Qualifications and Functions
New Testament eldership In the overall framework of Church leadership, the governmental ministries operate within the context of church eldership. In the New Testament, church government is entrusted to the eldership, which includes the five-fold governmental ministries of Ephesians 4:11-12. Governmental ministries operate within the support, strengthening and accountability of the eldership. Elders are called and recognized by character qualifications as well as ministry and functional duties. True biblical eldership, therefore, is not only what a person is, but what a person does.
Key passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
Important Terms
Elder. Greek: “Presbuteros.” The eldest, or a person advanced in life, or senior. Of rank or position of responsibility, either among the Gentiles or in the Jewish nation. In the Church, the same word applies to those who are appointed to exercise spiritual oversight and care for a local church. –==
Bishop. Greek: “Episkopee.” Office of overseership, for the purpose of watching over and inspecting. As a ministry office, a “bishop” is one of the governmental ministries.
Deacon. Greek: “Diaconia.” A servant, one who serves another in any task or job; to support, to minister, to wait upon. All Christians function as deacons, though not all hold an office as such.
Ordination and Appointment of Elders
In the first century Church, elders were not appointed on the basis of their executive abilities, their career or social success, or their public relations skills. They were chosen and appointed because of their spiritual qualifications.
Ministry Function of Elders
Overseer, Guardian: Greek Episkopos. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 2:25
Ruler: Greek Proistemi. To stand before, to preside, to practice. Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3:4,5,12, and 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 3:8,14. The New Testament defines no higher earthly authority than the elders of a local assembly. Elders are to glorify Christ by making decisions based on sound biblical principles of love and equity.
Feeder: Greek Poimano. To tend as a shepherd. Acts 20:28; John 21:16; Jude 12
Prayer Warrior: To make powerful intercessions and spiritual warfare for special needs in the church. James 5:15-16; Revelation 5:8 and 8:3,4.
Watchman: Greek Gregoreo. The keep awake spiritually. Acts 20:28-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:6,10; Luke 12:37, 39; Ezekiel 3:17-21.
Student of the Word: To maintain correct doctrine. 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:17
Teacher/ Defender of the Word: Such an elder is apt to teach 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:7 and 1:9