1. God’s Call For Men (Ezekiel 22:30) And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. (RSV)

2. God’s Call For Men In The Past  (Ezekiel 22:30) And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. (RSV)  (Jeremiah 5:1) Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth; that I may pardon her. (RSV)  (Isaiah 6:8) And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." (RSV)

3. God’s Call In The Church  (Ephesians 3:9-11) and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, (NKJV)  (Philippians 1:1) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (RSV)  (Titus 1:5) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-- (NKJV)

4. Why It Is Important To Have Elders:  It is God’s plan. 1. Can a church function scripturally without elders? Yes – Act 14:21-23. But when men qualify, it is God’s plan that they be appointed – Act 11:30; 14:23; 20:17; Phi 1:1; Tit 1:5. 2. God’s plan is always right. We cannot set aside His plan and be a faithful church that belongs to Christ.

5. General Information Concerning Elders: 1. Elders must meet certain qualifications - 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9 2. There is to be a plurality in each church – Act 14:23 3. Elders can be supported financially – 1 Tim 5:17-18 4. Caution should be exercised when an accusation is brought against an elder – 1 Tim 5:19-20 5. The oversight of elders is limited to the local church and its work – 1 Pet 5:1-4 6. Elders are not superhuman, perfect (sinless) men!

6. Why Do We Have Elders?  To Counsel - Elders – Presbyters (age, experience) (Acts 14:23) So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (NKJV)  To Oversee - Bishops – Overseers (rule) (Acts 20:28) "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJV)  To Shepherd – Pastors (relationship to sheep) (1 Peter 5:2) Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV)

7. To Watch Out For Our Souls!  (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. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (NKJV)  (Hebrews 13:17) Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. (RSV)

8. The Church Needs To: 1. Give The Elders The Benefit Of The Doubt. 2. Recognize That The Elders Are Not The Opposition. 3. Recognize That Responsibility For Faithfulness Is A Two-Way Street. 4. Recognize What Their Job Is.

9. Conclusion  It is important to develop and appoint elders!  One of the greatest mistakes in selecting and appointing men to the eldership is to take lightly the qualifications that must be present in every elder to please the Lord.  When men are appointed who possess these qualities, the church will be ready to function as God intended.  God’s way cannot be improved!

10. Sources  Material by Bill Hall  Sermons on Local Church Government: Elders and Deacons by Gene Taylor.  Truth Commentary on 1 st Timothy by Marshall Patton  The Eldership by J.W. McGarvey  Sermons on Local Church Government by Gene Taylor