle! (Acts 15:2). Who was

“boss?”

2. Note also that the HOLY SPIRIT was involved (Acts 15:28)

3. SEVERAL SPOKE and SCRIPTURE was used (Acts 15:7, 14)

a. Peter SPOKE (Acts 15:7-11)

b. Paul and Barnabas SPOKE (Acts 15:12)

c. James, the Lord’s

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brother, SPOKE (Acts 15:13-21)

d. The prophet AMOS was quoted (Amos 9:11, 12).

See Acts 15:16-18.

4. There was STRONG, DECISIVE LEADERSHIP!

5. BUT, THE WHOLE CHURCH WAS INVOLVED AS WELL! (Acts 15:22)

IV. FACTORS NECESSARY FOR “PARTICIPATORY DECISION MAKING” WHERE MANY ARE INVOLVED IN THE DECISION

A. A beautiful SPIRIT OF UNITY! (Ephesians 4:1-3)

B. The church should agree on WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT?

C. A FEELING that we are ALL INVOLVED IN THIS WORK!

1. It is NOT the idea of “WE” versus “THEY!”

2. When a WORK IS DONE, it should be said that “WE” have a ministry!

D. A wonderful SPIRIT of OPENNESS with each other. Share with one anotheryour feelings.

E. A RESPECT FOR THIS TYPE OF LEADERSHIP. We should believe that this is the correct way to do it. It is Biblical to get MANY MEMBERS INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF IMPORTANT DECISIONS.

F. A SENSE OF FAITH AND TRUST IN EACH OTHER

V. SUGGESTIONS FOR ATTAINING LEADERSHIP where MANY members are involved

A. Work on the DEVELOPMENT and APPOINTMENT of ELDERS. The Lordwants this done in EVERY CONGREGATION (See Acts 14:23)(SEE THE LESSONS THAT FOLLOW)

B. Form Serving Groups, groups of brothers and sisters who volunteer todo specific works or ministries.

C. Have Regular Ministry Meetings

D. Determine the FINANCES for Each Ministry

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E. When elders are appointed, they can give the “Boundaries” for each Ministry Group. Before elders are appointed, the men of the congregation

can outline the work of each group. Each ministry should NOT GO BEYOND

the “boundaries” of its work.

F. Have “SPIRITUAL BUSINESS MEETINGS” involving the whole congregation. A “spiritual business meeting” is simply a meeting of thewhole congregation where anyone can make a suggestion. Then, the elders will make the final decision concerning what will be done. THISIS SO IMPORTANT! This should be done EVEN BEFORE there areelders and then the men of the congregation can make the final decision.

GROWING MISSION CHURCHESLesson 6

I. The following “11 Things Seen In Growing Mission Churches” is from a lesson presented by brother Mark Woodward in the Asian Mission Forum in Siem Reap,Cambodia on August 7, 2006. We have added a few additional thoughts (Editor).

A. Brother Mark Woodward is the founder and director of the “Let’s StartTalking” evangelistic program used in many countries of the world.

B. This brother in Christ has studied GROWING CHURCHES in more than60 countries around the world, and has noted that the following thingsare seen in, and are common to CHURCHES THAT GROW.

II. ELEVEN THINGS SEEN IN GROWING MISSION CHURCHES

A. Growing Churches KNOW that THEY BELONG TO GOD!

1. They KNOW that the LORD MUST “BUILD A HOUSE”(Psalm 127:1), or else the builders will “labor in vain.”

2. They KNOW that JESUS MUST BE THE FOUNDATION OFthe LORD’S HOUSE (I Corinthians 3:10, 11)

B They have a VISION and a PLAN for growth. And, this vision and plan is ACCOMPANIED WITH PRAYER

C. They understand the PROCESS by which people ENTER THE KINGDOM

1. They understand that there must be the PREPARING of the SOIL,PLANTING, WATERING, PROTECTING, and NURTURING(Matthew 13:1-9; I Corinthians 3:6-11)

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2. They understand that there is NO “SHORTCUT” to making REALDISCIPLES. People MUST BE TAUGHT BEFORE THEY WILLBECOME TRUE DISCIPLES (John 8:31)

D. GROWING CHURCHES have MANY WORKERS that are ACTIVE.The more workers that are working, the more work that is done.Seek for EVERY MEMBER INVOLVEMENT.

E. GROWING CHURCHES are seeking to ESTABLISH NEW CHURCHEScontinually.

F. GROWING CHURCHES around the world are “MULTI-NATIONAL.”They do NOT have PREJUDICE against other tribes, regions, peoples,or nations. People from DIFFERENT CULTURES are a part of thesecongregations of the Lord.

G. GROWING CHURCHES of our brothers around the world FOCUS ONYOUNG PEOPLE AND CHILDREN. It needs to be noted that MOSTPEOPLE OBEY THE LORD BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 25.

H. GROWING CHURCHES are prepared for STRUGGLES in the kingdom.They know that there is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE with SATAN(Ephesians 6:10-18)

I. GROWING CHURCHES focus on UNITY. They FORGIVE each other,and TRY TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.

J. GROWING CHURCHES are EVANGELISTIC. They “believe,” and so,they SPEAK!

K. GROWING CHURCHES have LEADERS that are COURAGEOUS,HAVE GOOD CHARACTER, and have COMPASSION for others.

III. THREE MAJOR AREAS of CHURCH GROWTH in the NEW TESTAMENT

A. The Lord EXPECTS the CHURCH to GROW

1. The KINGDOM is to include people from every nation and language(Revelation 5:9, 10)

2. The “GOOD NEWS” is to go to ALL NATIONS (Matthew 28:18-20;Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:46-49)

3. The apostles were to be witnesses to the “uttermost parts” of the

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earth (Acts 1:8)

B. REASONING and ENCOURAGING is essential to bring men into the kingdom

1. Peter “testified” and “exhorted” men to “save” themselves (Acts 2:39, 40)

2. Paul “reasoned” and “persuaded” (Acts 18:4)

3. Jesus spoke of His servants going forth to “constrain” people to come in to the “feast” (Luke 14:23)

C. GROWTH in the CHURCH of the FIRST CENTURY

1. 3,000 were “ADDED” to the Lord (Acts 2:41)

2. The number of the men came to be about 5,000 (Acts 4:4)

3. MULTITUDES of men and women were added (Acts 5:14)

4. The disciples MULTIPLIED exceedingly (Acts 6:7)

5. The CHURCH in the PROVINCES multiplied (Acts 9:31)

6. In OTHER PLACES in the ROMAN EMPIRE

a. A great number turned to the Lord in ANTIOCH (Acts 11:21)

b. MANY PEOPLE were added (Acts 11:24)

c. The WORD GREW and MULTIPLIED (Acts 12:24)

d. A GREAT MULTITUDE believed in Iconium (Acts 14:1)

e. MIGHTILY GREW the Word of the Lord (Acts 19:20)

D. THREE AREAS OF CHURCH GROWTH

1. NUMERICAL GROWTH or QUANTITATIVE GROWTH

a. Growth in NUMBERS will only be as God desires WHEN thereis ALSO SPIRITUAL AND SERVICE GROWTH (See below)

b. DISCIPLES must be TAUGHT to make OTHER DISCIPLES(Matthew 28:19, 20). This was a “MARK” of IDENTITY ofthe FIRST CENTURY CHURCH (Acts 8:4)

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c. There must be the FRUIT BEARING principle at work John 15:1-8). FRUIT MUST BE MULTIPLIED! One makes ONE, Two makes TWO, etc..

d. FAITHFUL MEN must TEACH OTHERS ALSO (II Timothy 2:2)

2. SPIRITUAL GROWTH or QUALITATIVE GROWTH

a. Paul’s GOAL was to present EVERY MAN MATURE in Christ(Colossians 1:28). This means “full grown” (Ephesians 4:13;Hebrews 5:12-14))

b. No member of the church should remain in “spiritual childhood”

(Ephesians 4:14-16). Each must “GROW UP” in Christ

c. Each member of the kingdom must develop the “FRUIT OF THESPIRIT” (Galatians 5:22, 23)

d. Each must GROW in GRACE and KNOWLEDGE (II Peter 3:18)

e. This SPIRITUAL GROWTH comes through the “MILK OF THEWORD” (I Peter 2:1-3)

3. SERVICE GROWTH or “ORGANIC” GROWTH

a. The CHURCH is a LIVING BODY that has MANY MEMBERS(I Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4)

b. ALL PARTS of the BODY must FIT TOGETHER in a veryharmonious way (Ephesians 4:16)

c. Every member of the BODY, by WORKING PROPERLY, willASSIST EVERY OTHER MEMBER (I Corinthians 12:18-

23)

d. Each member should have HIS OWN FUNCTION or TASK in the

BODY (Romans 12:4-7)

e. IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES TO CONSIDER

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(1) Every member of the CHURCH has a FUNCTION orMINISTRY

(2) There are MANY DIFFERENT TASKS or MINISTRIESin the CHURCH

(3) The ABILITIES of EVERY MEMBER must be DEVELOPED

(4) The CHURCH will NOT GROW, as it should, UNTILthese PRINCIPLES are RECOGNIZED and USED

(5) The CHURCH of TODAY will NOT BE COMPLETELYIDENTIFIED with the CHURCH of the FIRST

CENTURY until these principles are applied.

