2. “They Appointed Elders in Every Church” Acts 14:23 “You Should Set in Order What is Lacking… Appoint Elders in Every City” Titus 1:5 Church Organization

3.   What is the Scriptural Process for Selecting Elders?   No specific instructions given.   Acts 6 is the only example of a church appointing its servants. Church Organization

4. What Is An Elder? Interchangeable Terms Acts 20:17, 28 – elders, shepherds, overseers I Peter 5:1-3 – elders, shepherds, overseers Titus 1:5-7 – elders, overseers, stewards

5. Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account…” Ezekiel 34:1-10 What Is An Elder?

6. Presbuteros (noun) 1.“elders” - Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 2.Sometimes just an “older man” I Tim. 5:1; I Pet. 5:5 2.Acquired meaning: leader 3.Most common word for role, but not an exclusive title What Is An Elder?

7. Episkopos (noun; Acts 20:28) 1.guardian, overseer (bishop) 2.Used 5 times in the NT: Acts 20:28 – the Ephesian elders – “hath made you overseers” Phil. 1:1 – “to the overseers and deacons” I Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7 – “the office of overseer” must meet qualifications I Pet. 2:25 – Christ, “the shepherd and guardian” of our souls

8. What Is An Elder? Episkeptomai (verb) 1.To look at, examine, visit, inspect 2. Used 6 times in the New Testament James 1:27 - “visit” orphans and widows Matthew 25:36 - you “visited” me Acts 7:23 - “visit” his relatives Acts 15:36 - “visit” the brethren Acts 15:14 - God “concerned” himself Hebrews 2:6 – who is the son of man that thou art “concerned” about him?

9. What Is An Elder? Episkopeo (verb) 1.to look at, take care of, oversee 2. Used 2 times in the New Testament I Pet. 5:2 – shepherd the flock of God among you, “exercising oversight” Heb. 12:15 - “see to it” that no one comes short of the grace of God

10. What Is An Elder? Poimaino (verb) 1.to shepherd 1 Pet. 5:2 – “shepherd the flock of God” Acts 20:28 – “shepherd the church of God over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” John 21:16 – “shepherd My sheep”

11. What Is An Elder? Poimen (noun) 1.The shepherd of a flock a.used as a metaphor to illustrate the work of God and of Jewish elders Psalm 23; Isa. 40:10-11; Ezek. 34 b.used as a metaphor to illustrate the work of Jesus John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:25 2.Used of Church leaders – Eph. 4:11-12 Pastor is from Latin versions; Shepherd is much better.

12. What Is An Elder? Oikonomos (noun) 1.“as God’s stewards” – Tit. 1:7 2.a manager of a household Luke 12:42-43 – “faithful and wise steward” who his master “put in charge” I Cor. 4:1-2 – “stewards of the mysteries of God”

13. What Is An Elder? Elders watch and guard Elders “visit” spiritual needs Elders shepherd (feed) with the Word Elders manage the work of the church Elders are given charge over the house by their master

14. What Is An Elder? Acts 20:17-32 1.Persevere through trials (18-19) 2.Courage to tell people what they need to hear (20) 3.Teaching publicly and from house to house (20) 4.No partiality (21) 5.Gospel more important than ease or comfort (24) 6.Fulfill entire ministry – tell them EVERYTHING (26) 7.Protect the flock in the face of danger (28-30) 8.Warn, admonish, teach about dangers (31) 9.Entrust them to God and His Word (32)

15. Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account…” Ezekiel 34:1-10 What Is An Elder?

16. Will You Become A Christian? Hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:17) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24) Repent of Your Sins (Acts 17:31) Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10) Be Baptized for Forgiveness of Sins (Acts 2:38) Live Faithfully until You Die (Rev. 2:10)