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    Restoring Biblical Eldership

    A Biblical Argument for Recovering Eldership and Practical Applications for Churches

    Curated from the video series by Alexander Strauch
    In partnership with Biblical Eldership Resources
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    Course Introduction

    Course Textbook

    Recovering a Lost Doctrine

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 14 min
    Review Questions
    1) Many churches do have elders that are not biblical elders. What does the speaker call these typical elders?

    “Board elders”

    2) What does the speaker emphasize is Biblical Eldership?

    Pastoral eldership with qualified, functioning elders.

    3) What is the only solution to the loss of the doctrine of Biblical Eldership?

    Returning to the New Testament teaching on eldership–restoration, recovery, and reformation.

    Discussion Questions
    1. Which of the quotes about the reformation of doctrine resonates most with you? Why?
    2. What doctrines can you think of, aside from those mentioned by the speaker, that were once lost and later recovered in church history?
    Action Steps
    1. Outline Acts 20:17-35, and list out the main things that Paul wanted to leave with the Ephesian elders. What do you learn about how spiritual leadership should lead?
    2. Memorize Acts 20:17-35. Every elder or spiritual leader should know this passage by heart.

    Biblical Evidence for Eldership

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 15 min
    Review Questions
    1) Who originated the concept of “first among equals”? How does the speaker define “first among equals?”

    Jesus Christ started this concept with the twelve disciples. Peter was the “first among equals”  among the disciples. This means that he was a leader among the twelve, but he was not the head disciple. The other disciples were equal to him in status and authority. Peter was simply gifted as a leader and became the natural spokesperson of the group.

    2) Name the three passages the speaker gives that specifically give commands to elders.

    Acts 20, 1 Peter 5:1-5, James 5:14

    3) How does the speaker define the phrase “set in order,” found in Titus 1:5?

    To set right what is lacking–a church without elders is deficient in an essential element for a healthy church.

    Discussion Questions
    1. Why do you think that when there is so much teaching about eldership in the NT, that churches continue to go with the pastor-centric form of government?
    2. How would you respond to the objection: “The church should adopt the form of government that is most effective for its time and culture?”
    Action Steps
    1. Make a list of the elders in your church, and indicate in what areas they are particularly strong and act in the role of “first among equals.” How does their leadership show in those areas? Is there evidence that the other elders allow the “first among equals” to lead?
    2. Make a list of people in your church that function as “first among equals” in their various ministries? How does their leadership show?

    Eldership and the Church

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 14 min
    Review Questions
    1) What are the four ways that the structure of Biblical Eldership complements the nature and theology of the local church?
    1. The church is a close-knit family of brothers and sisters.
    2. It is a humble servant community.
    3. It is under Christ’s headship.
    4. Eldership promotes the protection and sanctification of the church’s spiritual leaders.
    2) What are the two specific benefits of Biblical Eldership for the elders involved?
    1. Protection from sins that particularly plague spiritual leaders through accountability.
    2. Strong peer relationships that encourage sanctification and care for the elders themselves.
    Discussion Questions
    1. The speaker mentions that the eldership should be a microcosm of how the rest of the church looks. Is this true of your church? Does your eldership mirror how you want your church to look?
    2. The speaker tells of a church where there is an empty chair at every elders meeting, reminding the elders of Christ’s presence and headship. What are some tangible ways you and your fellow elders can remind yourselves of Christ’s presence and headship in your meetings and your church?
    Action Step

    The speaker talks about the difference between genuine accountability and fake accountability. In light of his comments, make a list of some men who could be accountability partners for you. If you don’t have someone to hold you accountable, ask one or more of the people on your list!

    Eldership as Pastoral Oversight

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 15 min
    Review Questions
    1) How does the speaker define Biblical Eldership?
    1. The church is a close-knit family of brothers and sisters.
    2. It is a humble servant community.
    3. It is under Christ’s headship.
    4. Eldership promotes the protection and sanctification of the church’s spiritual leaders.
    5. Pastoral leadership of the local church by a council of qualified, Spirit-appointed men.
    2) What are some ways that all elders are equal?

    All elders are charged to shepherd the flock of God and share the same authority and responsibility for the pastoral oversight of the entire congregation (Acts 20:28). All elders must be able to teach and protect the flock from false teachers (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9).

    3) In what ways is diversity present in an eldership?

    Not all elders are gifted in preaching and teaching. Not all elders have the same giftedness regarding leadership. Not all elders receive double honor from the congregation (1 Tim. 5:17).

    Discussion Questions
    1. What passages have you heard that some people use to support the traditional “Pastor” centric form of church government? How would you respond to that way of thinking?
    2. In your own words, define the principle of “first among equals.” How does this principle play out in your eldership? Do you err toward either of the extremes the speaker mentions? If so, how can you find a good balance in this principle?
    Action Step

    Study 1 Timothy 5:17-18 for yourself. Identify the elders in your church who labor in preaching and teaching which Paul would say are “worthy of double honor.” Is your church obeying the mandate to support those elders? If so, how? If not, what needs to change so that you are obeying this Scriptural principle?

    Qualifications for Elders

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 14 min
    Review Questions
    1) What is the first qualification for becoming an elder?

    Spirit-given desire

    2) What is the purpose of the qualifications placed upon elders?

    To protect the church from undesirable, unfit men entering into the office of elder and to allow the church to remove men who become unfit for the office.

    3) Why does the speaker say self-control is so essential to a leader?

    An uncontrolled and undisciplined person is victim to every feeling that comes along. An elder must be able to follow through and deal with difficult situations.