IV. REASONS for NUMBERICAL GROWTH in the FIRST CENTURY CHURCH inJERUSALEM (Acts 2-8)

A. WHY DID THE JERUSALEM CHURCH GROW? Because it had theCORRECT MESSAGE

1. EVERY SERMON in the book of ACTS is a sermon about JESUS !

a. ONE EXAMPLE is the SERMON preached by Peter to THOUSANDS on the day of PENTECOST (Acts

2:22-36)

(1) Peter spoke of JESUS of NAZARETH (Acts 2:22)

(2) Wicked men had CRUCIFIED Him (Acts 2:23)

(3) God had RAISED Him from the DEAD (Acts 2:24)(4) JESUS ASCENDED to the “RIGHT HAND” of God

(Acts 2:33)

(5) JESUS is LORD and CHRIST (Acts 2:36)

b. They DID NOT STOP their preaching of JESUS AS THE CHRIST (Acts 5:41, 42)

B. These JERUSALEM DISCIPLES were very HAPPY! (Acts 2:46, 47)

C. WHY were they HAPPY? They were FORGIVEN, they were “SAVED!” (Acts 2:38, 47)

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D. The APOSTLES were CAPABLE LEADERS who taught only TRUTH(Acts 2:42)

E. These JERUSALEM DISCIPLES spent TIME TOGETHER. It was wonderfulFELLOWSHIP! (Acts 2:46)

F. They were BENEVOLENT! They helped each other physically (Acts 2:42-45;Acts 4:32-37). NOTE the example of BARNABAS!

G. The LEADERS, the apostles, were filled with BOLDNESS and CONFIDENCE

as they spoke to an evil world ABOUT JESUS. They were NOT AFRAIDto speak the WORD OF THE LORD! (Acts 4:13; 4:29-31). See alsoActs 5:28-32.

H. The LEADERS, the apostles FELT A SENSE OF URGENCY! The GOSPELmust be PREACHED NOW ! (Acts 5:17-32)

1. After being released from prison, the apostles IMMEDIATELY went to the temple area to PREACH CHRIST

2. If the WORLD is in a LOST CONDITION TODAY , there must be afeeling of URGENCY in the hearts of God’s people TODAY !

Letus PREACH CHRIST NOW!

I. They were VERY EVANGELISTIC! (Acts 8:4)

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THE EVANGELISTS IN THE CHURCHA More Detailed Study

Lesson 7

I. HISTORICAL POSITIONS CONCERNING the EVANGELIST in the RESTORATIONMOVEMENT

A. In the nineteenth century the preacher was called an elder, and the term “EVANGELIST” was not emphasized.

B. Then, the “office” was emphasized, but importance was placed on the EVANGELIST as a “man on the move,” a “traveling, itinerant” EVANGELIST, converting, preaching first principles.

C. At one tune, the “located,” local EVANGELIST was opposed as being unscriptural.

D. Some spoke against the EVANGELIST “preaching to” the “EKKLESIA” (church).

E. In more recent times, there has been a cry against the “professional” evangelist performing tasks of a denominational “pastor.”

F. In some circumstances, there has been an attempt to teach “EVANGELISTIC oversight” of the CHURCH before elders are appointed.

II. The EVANGELIST in the NEW TESTAMENT

A. The Greek word, “euanggelistes” which is translated “evangelist”

1. The preacher of the gospel,” hence a proclaimer of “good news.” (See Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon, page 318).

2. A “bringer of good tidings” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon,. p. 257).

3. It comes from the words “eu” meaning “well” and “anggelos” meaning “messenger” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the New Testament, page 44).

4. A related word is “euanggelion ” meaning “good news,” and it is translated “gospel” (Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 15:1, etc.).

5. The verb form, euanggelidzomai is translated “I preach the gospel” (Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22; 9:6; I Peter 1:25; I Corinthians 9:16; etc). The construction in Mark 16:15, “preach the gospel” is NOT this word, but rather a form of “kerusso” “to proclaim and “euanggelion,” “the good tidings.”

B. Usage of the word, EVANGELIST in the New Testament

1. Philip was an EVANGELIST (Acts 21:8).

2. The EVANGELIST is found in the “structure” of the CHURCH along with apostles, prophets, and pastors (Ephesians 4:11).

3. Timothy was to do the “work of an EVANGELIST (II Timothy 4:5).

C. A SUMMARY of the SPECIFIC WORKS of an EVANGELIST (II Timothy 4:5).

1. Timothy was to “proclaim as a herald” the Word (II Timothy 4:2).

2. He was to emphasize “sound words” as opposed to “fables,” and warn against departures from TRUTH (1 Timothy 1:3, 10; 4:6, 11-16; 4:1-3; 6:3-11, 6:20; II Timothy 1:13; 4:2-4). See also Titus 2:1

3. This BODY OF TRUTH is also called:

a. “The thing committed, a deposit” (“paratheke”) (I Timothy 6:20; II Timothy 1:13, 14).

b. “Message” (“kerugma”) (II Timothy 4:17). See also Titus 1:3.

c. “Truth” (I Timothy 2.3,4; II Timothy 4:3,4).

d. ‘The faith” (I Timothy 4:6).

4. The EVANGELIST was to raise up elders and deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). See II Timothy 2:2 where “faithful men” may include elders who are “apt to teach,” and capable of “exhorting in sound doctrine” (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9). Thus, his work was to:

a. Emphasize the qualifications and work of elders (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-11)

b. Appoint them (Titus 1:5).

c. When elders sin, and this is confirmed by witnesses, REPROVE them (I Timothy 5:19-21). d. Teach that ELDERS should be HONORED, even with DOUBLE HONOR, that is, financial support, when they “labor in the Word” (I Timothy 5:17, 18).

e. The evangelist could NOT appoint ELDERS quickly without investigation (I Timothy 5:22).

5. The EVANGELIST was to TEACH and help the CHURCH to practice Gods plan for BENEVOLENCE (I Timothy 5:3-16).

6. The EVANGELIST was to EXHORT concerning principles of WORSHIP and SERVICE (I Timothy 2:1-15; 6:1,2; Titus 2 1-10).

7. He was also to PROVIDE an EXAMPLE of PURITY and GOOD WORKS (I Timothy 4:12; 6:11; II Timothy 2:22-26; Titus 2:7).

8. The EVANGELIST was to TEACH and help the CHURCH to EXERCISE DISCIPLINE

a. A “factious” man, after admonition, was to be AVOIDED (Titus 3:10, 11)

b. Paul said, “From these also turn away” (II Timothy 3:1-5).

c. Some had been “delivered unto Satan” (I Timothy 1:20).

9. The EVANGELIST was to raise up TEACHERS (II Timothy 2:2), FOR the EVANGELIST must LEAVE that place (II Timothy 4:9, 21. It

NOTED, however, that TYCHICUS was to come (II Timothy 4:12).

D. Other TERMS which DESCRIBE the EVANGELIST and his WORK.

1. PREACHER (“kerux”)

a. The “kerux” was the herald or MESSENGER of a (1) king, (2) magistrate, (3) military commander, etc. who conveyed the OFFICIAL MESSAGES, or who gave a public summons or command (Thayer, page 346)

b. The “KERUX” had NO PERSONAL AUTHORITY. The AUTHORITY rested in the ONE who sent the message. However, because of the ORIGIN and NATURE of the MESSAGE, the “KERUX” should speak with authority (Titus 2:15)

c. Paul called himself a “kerux,” a preacher (I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11)

d. Timothy was to “PREACH the word” (II Timothy 4:2). The word, “ PREACH” is the VERB form of the word “kerux.” Therefore, the EVANGELIST is a “kerux.”

e. One important lesson that issues from this term is that the “KERUX,” the “herald of the KING has NO RIGHT to amend, change, add to, or subtract from the MESSAGE.

