1 Tim 3.1-7

What is an Elder?

We’re tackling a very important question this week because we’re addressing who can and cannot lead the church.  Frankly, that decision isn’t up to us.  God gave us guidelines about how He wants those leaders chosen, so we must study closely and honestly to be sure we’re letting the right people drive the car.

 

1 Tim 3.1-7 tells us how an Elder relates to God, His Wife, His Kids, and to Others.

 

Scripture Used

1 Tim 3.1-7 (NLT, ESV)
1 Tim 5.17 (NLT)
Hebrews 11.16 (NLT)
1  Peter 5.8 (ESV)

References & Statements

Everything rises or falls with leadership, whether it be a family or a local church.

If you become a pastor,your name/life is transferred to the Varsity Demon Shop so Hell's resources can be used most efficiently.

Knowing how to stand in front of a crowd and communicate a lesson is important, but that lesson won’t stick if the students don’t believe the teacher believes it.

Various scriptures depicting the role of a pastor/elder:

to lead (Acts 20:28); equip (Eph. 4:12); rule (1 Tim. 3:4–5); teach (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:15); shepherd (1 Pet. 5:1–4); and to set an example for others (1 Pet. 5:3)

"I confess myself unspeakably ashamed to see men pleading for reformation and the ancient gospel, yet going in direct opposition to the very first principles of them, by making opinions the cause of disunion, and non-fellowship. Such men I cannot but view as sectarians in disguise."
--Barton Stone (1840, in the Millennial Harbinger)

Mesaeh, Bill: Layman’s Commentary on The 1st Epistle to Timothy

DCC Elder/Deacon Selection Process

North, Jim. Union in Truth: An Interpretive History of the Restoration Movement