    Discussion Questions
    1. Read Titus 1:6. Discuss what the speaker said regarding this verse and what types of problems with children should or should not exclude a man from eldership.
    2. An elder must be pure in his sexual life. What are ways that you and your fellow elders keep each other accountable in this area?
    Action Steps
    1. Meet with at least two elders and ask them which of the qualifications they are doing well in and which are more of a struggle for them? In other words, none of us measures up perfectly in all areas. Ask them to identify their areas of strength and weakness.
    2. What steps are you taking to help you resist sexual temptation? To safeguard your internet use? Ask your (fellow) elders what they are doing in this area?
    3. Study the qualification of “husband of one wife,” using a couple of good commentaries. List out the different views and evaluate them. Which view do you hold to and why?
    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 11 min
    Review Questions
    1) The speaker mentioned Diotrephes (3 John). Who was Diotrephes and why should elders never be like him?

    Diotrephes loved to control people. He excommunicated those who disagreed with him. He wouldn’t allow the apostle John in his church. Elders should never be like him because he was an arrogant, self-willed man.

    2) Why are relational skills/people skills crucial for elders?

    As an elder, you are in the people business. Being an elder is an entirely people-oriented job. You have to be good at relating to people, because you frequently have to work with people who are critical and difficult. If you aren’t good at relating to people as an elder, you will cause more problems.

    3) Why must an elder not be a recent convert?

    “He may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Tim. 3:6). If a young believer is placed in a position of leadership too early, they can become puffed up. It takes time to know the devil’s strategies and to know your own weaknesses. An elder must be a mature Christian.

    Discussion Questions
    1. Why was hospitality important for elders in the New Testament churches? In what ways is hospitality still essential to the ministry of a pastor-elder?
    2. Why must elders be men of integrity? What are the consequences if pastor-elders are not men of integrity?
    Action Steps
    1. Study the quality of gentleness. Why is it so crucial for pastor-elders to be gentle?
    2. Meet with at least two elders and ask them which of the qualifications covered in this lesson they are doing well in and which are more of a struggle for them? In other words, none of us measures up perfectly in all areas. Ask them to identify their areas of strength and weakness.

    Abilities of Elders and Examination

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 15 min
    Review Questions
    1) 1 Timothy 3:4 says an elder must manage his household well. Why is this important?

    If a man cannot manage his family and keep his home under control, he cannot possibly manage the family of God (1 Tim. 3:5).

    2) An elder must have biblical knowledge. But what other skill does Titus 1:9 imply an elder must have?

    Elders must be able to communicate the Word of God. They don’t have to be super highly gifted in this, but they must “be able to give instruction in sound doctrine” and “rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9).

    3) After a man has been approved to be an elder, there must be a public appointment. What reason does the speaker give for this?

    It must be public so that everyone in the church recognizes that this man has joined the elders in their work to lead the church.

    Discussion Questions
    1. The speaker mentioned how he remembers men and women from his young adult years who exemplified what it means to live as a Christian. Do you have anyone like that in your life? Explain how someone has or had a significant impact on your Christian walk.
    2. Consider your answer(s) to the question above. How can you seek to be a better model and example for others around you?
    Action Step

    The speaker emphasizes how all elder candidates must be examined regarding their doctrine. Use the following resources to evaluate an elder’s theological competency:

    The Work: Teaching and Protecting

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 15 min
    Review Questions
    1) What three OT passages does the speaker mention regarding the elders’ job to feed the sheep?

    Hosea 4:6; Ezekiel 34:2; Jeremiah 3:15.

    2) What three things does the church need to be protected from?
    1. False teachers (from outside the congregation and within)
    2. Internal fighting
    3. Sin
    Discussion Questions
    1. The speaker talks about preparing future elders and teachers for our churches (1 Tim. 2:2). What is your church doing to train young men to be elders and teachers? If your church isn’t doing anything, what are some simple ways to get such a program started?
    2. Why is it so important to instruct the flock of God in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)? How does this tie into the second job of an elder, to protect the flock?
    Action Steps
    1. Interview two or more elders of your church about a time when they had to address a serious doctrinal issue. What steps did they take in dealing with it? What was the congregation’s response? Was the issue fully dealt with and resolved?
    2. Are there any issues in your church right now that require specific teaching? Are there any issues that require protecting the people from? What steps can be taken to address those things?

    The Work: Leading and Healing

    Watch
    Listen
    • Runtime: 15 min
    Review Questions
    1) What is the single most common complaint the speaker has heard from people about their elders?

    Their elders aren’t leading. Poor leadership frustrates people.

    2) The ministry in the church is not only the elders’ job. Whose job is it? What is the job of the elders?

    The ministry of the church is the job of the entire church. The job of the elders is to equip the people to be involved in the ministry.

    3) What are some aspects of the healing/caring ministry?

    Visiting, praying for, and encouraging the sick; funerals; weddings and premarital counseling; family counseling; caring for those who are in need.

    Discussion Questions
    1. The speaker says good leadership is good communication. He also says you as elders probably are not communicating as well as you think you are. What are some ways that you can improve your communication with the congregation?
    2. If a stranger came to your church, would they sense that your church is a caring church? Or would they feel a cold, uncaring atmosphere? Whichever atmosphere characterizes your church, what are some ways that you can improve in your care for the flock of God? Discuss this with your fellow elders.
    Action Steps
    1. Based on Discussion Question 1, ask people from your congregation how you as a body of elders are doing with communicating to the congregation. How do they think you can improve? What steps can you take to improve areas where the people have pointed out weaknesses?
    2. What are some ways that you and your fellow elders can improve your meetings? Pick at least one thing and work on it.

    Additional Resources