2. MINISTER (“diakonos”)

a. The “DIAKONOS” was a “servant of a king...of those who advance the interests of others even at the sacrifice of their own” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 138)

b. The Greek word, “diakonos” is used in the following ways:

(1) For SERVANTS who WAITED on TABLES (John 2:5, 9)

(2) For the SERVANT of a KING (Matthew 22:13)

(3) Of Phoebe, who was a SERVANT of the CHURCH in Cenchrea (Romans 16:1)

(4) Of DEACONS, “special” SERVANTS in the CHURCH (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:8,12, 13)

(5) Of the EVANGELIST who SERVES the EKKLESIA, the church (I Timothy 4:6). A form of this word is also used for “ministry” in II Timothy 4:5.

c. The VERB form, “diakoneo” is used in the following manner:

(1) Of ANGELS MINISTERING to Jesus (Matthew 4:11)

(2) Of JESUS coming to earth to MINISTER and give His life as a “ransom” (Matthew 20:28) (3) Of WAITING on TABLES, ministering at MEALS (Luke 12:37; 17:8; See also Luke 4:39; 8:3; Matthew 8:15; Luke 10:40, etc.)

(4) Of supplying necessities to those in NEED (Matthew 25:44; Acts 6:2). It is used in the context of the

contribution for the NEEDY Jewish saints (Romans15:25; II Corinthians 8:19, 20)

(5) Of a variety of forms of SERVICE done by MEMBERS of the CHURCH (II Timothy 1:18; I Peter 4:9-11)

d. One important lesson drawn from the above is that the EVANGELIST is NOT characterized by POSITION or STATUS , but rather by his SERVICE to OTHERS.

3. BONDSERVANT (“doulos”)

a. The word “doulos” is used in a MASTER-SLAVE relationship (Ephesians 6:5-9)

b. Paul was a BONDSERVANT, a “slave,” a “doulos” of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1; etc.) c. The EVANGELIST is the “Lord’s servant” (II Timothy 2:24)

(1) Here, the word “servant” means SLAVE (“doulos”)

(2) This SLAVE is the PROPERTY of the LORD. The word “Lord” is translated “MASTER” in Ephesians 6:5, 9

E. ACTIVITIES which DESCRIBE the EVANGELIST and his WORK.

1. The EVANGELIST is to EXHORT (“parakaleo ”)

a. The root meaning of this word is “to call to ones side.”

b. To “exhort” is defined as “request, implore, appeal to, entreat, try to console or conciliate, speak to in a friendly manner” (Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon, pp. 622-23)

c. A form of this word is used for the HOLY SPIRIT as the “COMFORTER” (John 14:26; 15:26)

d. It is also used to describe JESUS as our “ ADVOCATE ” (I John 2:1)

e. Barnabas was the “son of exhortation” or “consolation” (Acts 4:36)

f. Paul set the stage for the EVANGELIST’S ATTITUDE in his teaching, as he “exhorted or implored”

TIMOTHY (I Timothy 1:3; 2:1)

g. The word EXHORT conveys the idea of a fervent “PLEASE!”. It has within it no semblance of arrogance, or the “puffed up” attitude of a person who speaks down to another. It

emphasizes the dignity of man and the LOVE of the EVANGELIST.

h. The EVANGELIST is to be “gentle,” “forbearing,” “meek” (II Timothy 2:24, 25)

i. Paul URGED TIMOTHY, the EVANGELIST, to EXHORT (I Timothy 5:1; II Timothy 4:2. See the noun form in I Timothy 4:13)

2. The EVANGELIST is to CHARGE and COMMAND (“paranggello”)

a. This term was a MILITARY TERM which meant to PASS COMMANDS from one to another.

b. It means to “insist on” and carries a sense of URGENCY

c. The NOUN form is used of the “CHARGE” given to the JAILOR

by his SUPERIORS (Acts 16:24)

d. The APOSTLES were told by the COUNCIL, “We charged you with a charge.” (Acts 5:28)

e. Paul PASSED A COMMAND, that is, he “charged” Timothy (I Timothy 1:18) f. The EVANGELIST was to PASS a COMMAND of the Lord (CHARGE) certain men NOT to teach a different DOCTRINE (I Timothy 1:3-5)

g. TIMOTHY was to COMMAND (CHARGE) and TEACH (I Timothy 4:11)

h. Titus was to SPEAK, EXHORT, and REPROVE with all AUTHORITY (“epitag e ”) (Titus 2:15)

i. Therefore, EXHORT and CHARGE blend together. The EVANGELIST is to “IMPLORE”, but he is also to

speak with AUTHORITY and URGENCY because of the MESSAGE

3. The EVANGELIST is to TEACH (“didasko”)

a. He is to “impart knowledge “to “hold discourse with others in order to instruct them” See Thayer’s Greek Lexicon. p. 144.

b. He is to be a “public reader” of the Scriptures See I Timothy 4:13.

c. He is to teach others (1 Timothy 4:11; 4:13; 6:2; II Timothy 4:2. See Paul as a TEACHER in I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11) who in turn would teach others also (II Timothy 2:2)

4. The EVANGELIST is to REPROVE and REBUKE

a.The EVANGELIST is NOT to REBUKE an older man (I Timothy 5:1). The word here is “epiplesso” which means to REBUKE HARSHLY, or TREAT SAVAGELY. Here REBUKE is set in CONTRAST to EXHORT.

b. However, when men sin, the EVANGELIST is to REBUKE or REPROVE. Another word is used here, “elegcho” which means to bring their sin firmly upon their conscience. and convict them (I Timothy 5:20)

c. This latter word, “elegcho” does NOT carry with it the harsh

disrespect found in the first one (“epiplesso”).

d. The ELDERS are also to CONVICT or REPROVE (“elegcho”) (Titus 1:9)

e. Titus, the EVANGELIST, is to REPROVE (“elegcho”) the FALSE TEACHERS “SHARPLY” (Titus 1:12)

5. The EVANGELIST is to GUARD the DEPOSIT of TRUTH

a. A “THING” had been “ENTRUSTED” to Timothy (I Timothy 6:20; II Timothy 1:14)

b. The EXPRESSION “that which is committed” translates “paratheke,” a “deposit.”

c. It is to be GUARDED through the Holy Spirit that dwelt in him (II Timothy 1:14)

6. The EVANGELIST is to “Put them in remembrance” (I Timothy 4:6; II Timothy 2:14)

THE ELDERS IN THE CHURCHA More Detailed Study

Lesson 8

I. TERMS that are used to DESCRIBE this MINISTRY in the CHURCH

A. The Greek word, “presbuteros”

1. It is translated “ELDER” or transliterated (brought over into English) “PRESBYTER”

2. A related word “presbuterion” is translated:

a. “Assembly of the elders” (of the people) (Luke 22:66)

b. “Estate of the elders” (of the Jews) (Acts 22:5)

c. “Presbytery (in the CHURCH) (eldership) (I Timothy 4:14)

3. Other related words “presbutes” and “presbutis” are translated “an aged man” (Luke 1:18; Titus 2:2; Philemon 9) and “aged woman” (Titus 2:3) respectively.

4. The varied USAGE of the TERM, “presbuteros” in Scripture:

a. In the Septuagint, to DESIGNATE the ELDERS of Israel,

HEADS of families, a PATRIARCHAL situation (Exodus 4:29, 19:7)

b. To refer to men ADVANCED in AGE, SENIOR, OLDER MEN (Acts 2:17; I Timothy 5:1)

c. To designate the FOREFATHERS of the people (Hebrews 11:2; Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3, 5)

d. To refer to the “elders,” the MEMBERS of the GREAT COUNCIL or SANHEDRIN (Matthew 16:21; Acts 4:5,23; 6:12; 23:14;

24:1; etc.)

e. Those in separate cities who managed PUBLIC AFFAIRS (Luke 7:3)

f. The ELDERS in the CHURCH (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22; 16:4: 21:18; I Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; Acts

20:17; James 5:14, etc.). See Thayer’s Lexicon, pages 535-536.

B. The Greek word, “episkopos”

1. It is commonly translated ‘BISHOP” or “OVERSEER” or “GUARDIAN,” thus a “superintendent”.

2. It originates from “epi” (over) and “skopeo” (to look or watch).

3. A related word, “episkope,” is translated:

a. “Visitation” (I Peter 2:12)

b. “Office” or “bishopric” (Acts 1:20). It is translated “office of a bishop” but really means “oversight” (I Timothy 3:1), or “OVERSEER-SHIP” (Vine, page 128 and following).

c. The verb form, “episkeptomai” a late form of “episkopeo” means:

(1) “To visit with help” which God did (Luke 1:68, 78; 7:16; Acts 15:14; Hebrews 2:6)

(2) To “visit” the afflicted, the sick in order to help them (Matthew 25:36, 43, James 1:27)

(3) To “look out” men for a particular purpose (Acts 6:3)

(4) To “pay a visit to,” to go and see (Acts 7:23;15:36). It is clearly seen that these words convey the definite MEANING of “CARING FOR, “HELPING,” or “TO LOOK UPON IN ORDER to HELP.” See Vine, Expository Dictionary Of New Testament

Words,page 190.

