1. Royce P. Bell v2 Pt 2 2005-0122 MV Church, SB v2 2005-0115 MV Church, SB (Charge to the church) v1 2002-0728 MV Church, SB (Art Maddox) Overseeing the Flock Where God’s Heart Beats on Earth

2. 1 Peter 5:1-5 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God;

3. ...and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. ~ 1 Peter 5:1-5 ~

4. Overseeing the Flock: What? Obligation to exercise oversight –The word (Gr. exousia, authority) is never applied to overseers, but it is inherent in the scope of their obligation of oversight Accountability for exercising oversight in the fashion of shepherds –Neither under compulsion –Nor lords over the Lord’s own –But, examples who watch & lead

5. Exercise Oversight: How? Directly, personally –By exemplary life and personal, moral influence; not by intimidation, arrogance, force –Some obligations of oversight cannot be delegated: Able to teach, exhort, refute “call for the elders of the church” (James 5:14)

6. Delegation –Provisioning other work of ministry Of the word, cf. Acts 6:2, “it is not desirable …to neglect the word” –Relation of preacher to elders, and elders to preacher is a tenuous one, for each is a Divine “check” against abuse in the other, cf. 1 Timothy 5:19-22, “do not receive…rebuke…maintain without bias…do not share in the sins of others” Surrendering “micromanagement” to deacons –Appointing qualified teachers –Expecting obedient submission in others, though not enforcing by intimidation or abuse

7. “Passing the torch…” –By careful attention to exemplary oversight, so that younger men will see the benefit of service –By pro-active molding of the several qualifi- cations in those with desire and capability Some do not have the desire --- must they serve? Others do not have the mental, emotional, or spiritual ability --- should they serve? Still others are in active development, growing into manifest qualification --- can they serve? –By regular introduction of new, qualified men who will join in oversight obligations

8. Overseeing the Flock Two Questions - A Review What? –An obligation to oversee the flock, taking conscious, faithful & unbiased responsibility –Acknowledging the coming accountability How? –Directly & personally, those things that cannot be delegated –Delegating what others can do –“Passing the torch...”

9. Oversight in the Qualifications 1 Timothy 3:1-7 –Several spiritual qualifications, including temperance, prudence, respectability, gentleness –Several practical qualifications: Not a money-lover Good manager of family, children An established, mature saint Good reputation outside the church

10. Titus 1:5-9 –Similar/equivalent spiritual qualifications, such as not reproachable, not self-willed or quickly angered, lover of good, sensible, just, devout –Similar/equivalent practical qualifications: Believing children; note relation to “keeping children under control with all dignity…” Design? To SEE exercise of moral influence: –In the home –In the church Holding the faithful word, able to exhort in the word and refute false teachers

11. Duties of the Overseen 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (text, vr. 5) Self-submission to those in oversight Mutual humility (among both overseers and the overseen)

12. Overseeing the Flock 1 Peter 5:1-5 Overseeing the flock: What? Exercising oversight: How? Oversight in the qualifications Duties of the overseen