The Work Of Elders/Shepherds

The Work of Elders/Shepherds

Acts 20:17-31

Introduction

1. The Boise Church Needs Strong Leadership to Navigate us Through the Days to Come.
2. Our Shepherds have Designated the First Quarter of Every Year as a time of Confirmation/Reconfirmation of Elders and Deacons in the Church.
3. During the Next Four Weeks, I will Share Messages on the Work and Qualifications of these Church Leaders.

I. There are Three Primary Designations for Elders that are Used Interchangeably (Acts 20:17, 28).

1. Presbuteros – Elder (Older, Wiser Man; Judgments)
2. Poimen – Shepherd/Pastor (Metaphorical Usage. One who cares for, provides for, and protects sheep).
3. Episcopos – Overseer/Bishop/Superintendent (One who watches over)

II. Church Ecclesiology/Polity in the New Testament

1. There was No Ecclesiastical Manual Given at Pentecost.
2. Apostolic Authority (Acts 2:42; Acts 6:2, “ministry of the word”; Acts 15:1-31, Apostles & Elders now at Jerusalem).
3. Elders were Appointed to Serve in the Place of Apostles/Missionaries/Evangelists (Acts 14:14, 23; 1 Timothy 2; Titus 1; Ephesians 4:11).
4. Elders filled the Apostolic Void in Leadership and Teaching.

III. Biblical Responsibilities of Elders/Shepherds

1. General Oversight of the Local Congregation:
   • 1. Keep Watch, Be Shepherds (Acts 20:28)
   • 2. Be Examples (1 Peter 5:1-4)
   • 3. Teach/Admonish (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
   • 4. Oversight in the Financial/Material (Acts 11:29-30)
   • 5. Watch/Protect from False Teaching (Acts 20:29-32)
   • 6. Encourage Healthy Teaching and Refute those who Oppose it (Titus 1:9)
2. They have the Authority to do Whatever is Necessary to Perform their Function (Hebrews 13:17; cf., 1 Peter 5:3).
   • 1. Set and Enforce Policy.
   • 2. Arbitrate Disputes/Discipline Members.
   • 3. Request Assistance from Members.
   • 4. They May Employ any Outside Help Required.
   • 5. They can Select Definite Helpers, such as Deacons, or other Individuals.
   • 6. They Supervise the Work of the Local Ministers.

Conclusion

1. We Need Strong Leadership to Take us into a Glorious Future.
2. Please Prayerfully Consider and Participate in this Process of Confirmation and Reconfirmation our Leaders.

— Here is a memo from our shepherds outlining the current confirmation process:  Memo