4. The TERM, “BISHOP,” or “OVERSEER,” (“episkopos”) was used in the Old Testament Septuagint to refer to:

a. Officers to OVERSEE workmen engaged in repairing the temple (II Chronicles 34:12, 17)

b. OVERSEERS of workmen engaged in rebuilding the city of Jerusalem after the captivity (Nehemiah 11:14)

c. OVERSEERS of the Levites on duty in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:22)

d. OVERSEERS of the singers in temple worship (Nehemiah 12:42)

5. The work is also used for SUBORDINATE CIVIL RULERS in secular life (Josephus, Antiquities. 10, 4, 2)

C. The Greek word, ”poimen”

1. This TERM is commonly translated “PASTOR” or “SHEPHERD” 2. A related word is “poimnion.” meaning a “flock” of sheep, and referring to the disciples of Christ (Acts 20:28,29; I Peter 5:2). See also Luke 12:32 and the term ‘little flock”

3. The VERB form, “poimaino.” means to “tend,” or “feed,” a flock, but more completely “to be shepherds to.”

a. It is translated “rule” (Revelation 2:27). See also Matthew 2:6; Revelation 12:5; 19:15.

b. It designates a “feeding,” a “tending,” providing pasture, protecting, etc. (Acts 20:28; John 21:16; I Peter 5:2)

4. USAGES of “POIMEN”

a. To refer to GOD as the SHEPHERD, the GUIDE and PROTECTOR of His people (Psalm 23:1-6)

b. To SHEPHERDS in GENERAL (Matthew 9:36; 25:32)

c. To designate JESUS as the Savior of the SHEEP (John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:25 where Jesus is called “poime n ” and “episkopos” (Hebrews 13:20)

d. The “PASTORS” in the CHURCH (Ephesians 4:11). See Thayer p. 527.

D. These three terms, “presbuteros.” “episkopos” and “poimen” ALL REFER TO

THE SAME “FUNCTION” OR “OFFICE” (WORK).

1. The “presbuteroi” (elders) at Ephesus (Acts 20:17-28)

a. Paul called for the “ELDERS” (“presbuterous”) (Acts 20:17)

b. In his address to them, Paul called them “BISHOPS” (“episkopous”) (Acts 20:28)

c. These same men were to “take heed” to all the “FLOCK” (“poimnio”), and were to “FEED” (“poimainein”) or “be shepherds to” the “ekklesia” (CHURCH) (Acts 20:28)

2. The “presbuteroi” (elders) to whom PETER wrote in ASIA MINOR (I Peter 5:1-4)

a. Peter EXHORTED the “ELDERS” (“presbuterous”) as a “fellow-elder” (“sumpresbuteros”) (I Peter 5:1)

b. They were to “TEND” or “BE SHEPHERDS TO” (“poimanate”) the “FLOCK” (“poimnion”) that was“among them” (“en humin”) (I Peter 5:2)

c. They were to EXERCISE “THE OVERSIGHT” (“episkopountes”) (I Peter 5:2). It must be noted that this expression is NOT

found in some manuscripts, and is placed in the footnote of the Nestles Greek text.

d. The “SHEPHERDING” of the “ELDERS” is also seen in Peters reference to the “FLOCK” in 5:3, and the “CHIEF SHEPHERD,” Jesus in I Peter 5:4.

3. This IDENTITY is also seen in the PARALLEL USE of the terms “ELDERS” and “BISHOP” concerning the men to be appointed on CRETE

(Titus 1:5-9).

a. Titus was to APPOINT “ELDERS” in every city (Titus 1:5).

b. Paul then gave the QUALIFICATIONS of a “BISHOP” (Titus 1:6- 9) II. “QUALIFICATIONS” or CHARACTERISTICS of the ELDERS in the CHURCH

A. “QUALIFICATIONS” of CHARACTER (I Timothy 3:1-7). (From the American Standard Version)

1. WITHOUT REPROACH: “One who cannot be laid hold upon”, “not open to censure,” “irreproachable,” A man whose character is UNIMPEACHABLE. It does NOT mean SINLESS, for all have sinned (I John 1:8-10), but that his life is one of integrity and purity and holiness. No

charge of living in sin may be brought against him.

a. The Greek word used here (“anepilempton”) (I Timothy 3:2)

is used to refer to widows who should be “abovereproach” (I Timothy 5:7), and other Christians whoshould be without reproach” (I Timothy 6:14). We

must ALL live a life “above reproach!” This word does NOT mean “sinless.”

b. The Greek word used in Titus 1:6, 7 concerning elders (“anegkletos”) is translated “above reproach,” and is used in I Timothy 3:10 to refer to DEACONS, and to

refer to ALL DISCIPLES in I Corinthians 1:8 where it istranslated “blameless” in the New American StandardVersion.

c. Another Greek word (“amemptoi”), is translated “unblamable”

in holiness to include all the Thessalonian Christians (I Thessalonians 3:13), and is translated “blameless” to

refer to holiness in the life of the Philippian disciples (Philippians 2:15)

d. A fourth Greek word (“amomos”) is also used in Philippians

2:15 to translate “children of God ‘above reproach,’”

and “holy and blameless” before the Lord in love(Ephesians 1:4). It is also used for ALL DISCIPLES inEphesians 5:27 and Colossians 1:22. This last passageis translated “holy and blameless (“amomos”) and `beyond reproach” (“anegkletos” – See above)

e. An IMPORTANT POINT to consider, therefore, is that the beautiful trait of being “BLAMELESS” should be found in the LIFE OF EVERY

DISCIPLE of Christ, NOT just in the life ofthe ELDERS! LET US LIVE A HOLY LIFE!

This “QUALIFICATION” may be a GENERAL ONE

UNDER which the following traits may be included. See Titus 1:6, 7.

2. TEMPERATE: “Sober,” self-controlled, watching over himself, restraining appetites. Originally, it referred to a non-drinker. See the “women” who were also to be “temperate”

(I Timothy 3:11)

3. SOBER-MINDED; “Serious, Earnest.” Of a sound mind with mature judgment, prudent, dignified, not flighty or flippant, discreet, modest. See also I Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:8; 2:2-4. 4. ORDERLY: “Dignified, well-arranged, seemly, modest.” A well- ordered life. He has his life organized. It means “well- arranged, seemly, modest” in I Timothy 2:9.

5. GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY: “Lover of strangers,” fond of strangers, generous to guests. See also Hebrews 13:2; I Peter 4:9; Titus 1:8. Another word, “propempein,” which is translated “set forward” may have an application here. It meant to provide food, fare, and other assistance for gospel preachers (Titus 3:13; III John 6; I Corinthians 16:6, 11).

6. NO BRAWLER: Or, NOT QUARRELSOME over WINE. He does not “behave ill at wine,” not “quarrelsome, brawling, abusive.” He is not a rowdy disturber, an outgrowth of sitting long at wine. See Titus 1:7.

7. NO STRIKER: A “striker” is “A bruiser, one who is ready with a blow, a pugnacious, contentious, quarrelsome person.” One who loses his temper and attacks others would be a “striker.” See Titus 1:7.

8. GENTLE: “Equitable, fair, mild, gentle.” One who is patient, moderate, not domineering. See also Titus 3:2; I Peter 2:18; James 3:17, and Philippians 4:5 where it is translated “forbearance,” or moderation.

9. NOT CONTENTIOUS: “Abstaining from fighting.” Does not engage in strife, and fighting with words. See also Titus 3:2.

10. NO LOVER OF MONEY: “Not loving money, not avaricious.” Note its use also in Hebrews 13:5. He is not characterized by stinginess and greed. In the list of qualifications given to Titus, the ELDER must not be “greedy of filthy lucre” (Titus 1:7), NOT “eager for base gain.” This expression is also found in I Timothy 3:3 in a very few manuscripts. A related

word is found in I Peter 5:2; Titus 1:11.

B. “QUALIFICATIONS” of CHARACTER (Titus 1:5-9) which are NOT found

in I Timothy 3:1-7

1. BLAMELESS: Cannot be called “to account.” “Un-accused.” This is NOT the same word translated "without reproach” in I Timothy

3:2, but IS FOUND in the qualifications of DEACONS (I Timothy 3:11). See also I Corinthians 1:8; Colossians 1:22.

The two expressions BLAMELESS and WITHOUT REPROACH are very similar in meaning. See notes on I Timothy 3:2 above.

