What are the Priorities, Purpose and Duties of an Elder?

A.  God gifts, calls, and ordains a man to an office that has certain Biblical duties and tasks.

There are three images in the New Testament for the office of elder:

1. He is a father of the household of God (Matt. 13:52; 1 Tim. 3:5).

2. He is a shepherd of God’s flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).

3. He is a co-ruler in God’s assembly (Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13), and therefore do so.

B.  As a man called to the office of elder he has certain priorities:

1. To serve the Lord first of all (Acts 20:19; Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4; Eph. 6:6-7; Col. 3:22-24).

a.  Reflected in the highest emphasis of studying and serving God’s Word and devoted to prayer (Acts 6:4 20:20,27).

b.   Along with the other elders he is to confront opposition with sound teaching 
     (Eph. 4:15).

c.   He serves the Word and hence help to feed the flock of God (1 Pet. 2, 5).

2.    The elder serves the congregation:

a.    It is obvious that his priority in church is to equip the saints for service 
      (Eph. 4:11,12).

b    He also, along with the elders, warns of the consequences of sin (Col. 1:28-29).

c.  The elders priority is to arm God’s people for spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 11:13ff; 
     Eph. 6).

C.  As an elder there are certain functions and duties required:

1. To be an example to the flock of God (Ti. 2:7,8; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3)

a.    He is to be an example of a godly life (1 Tim. 4:6).

(1)   By keeping himself right with God

(a) By guarding his life (Acts 20:28).

(b) By walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).

(c) By growing in grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

(d) Through active, regular prayer and study (Acts 6:4; 1 Tim. 4:13-16; 2 Tim. 2:15).

(e) Through proper delegation of certain tasks to deacons (Acts 6).

(f) By separating from selfish interests (Acts 20:33-35; Rom. 13:8).

(2)   He holds himself in a wise and biblical balance

(a) Keeping his home in order (1 Tim. 3:4-5).

(b) Being a good steward (1 Cor. 4:1-2; 9:17; Col. 1:24-25).

(c) Through the study-appropriation of God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15).

(d) As true sacrifices unto the Lord (Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6; Acts 20:24; 31:13; Phil. 3:7-8).

b. He is also to be an example to the flock in knowledge and application of 
     biblical doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16).

2.    He is to be a sound teacher of the Word of God (Mk. 6:34b; 1 Cor. 12:28,31; Col. 1:28; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Ti. 1:9; Jas. 3:1; Rev. 7:17).

3.    As a shepherd of God’s flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2):

a.    He comforts the sheep, nourishes them with compassion (Matt. 9:36; Mk. 6:34; Jas. 5:14)

b.    He is engaged in protecting the congregation (Jn. 10:11,15; Acts 20:28-30; Ti. 1:9; Eph. 4:14; Heb. 13:17)

(1)   From outer enemies (2 Cor. 11:12-15)

(2)   From inner enemies (2 Tim. 2:16-18; Jude 12-13)

4.    He is a godly ruler (Heb. 13:7,17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 5:17)

a.   Through the proper interpretation and application of Scripture to life within the  
      Church.

b.    By making provisions for the good order and well being of the church.

c.    By exercising the keys of biblical discipline (nurture and chastisement) (Matt. 18:15-18).

d.    By not lording it over God’s people.