The work of elders is outlined in the word of God. Thus, we are not left to guess as to what their work is. Paul called this office a "work" (1 Tim. 3:1). The work of elders involves:
1. Flock Feeding. As Paul called the Ephesian elders down to the little city of Miletus, to bid them good-bye, he said, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). The flock has reference to members of the church. Peter put it this way to elders: "Feed the flock of God which is among you..." (1 Peter 5:2). To feed is to nourish as a shepherd provides food and water for his sheep. The Lord's flock "live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Elders must see that the church is taught the word of God, as they are nourished with spiritual food. This is the reason elders are called pastors.
2. Overseeing. Paul charged elders in Acts 20:28 as overseers. Likewise, Peter admonished elders to take "the oversight" (1 Peter 5:2). Elders must look carefully as guardians or superintendents of the souls they look over. Ezekiel made it clear that the duty of a watchman was to "hear the word" of God, and give "warning" to God's people (Ezek. 3:17). This watch involves vigilance to prevent or regain straying sheep. Elders would do well to read and re-read the story of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7. This parable shows the value of just one lost soul. Elders must see that everything possible is done to find, and lead the lost one back to the flock. Qualified elders see to it that the church is provided teaching to help prevent going astray. Elders must be aware that "grievous wolves," in the disguise of false teachers, stand ready to enter the flock. Elders are to guard and protect the church against teachers of error. This work of oversight is limited to "the flock of God which is among you" (1 Peter 5:2). Elders can oversee only the local church where they have been appointed to oversee - no one else.
3. Example-Setting. Not "being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3). The word "example" is like that of being a pattern to go by. Elders, being shepherds, go before the sheep. As John discussed the role of a shepherd, he uttered, "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice" (John 10:4). Elders must be men whose lives can be imitated by members of the church in every aspect of life. This includes practicing liberality in giving, keeping himself pure and above suspicion, given to hospitality, controlling his temper, behaving himself, being honest, being a Bible teacher, and a blameless reputation.
4. Soul-Watching. It is written in Hebrews 13:17 concerning elders, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account." What a duty! A man's soul is his most valuable possession. Elders, as watchmen, guard souls against that which is false and must give account for such. Wise elders "winneth souls" (Prov. 11:30). When an elder sees a soul in some danger, he is not too timid to arise to his responsibility and address the issue immediately. Soul-watching involves knowing the soundness of preachers who are invited to preach in gospel meetings. Classroom teachers must be observed as to their teaching, making sure only the word of God is being taught. An eye must be kept on "he that soweth discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:19).
5. Self-Heeding. Elders are first taught to "take heed unto yourselves" (Acts 20:28). Elders must first "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5). Then, they will be in a better position to examine those they oversee! Elders would do well to heed the teaching of Paul to the Romans, "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself..." (Rom. 2:21). Elders must not have the philosophy "don't do as we do, do as we say;" for that will simply not work!
6. Ruling. Elders are said to "have the rule over you" (Heb. 13:17). Paul's discussion of elders involves, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine" (1 Tim. 5:17). This word "rule" expresses itself as a father "ruleth well his own house" (1 Tim. 3:4). A ruler is one who leads. That is, they are to lead as they guide the local church, even as a shepherd guides his sheep. Their rule requires that "he that ruleth" rule "with diligence" (Rom. 12:8). Elders must be alert and aware of the needs of the flock. Elders must "rule well" (1 Tim. 5:17). Elder-rule must be firm, yet kind and not a "lording over" attitude (1 Peter 5:3).
Rulers express good leadership. Good leaders have vision, realizing, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." (Prov. 29:18). Such men are always looking ahead as they plan for the future. Good leaders surround themselves with other good men. Some men may not be qualified to be elders, but have sound judgment that elders can draw on. Good leadership looks to develop other leaders and in this case more elders. Elders must not be so power struck as to not want any others working with them. Humility characterizes good leaders (1 Peter 5:6); as they are not too proud to admit to mistakes made. Good leadership communicates. One problem a lot of elders entertain is a failure to let the local church know what is going on. Elders need not have a hidden agenda!
7. Mouth-Stopping. As Paul gave Titus divine instructions concerning the work of elders, he stated that they "may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake" (Titus 1:9-11). Deceivers must not be allowed to work among the flock of God for souls are at stake. Qualified elders must know the truth like the back of their hand to be able to head off unruly and vain talkers. This ability requires "study... rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). Elders need to know the truth so well, that when false doctrine rears its ugly head, they can spot it a mile away!
8. Teaching. Elder qualifications tell us that elders "must be apt to teach" (1 Tim. 3:2). As an elder is found "holding fast the faithful word" (Titus 1:9), he is among those who have teaching abilities. Elders are men who are "able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9). Faithful men "shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2).
- Back To Basics, April, 2005