2. AS GOD S “STEWARD :” Not a qualification, but rather a term DESCRIBING his WORK. “The manager of a household or of

household affairs.” See Luke 16:1,3,8; I Corinthians 4:1,2, etc... This will fit well in our consideration of the ELDERS DOMESTIC qualifications.

3. NOT SELF-WILLED: “To enjoy ones self: Take ones pleasure,” “self-pleasing, arrogant.” He does not always seek to have his own way or desire. See II Peter 2:10 and the same thought in

Proverbs 21:24.

4. NOT SOON ANGRY: Not “prone to anger,” not irritable, slow to anger. See Proverbs 22:24; 29:22 for the same thought. This word is limited in its use to Titus 1:7.

5. A LOVER OF GOOD: “Loving goodness.” Loving both good things and good men. See I Thessalonians 5:21.

6. JUST: “Righteous, observing divine and human laws,” “upright,” “virtuous,” but, according to Thayer. used in a more narrow sense in Titus 1:8 to mean “passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or deeds by the manner of dealing with them.” 7. HOLY: “Undefiled by sin, free from wickedness, religiously observing every moral obligation, pure, holy, pious.” See its use in I Timothy

2:8, and to describe the “Holy One” (Acts 2:27; 13:35; Revelation 15:4; 16:5).

8. SELF-CONTROLLED: “Having power over, possessed of (a thing),”

“mastering, controlling, curbing,” “controlling ones self.” See the noun form in Galatians 5:23; II Peter 1:6.

C. INTELLECTUAL “QUALIFICATIONS ” (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)

1. APT TO TEACH: “A skill in teaching plus a willingness to teach.”

This same word, “didaktikon,” is used with respect to Timothy, the BONDSERVANT of the Lord (II Timothy 2:24). Timothy

must be able to teach.

2. The ELDERS must be EQUIPPED in SOUND DOCTRINE, the FAITHFUL WORD, so that he may do the following:

a. EXHORT in that “SOUND” DOCTRINE (Titus 1:9)

b. REPROVE, CONVICT the GAINSAYER, the one who “CONTRADICTS” or “speaks against” that doctrine. A form of “antilego.” meaning to “speak against” is found in the context of SLAVES who should not CONTRADICT their masters (Titus 2:9)

D. “QUALIFICATIONS” that involve his EXPERIENCE (I Timothy 3:6)

1. NOT A NOVICE: ‘To spring up new,” “Newly-planted, a new convert.” One “who has recently become a Christian.”

2. The NOVICE could be lifted up with self-pride, to become conceited, and insolent. See this word “puffed up” used in I Timothy 6:4; II Timothy 3:4.

3. An interesting study would be the examination of the maturity and the regency of conversion of the elders on PAULS First Missionary Journey (Acts 14:23). Were these NEW ELDERS “NOVICES?”

E. “QUALIFICATIONS” concerned with REPUTATION (I Timothy 3:7)

1. A “beautiful” or “excellent” TESTIMONY from THOSE WITHOUT.

2. If this WITNESS from without is absent, he may fall into the REPROACH, the reviling, of the Devil, and the SNARE, the TRAP, the NOOSE, the allurements to sin by which Satan holds one bound. See the use of the word “REPROACH” in Romans 15:3; Hebrews 10:33 and SNARE in Romans11:9; I Timothy 6:9; and II Timothy 2:26.

F. DOMESTIC “QUALIFICATIONS ”

1. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: “A one woman man ” (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). (See Lessons 11 and 12)

a. POLYGAMY is undoubtedly OPPOSED here.

b. Also, a DIVORCED situation which would render the man

unqualified, no longer BLAMELESS.

c. He MUST be a MARR1ED MAN. See below.

2. “RULES” WELL HIS OWN HOUSE, with his CHILDREN IN SUBJECTION (I Timothy 3:4,5; Titus 1:6)

a. The children are not accused of RIOT, “an abandoned, dissolute

life,” NOT UNRULY. Children “That cannot be subjected to control.”

b. The NECESSITY of being a MARRIED MAN is seen in the fact that he MUST KNOW HOW TO RULE HIS OWN FAMILY, so that with this experience, HE CAN TAKE CARE of the FAMILY of GOD (I Timothy 3:5)

3. An elder HAVING CHILDREN THAT BELIEVE (Titus 1:6)

a. Children who are convicted of Jesus as the Messiah, have a joyful trust in Him, and have obeyed His will. Therefore, a Christian.

b. It is true that the plural term “children” may be used in the Scripture in a GENERIC sense to refer to a SINGULAR situation as well as PLURAL See Matthew 22:24; Ephesians 6:4; I Timothy 5:4; Genesis 21:7.

III. The WORK of the ELDERS in the “EKKLESIA” (“church”)

A. Their WORK as seen in the TERMS that DESCRIBE them.

1. The word “ELDER” would suggest that these men “RULE” (1 Timothy 5:17)

2. The word “BISHOP” suggests that the elders are to “OVERSEE,” “DIRECT,” or “SUPERINTEND” the work of the CHURCH in a particular locality (I Peter 5:2)

3. The word “PASTOR” or “SHEPHERD” would suggest the following concepts:

a. Protect individual sheep from straying (Luke 15:1-7 ) b. The SHEPHERD is the (1) ruler of the sheep, (2) the guide, (3) the companion, (4) the “feeder”, and (5) the protector

(I Samuel 17:34-36; John 10:12; Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2,3)

c. The SHEPHERD is deeply CONCERNED that the SHEEP are not ATTACKED and DESTROYED by the WOLVES

(Acts 20:28-32; Hebrews 13:17). Notice that the ELDERS are to CONVICT the GAINSAYERS

(Titus 1:9)

d. The SHEPHERD is to be an EXAMPLE for the SHEEP to FOLLOW.

(1) The ELDERS were to take heed to THEMSELVES and to the FLOCK (Acts 20:28)

(2) Christians are to IMITATE THE FAITH of those who RULE (Hebrews 13:7)

(3) The SHEEP are to FOLLOW the SHEPHERD (John 10:4, 27, 28)

(4) Those “OVER YOU” are to be RESPECTED for their WORKS SAKE

(I Thessalonians 5: 12, 13)

(5) They PROVIDE EXAMPLES also because of the CHARACTER of their LIFE (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)

e. The beautiful “SHEPHERD” Psalm gives the great care of GOD,the GREAT SHEPHERD (Psalm 23:1-6)

(1) The shepherd feeds and gives rest (Psalm 23:1, 2)

(2) The shepherd refreshes (Psalm 23:3)

(3) The shepherd prepares the path to follow (Psalm 23:3)

(4) The shepherd is good and merciful (Psalm 23:6)

f. The Lord God as the great SHEPHERD, would tend the flock, gather the lambs in His arms, and would gentlylead the nursing mothers (Isaiah 40:10, 11)

g. In the Old Testament, there were GOOD and BAD shepherdsin Israel

(1) The Lord chose DAVID as a shepherd of His people. David was to guide the people with integrity (Psalm 78:70-72)

(2) The leaders of God’s people had been BAD shepherds (Ezekiel 34:1-10; 17-22)

(a) They FED themselves, not the people (Ezekiel 34:1-3)(b) They did NOT help the SICKLY (Ezekiel 34:4)

(c) God’s sheep were scattered and prey to the enemy (Ezekiel 34:5-8)

(d) God was against these LEADERS (Ezekiel 34:9, 10)

h. In the New Testament, JESUS is the GOOD SHEPHERD(John 10:1-28)

(1) He knows His sheep and calls them by name (John 10:3, 14, 27)

(2) Jesus LEADS His sheep, and they follow (John 10:3, 4). Read also 10:27, 28

(3) Jesus is NOT like the “hireling.” He guards His sheep ((John 10:13, 14)

(4) Jesus was willing to DIE for His sheep (John 10:15-18)

(5) Jesus wanted to find other sheep (John 10:16)

(6) Jesus had a DEEP CONCERN for LOST SHEEP (Luke 15:1-7; Matthew 9:36-38)

i. Beautiful qualities of the SHEPHERD from I Peter 5:1-4

(1) The elder (shepherd) is willing, and WANTS to serve (I Peter 5:2) (2) This shepherd is not greedy for money, and not

self-promoting (I Peter 5:2)

(3) He is NOT trying to be a “boss” or dictator, NOT trying to “LORD IT” over the flock (I Peter 5:3)

(4) He is a great EXAMPLE in his speech and life (I Peter 5:3)

(5) He feels a sense of ACCOUNTABILITY toward the Lord, for he realizes that the GREAT SHEPHERD will return (I Peter 5:4)

B. The WORK of the ELDERS in the CHURCH as seen in the word “RULE”.

1. ELDERS are NOT to be a “BOARD of DIRECTORS” who “LORD IT,” or are MASTERS over the flock (I Peter 5:3)

2. The word, “proistemi” (“RULE” in I Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 “OVER YOU”)

a. This word translated “RULE” does NOT carry the idea of a dictatorial power and authority, but of direction and management such as that of a father directing, guiding, and leading his own household (I Timothy 3:4,5). It indicates care and diligence with concern. It means care for, give attention to, and is translated MAINTAIN (Titus 3:8, 14)

b. This meaning is given by Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon, page 714 who give the meaning, “be concerned about, care for, give aid.”

3. The Greek word, “begeomai” (“RULE” in Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24)

a. This word means to “lead”, “to go before,” “to be a leader, rule command, to have authority over.” BUT ALSO, leading by one’s influence, controlling by counsel. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 276)

b. This word is used in Acts 15:22 to translate “leading men” among the brethren, or “chief” men.

c. Thus, “RULING” IS LOVING LEADERSHIP and GUIDANCE, NOT DICTATORIAL POWER is stressed. The principle of SERVING leadership is emphasized in Mark 10:42-45.

4. The Greek word, “episkeptomai:” (“VISIT in such passages as James 1:27; Matthew 25:36, 43; Acts 15:14; Hebrews 2:6)

a. This is a related VERB form of the word “BISHOP”

b. It would stress that the BISHOP is to “watch” for souls, “TO CARE FOR,” rather than to RULE WITH DICTATORIAL POWER.

5. It must also be noted that the ELDERS in the CHURCH are SPIRITUAL SHEPHERDS, NOT “BUSINESS MANAGERS.” Just as the apostles did NOT want to leave

the “MINISTRY of the WORD” and PRAYER to “SERVE TABLES,” even so ELDERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE

“MINISTRY OF BEING SHEPHERDS TO BECOME “BUSINESS MANAGERS” in the CHURCH (Acts 6:1-6)

IV. The SELECTION and APPOINTMENT of ELDERS in the CHURCH

A. DEVELOPMENT of ELDERS

1. The GOSPEL PREACHER plays a very important ROLE in the DEVELOPMENT and APPOINTMENT of ELDERS (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; See also II Timothy 2:2 where ELDERS may be included)

2. MEN in the LOCAL CHURCH must be encouraged to DESIRE “the office of a BISHOP” (I Timothy 3:1)

3. The EVANGELIST should take the INITIAL, the “first step” role in TRAINING MEN (II Timothy 2:2).

a. Train them to PREACH and TEACH

b. Train them to be SOUL SAVERS.

c. Teach them the CONTENT of the Scriptures.

d. Teach them the QUALIFICATIONS and WORK of ELDERS.

e. INSPIRE them to work toward becoming ELDERS, DEACONS, and PREACHERS through the help of Christ who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13). CONFIDENCE must be produced within them.

f. The EVANGELIST MUST NOT WAIT for men to become qualified, believing that this will be done automatically. It must be planned for, organized well, and training must be done. This training may be PLANNED in the business meeting of the CHURCH.

B. THE SELECTION of ELDERS in the CHURCH

1. SELECTION and APPOINTMENT are completely DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES:

The CHURCH SELECTS, The PREACHER APPOINTS

a. When WIDOWS were in NEED, seven men were SELECTED by the CHURCH to assist, and the APOSTLES APPOINTED (Acts 6:3)

b. Again, the APOSTLES, ELDERS, and the WHOLE CHURCH CHOSE men to send out (Acts 15:22)

c. The men APPROVED by the CHURCH were the ones sent forth with the contribution (I Corinthians 16:3).

2. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS for SELECTION: (The Scripture gives NO DETAILS)

a. When it is anticipated that MEN may be QUALIFIED, the

CHURCH WILL OUTLINE the procedure for SELECTION.

All will be informed.

b. Sermons may be PREACHED on the ELDERSHIP, its WORK and

“QUALIFICATIONS.” CLASSES may also be TAUGHT

over an extended period of time.

c. PRINTED MATERIALS may be distributed to all members of the

CHURCH discussing the scriptural qualifications.

d. The CHURCH as a whole should be asked to PRAY about the matter that wisdom may be used by all.

e. Then, NAMES may be submitted by the CHURCH as potential

ELDERS. These men must be willing to serve zealously. f. OBJECTIONS to any man should be considered ONLY when

based on Scriptural qualifications.

g. A GROUP OF MEN should be asked to hear any OBJECTIONS and report the results to the CHURCH. The EVANGELIST

may be a part of this group. The POTENTIAL ELDERS should NOT be included in this GROUP.

h. The NAMES may be ANNOUNCED and POSTED for several weeks so that any VALID OBJECTION may be heard.

i. A DATE may be set for the APPOINTMENT of these ELDERS when it is determined that NO VALID OBJECTION exists. Selection should be UNANIMOUS, NOT THROUGH MAJORITY VOTE.

C. The APPOINTMENT of ELDERS in the CHURCH

1. DETAILS of HOW to APPOINT are NOT stated in Scripture.

2. EXAMPLES of Biblical APPOINTMENT:

a. The APOSTLES APPOINTED the seven (Acts 6:3)

b. Paul and Barnabas appointed ELDERS (Acts 14:23)

c. Titus was to APPOINT ELDERS in every city (Titus 1:5)

3. The Greek word, “kathistemi:”

a. This word translated ‘appoint” means to recognize before a group. It is not an ecclesiastical “investiture” in a religious hierarchy.

b. It means to put in charge (Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon, page 391)

c. “To set one over a thing (in charge of it)” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 314). See “set over” in Matthew 24:45;

25:21, 23; Luke 12:44.

d. Various “POSITIONS” over which men were APPOINTED:

(1) A SERVANT over a household (Matthew 24:45)

(2) A JUDGE, or a DIVIDER (Luke 12:14; Acts 7:27, 35)

(3) A GOVERNOR (Acts 7:10)

(4) LEVITICAL PRIESTS (Hebrews 5:1)

(5) MAN appointed by GOD over the works of His hands (Hebrews 2:7) (Some manuscripts)

(6) SERVANTS and ELDERS (Acts 6:3; Titus 1:5). Vine’s

Word Studies may be consulted on the word

“APPOINT.”

4. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS for APPOINTMENT

a. The DATE set for APPOINTMENT should be well ANNOUNCED and PREPARED.

b. The CHURCH should be asked to PRAY fervently about the matter, and pray for the men that will be APPOINTED.

c. The ASSEMBLY on the day of APPOINTMENT could include:

(1) A CHARGE committed to the new ELDERS.

(2) PRAYERS for the ELDERS being APPOINTED.

(3) A SERMON on the WORK of the ELDERS.

(4) A REQUEST that the new ELDERS speak briefly to the CHURCH, express their love, and they may CHALLENGE the members for greater service.

5. APPOINTMENT in the New Testament was accompanied by PRAYER, FASTING, and LAYING ON OF HANDS (Acts 13:1-3; 6:6; I Timothy 4:14; 5:22)

THE DEACONS IN THE CHURCHLesson 9

I. The USAGE of the ENGLISH TERM, “DEACON”

A. The translators RECOGNIZED a SPECIFIC ”FUNCTION” or ministry in the CHURCH by translating the GENERAL term for SERVANT as “DEACON”

in several places.

1. This “SPECIFIC” MINISTRY is seen in Paul's salutation to the SAINTS at Philippi with the BISHOPS and DEACONS (Philippians 1:1)

2. As he spoke of the “SPECIFIC” FUNCTION of BISHOPS orELDERS and gave QUALIFICATIONS, he also discussed

DEACONS, (“diakonoi”) and gave their QUALIFICATIONS (I Timothy 3:8-13)

3. The word, “diakoneitosan” is translated, “Let them serve as DEACONS” (I Timothy 3:10)

B. This “SPECIFIC” MINISTRY or SERVICE is also seen in the expression, “Let these also first be proved; then let them SERVE AS DEACONS”

(I Timothy 3:10)

II. The USAGE of the TERM “diakonos.” It is GENERALLY TRANSLATED “SERVANT,” or “MINISTER,” BUT, in its “SPECIFIC” USAGE, it is TRANSLATED “DEACON.”

A. CHRIST was made a diakonos “minister” of the circumcision, but NOT a “diakonos” of SIN (Romans 15:8; Galatians 2:17)

B. The APOSTLES must become “diakonoi,” “servants,” who SERVE like their MASTER (Matthew 20:26-28). It will be noted here that they were to be both “diakonoi.” ‘servants” and “douloi,” “bondservants” or “slaves.” (Matthew 20:26, 27)

C. If Timothy, an EVANGELIST, would fulfill his responsibilities, he would be a GOOD “diakonos.” “minister,” of Christ (I Timothy 4:6)

D. Any DISCIPLE who “SERVES” is a “diakonos” (John 12:26). Here, both the word “serve” and the word “servant” come from the same root word (“diakoneo” and “diakonos”).

E. CIVIL AUTHORITY is a “diakonos.” “minister,” of God to the Christian for GOOD (Romans 13:4)

III. EXAMPLES of “DEACONS” as a “SPECIFIC” ministry in the CHURCH

A. There were “DEACONS” at Philippi (Philippians 1:1)

B. There were to be “DEACONS” at Ephesus (I Timothy 3:8-13)

C. It is also AFFIRMED that there were “DEACONS” in JERUSALEM (Acts 6:1-7)

1. A specific ministry is seen in that there were SEVEN MEN SELECTED and APPOINTED out of all the disciples (Acts 6:3)

2. A form of the word “diakonos” was used to describe their work. They were to “serve” (“diakonein”) tables in the daily “ministration”

(“diakonia”) (Acts 6:1, 2)

3. These SELECTED, SPECIFIC “diakonoi” (“servants”) had qualifications (Acts 6:3)

IV. SPIRITUAL “MINISTRIES” (“diakonia”) in the CHURCH

A. There is a difference between the MINISTRY of “serving tables” and the MINISTRY “of the Word” (Acts 6:2, 4)

1. The SEVEN were to “SERVE TABLES,” a matter of MERCY in helping needy widows, a MINISTRY that would RELEASE the APOSTLES for the ministry of EVANGELISM.

a. It will be recognized that PHILIP and STEPHEN, two ofthe SEVEN, were later MINISTERS of the Word, that is, EVANGELISTS (All of Acts 7 and 8 and 21:8)

b. It has been suggested that the “HELPS” of I Corinthians12:28 may refer to DEACONS.

c. It has also been suggested that he who “SHOWETH MERCY” among the GIFTS of Romans 12:4-8 couldrefer to DEACONS.

2. The SEVEN had RELIEVED the APOSTLES so that they could devote themselves to the MINISTRY of the WORD and PRAYER (Acts 6:4)

a. Paul was a MINISTER of the Word (Colossians 1:23, 25;Ephesians 3:7) and of the New Covenant (II Corinthians 3:6)

b. Epaphras and Tychicus were also “MINISTERS” with Paul (Colossians 1:7; 4:7). See also Timothy (I Timothy 4:6; II Timothy 4:5)

B. This DISTINCTION between MINISTRIES of “SERVING TABLES” and SPEAKING seems also to be set forth by Peter (I Peter 4:9-11). Yet, both are SPIRITUAL MINISTRIES , serving Christ.

C. Therefore, the WORK of DEACONS is to SERVE, HELPING OTHERS, and

ASSUMING WORK which would RELIEVE MEN SUCH AS ELDERS permitting them to shepherd, teach etc....

V. “QUALIFICATIONS” or CHARACTERISTICS of DEACONS in the CHURCH (I Timothy 3:8-10, 12, 13)

A. GRAVE: Seriousness in his conduct, dignified. Produces respect. Not flippant, uncouth. In Philippians 4:8, the word is translated “honorable.” It must also characterize the lives of “women” (I Timothy 3:11), and aged men (Titus 2:2). The noun form is translated “gravity” (I Timothy 2:2, etc.)

B. NOT DOUBLE-TONGUED: Speaking one thing to one person, and giving another view to another person. Not insincere or hypocritical.

C. NOT GIVEN TO MUCH WINE: Does not misuse wine. Here, the meaning of “wine” (“oinos”) needs to be considered, and related ideas found in the

words “no brawler” in the qualifications of elders.

D. NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE: Not eager for “base gain.” See also Titus 1:7; 1:11; I Peter 5:2. There are two concepts to consider:

1. He is not earning his money in a questionable manner.

2. But also, he is not a lover of money (I Timothy 6:9,10). The ELDER also was not to be a lover of money (I Timothy 3:3)

E. HOLDING the MYSTERY of the FAITH in a PURE CONSCIENCE: Loyalty to the gospel, once hidden, but now revealed (Ephesians 3:4:11). A faithful man. The ELDERS were also to be able to (1) exhort in sound doctrine, and, (2) convict the one who contradicted it (Titus 1:9)

F. PROVED: Tested before appointment. This word is widely used to mean testing with the purpose of approving. It is related to “approved” (II Timothy 2:15), and is widely translated PROVE (II Corinthians 13:5; Luke 14:19; Romans 12:2; I Corinthians 11:28, etc.)

G. BLAMELESS: He can be charged with nothing as a result of public investigation. An absence of any accusation (Titus 1:6,7). The word used in I Timothy 3:2 “Without reproach” is a different word, but it has a similar meaning

H. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: There is no stain on his character because of a marriage problem. See the lesson on ELDERS.

I. RULING their CHILDREN and their OWN HOUSES WELL: The word “RULING” here is the same word (“proistemi”) which is used for the

“leadership” of the ELDERS (I Timothy 5:17). It is loving direction which produces SUBJECTION on the part of his children. No mention is made of the necessity of their being Christians. (Vine’s Expository Dictionary

and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon discuss this)

GOOD LEADERSHIP COMES FROM GOOD FAMILIESLesson 10

I. IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES that must be considered:

A. We are happy that more congregations in the Philippines now have elders anddeacons

B. Others DO NOT have elders and deacons, but DO HAVE MEN WHO ARERESPECTED, and whose WISDOM is followed in the congregation.

C. BUT, multitudes of congregations have been IN EXISTENCE FOR MANY YEARS, and have NEVER SOUGHT TO DEVELOP BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP

D. The logical question to be asked is, “WHY IS IT TRUE THAT SO MANY OLDER CHURCHES AMONG OUR BROTHERS DO NOT HAVE

ELDERS AND DEACONS?”

1. The answer that is usually given is, “Brothers are NOT qualified to serve

as elders and deacons.”

2. The next logical question is, “Why are brothers NOT QUALIFIED toserve as elders and deacons?”

E. EXAMINE THIS VERY IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE: Almost EVERY “QUALIFICATION” or CHARACTERISTIC of an ELDER MUST ALSO

BE FOUND IN THE LIFE OF EVERY CHRISTIAN

1. An exception would be that EVERY CHRISTIAN DOES NOT NEED TOBE MARRIED, DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE CHILDREN, doesNOT NEED to have the EXPERIENCE of raising a family. An ELDER MUST HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE. The apostle Paul WAS NOT MARRIED (See I Corinthians 9:4, etc.)

2. Also, a NEW CHRISTIAN, a “novice” does NOT YET have the knowledge of the Word of God that an ELDER MUST HAVE.

3. However, EVERY CHARACTER “QUALIFICATION” of an eldermust be developed in the life of every Christian. For example, “no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover ofmoney,” etc. should be found in the LIFE OF EVERY CHRISTIAN.(See I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)

F. An IMPORTANT POINT TO CONSIDER:

1. It is TRUE that many brothers were converted to the Lord AFTERtheir children were already grown and married. They had NObackground in “bringing up their children” in the Lord(Ephesians 6:4)

2. NOTE: Biblical Leadership is the natural outgrowth of a CHRISTIAN

HOME!

a. Mutual LOVE and RESPECT between HUSBAND and WIFEmust be seen by their children (Ephesians 5:21-33; Titus2:3-5)

b. The father in the home must be the “head” of his family.He must be a “servant leader” (Ephesians 5:22-24)

c. The mother is to be the “queen” of the household(I Timothy 5:14)

d. Christian parents “bring up” their children in the “nurtureand admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4)

II. The CHURCH OF THE LORD is the FAMILY OF THE LORD

A. The church is a group of citizens who are the “household” of God(Ephesians 2:19; I Timothy 3:15)

B. In the church, the OLDER MEN are to be treated as “fathers,” the OLDER WOMEN as “mothers,” and the younger men and women as“brothers” and “sisters” (I Timothy 5:1, 2)

C. Timothy and Titus were Paul’s “sons” in the faith (I Timothy 1:2, 18;II Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4)

D. A brother MUST HAVE THE EXPERIENCE of “managing” his own family,or else HE CANNOT be an “elder,” “bishop,” or “shepherd” (pastor) inGod’s family, God’s church (I Timothy 3:4, 5)

E. In order to be the BIBLICAL “FATHER” in his own family that will assist him to be an “elder” in God’s family, a Biblical “leader” must KNOWTHE WORD OF THE LORD

1. This will enable him to “exhort” in “sound teaching”

2. And, to “refute” those who “contradict” the Word of the Lord(Titus 1:9)

CONCLUSION: If a congregation emphasizes and raises up GOOD, GODLY FAMILIES, this congregation will raise up GOOD, GODLY LEADERSHIP.If GODLY FAMILIES ARE NOT DEVELOPED, from where will the GODLYLEADERSHIP COME?

LEADERSHIP FOR THE CHURCH BEGINS IN THE HOME

Lesson 11

I. Text for this study: “For if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God (1 Timothy 3:5)

II. Christian Marriage

A. Marriage had its origin in Eden – See Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7; Ephesians 5:31

1. God gave a spouse to be a “helper” (Genesis 2:18, 20)

2. Companionship was a major reason (RSV) (Genesis 2:18). “Then the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I

will make him a helper fit for him."

3. God made them “Male and Female” so as to continue the race of man (Genesis 1:27, 28; Genesis 5:2)

B. Marriage is to maintain Sexual Purity (Hebrews 13:4)

1. Christian marriage does NOT rest upon physical desire (I Thessalonians 4:5)

2. It is for mutual fulfillment (I Corinthians 7:1-5)

3. Both husband and wife are “joint-heirs of the grace of life”

(I Peter 3:7)

C. Christian Marriage begins with Courtship (I Timothy 5:1). “Rebuke not an elder, but, exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.”

1. God’s ideal is to marry only “in the Lord.”

a. Note I Corinthians 7:39 that widows are commanded to marry only a Christian.

b. II Corinthians 6:14-16 “Do not be mis-mated with unbelievers…What has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”

2. God approves of Christian Marriage, even during difficult or dangerous times. Note I Corinthians 7:36-38. “But, if a certain (man) thinks he is behaving unseemly against his virgin (fiancée), if she is becoming an old maid and it ought to be, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin, let them marry. But he who stands firm in his own heart and not having a need, and he having power concerning his own will and having decided in his own heart, to keep his virgin, he shall do well.

So that also the one marrying his virgin does well and the one not marrying will do better.”

D. God’s Ideal for Marriage was, “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (RSV) (Genesis 2:24)

1. Jesus repeated this with a special emphasis – “And said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:5-6)

2. Please note also Mark 10:7, 8; Ephesians 5:31

a. What does this teaching of the Lord say about “polygamy?”

b. Is there any example of a happy polygamous marriage recorded in the Bible?

(1) Wicked Lamech with Adah and Zillah (Genesis 4:23)

(2) Abraham with Sarah and Hagar?

(3) Jacob with four wives (Note Genesis 29 as a start).

(4) Esau who preceded him in multiple marriages

(Genesis 28:8-9)

(5) Elkenah, husband to Peninnah and Hannah (I Samuel 1)

(6) David’s several wives.

(7) Solomon’s 700 wives and 300 concubines -- RSV (I Kings 11:4). “For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father”

c. Jesus ideal does not endorse multiple marriages, but sees this as a matter of “hardness of heart.” (Matthew 19:8)

MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION:

1. What good qualities does one find in Boaz in the Book of Ruth which a Christian should have in male / female relationships?

2. Is the “love” displayed in the Song of Solomon between married or un-married persons?

3. List some of the adverse (bad) effects that will be in a marriage between people of two different faiths.

4. Would one who has failed in marriage consider himself a good example to others? What might that person teach their children?

LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH

Lesson 12

“For if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for God's church?” (I Timothy 3:5)“But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth” (I Timothy 3:15)

I. Elders – as in Patriarchal Families of the Old Testament (“oi presbuteroi”)

A. Leaders in the family and in the community (Exodus 3:16; Numbers 11:16; Ruth 4:2-22)

B. Elders in the Jewish community were expected to be able to lead in worship and other activities of the synagogue.

1. One of ten men needed to lead in reading, praying and giving the benedictions.

2. A man serving before God. He often was a “scribe” or scholar of the Old Testament

C. One who protected and provided for his family – “leader.” Jacob after Bethel was going before his family to face Esau (Genesis 33:1-15)

D. One expected to teach God’s law to both his children and grandchildren. (Deuteronomy 4:9)

E. A Father’s DUTY is:

1. To be a good husband

2. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

II. NEW TESTAMENT ELDERS (Study I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

A. An ELDER is to be a FAMILY MAN

1. A man “belonging to one woman” (“mias gunaikos andra”)(I Timothy 3:2)

a. Submitting to one another (Ephesians 5:21)

b. Joint-heirs of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7)

c. A considerate provider who nourishes his wife (Ephesians 4:29; I Peter 3:7)

d. Discipline must be practiced: “Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (ASV) (Hebrews 12:9)

e. Loving his wife as Christ loved the church and as a man must love his own body (Ephesians 5:25, 28-29, 33)

B. A LEADER or head over his wife, children and household slaves.

1. The Spiritual Head of the Family – as from the Old Testament. (I Corinthians 11:1-16); Ephesians 5:22-33)

2. All older Christian men, including those appointed as leaders in a church, would be expected to be as noted in Titus 2:1-5.

a. Temperate

b. Dignified

c. Self-controlledd. Sound in faith (so that he can teach)

e. Sound in love (proper affection in a husband or father)

f. Sound in endurance (so he will not quit).

3. “Keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way;”

(I Timothy 3:4)

4. The word “FATHER” (“pater”) in the Greek language:

Meaning: 1) generator or male ancestor 1a) either the nearest ancestor: father of the corporeal nature, natural fathers, both parents 1b) a more remote ancestor, the founder of a race or tribe, progenitor of a people, forefather: so Abraham is called, Jacob and David 1b1) fathers i.e. ancestors, forefathers, founders of a race 1c) one advanced in years, a senior 2) metaph. 2a) the originator and transmitter of anything 2a1) the authors of a family or society of persons animated by the same spirit as himself 2a2) one who has infused his own spirit into others, who actuates and governs their minds 2b) one who stands in a father's place and looks after another in a paternal way 2c) a title of honour 2c1) teachers, as those to whom pupils trace back the knowledge and training they have received 2c2) the members of the Sanhedrin, whose prerogative it was by virtue of the wisdom and experience in which they excelled, to take charge of the interests of others 3) God is called the Father 3a) of the stars, the heavenly luminaries, because he is their creator, upholder, ruler 3b) of all rational and intelligent

beings, whether angels or men, because he is their creator, preserver, guardian and protector 3b1) of spiritual beings and of all men 3c) of Christians, as those who through Christ have

been exalted to a specially close and intimate relationship with God, and who no longer dread him as a stern judge of sinners,

but revere him as their reconciled and loving Father 3d) the Father of Jesus Christ, as one whom God has united to himself

in the closest bond of love and intimacy, made acquainted with his purposes, appointed to explain and carry out among

men the plan of salvation, and made to share also in his own divine nature 3d1) by Jesus Christ himself 3d2) by the apostles

See also Theological Dictionary Of The New Testament, Volume 5, pages 945-1,014.

5. Geneva Bible Notes: (Hebrews 12:9). (1) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them

reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

6. If all men yield this right to fathers, to whom next, after God, we owe this life, that they may rightfully correct their children, shall we not be much more subject to our Father, who is the author of spiritual and everlasting life?

C. The ORIGIN of MALE HEADSHIP in the home :

1. Genesis 3:16 says, “.... Yet your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” The word, “RULE” is from the word

that is translated “lord” in the Bible. Note the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament.

2. “SUBMISSION” as being a woman's duty and responsibility:

a. As Jesus was submissive to His parents (Luke 2:51)

b. All Christians are to be submissive to secular authority (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13)

c. Women are to be “submissive” in the assembly of the church (I Corinthians 14:34-35 I Timothy 2:11, 12)

d. Christians are to be submissive to one another and to their leaders (I Corinthians 16:16; Ephesians 5:21)

e. A wife is to be submissive to her own husband (Ephesians 5:24;Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1-5)

f. Slaves must be submissive to masters (Titus 2:9)

g. The younger are to be submissive to the older (1Peter 5:5)

D. Women in the home - The scholar Schaff wrote about what Christ’s message had done for women in the world. “Henceforth we find woman no longer a slave of man and tool of lust, but the pride and joy of her husband, the fond mother training her children to virtue and godliness, the ornament and treasure of the family, the faithful sister, the zealous servant of the congregation in every work of Christian charity, the sister of mercy, the martyr with superhuman courage, the guardian angel of peace, the example of purity, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and fidelity unto death.” p. 443, [Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Volume 1, Apostolic Christianity A.D. 1-100, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, c. 1910 (4 th printing, Feb. 1960).

SUGGESTED READING:

Fair, Dr. Ian, Leadership In The Kingdom, Abilene, Texas: ACU Press, 1996.Rogers, Richard. The Excellence of Leadership. Sunset International Bible Institute