Seven Things For Elders to Consider
1 Peter 5:2-4 is a very concise and simple handbook for elders. An elder is literally anyone who has lived a few years and is thus experienced and has great wisdom. The word "elder" also can mean a leader or an overseer. Whereas the books of Timothy and Titus go into great detail regarding the criteria for being a bishop and a deacon; this record in 1 Peter simply presents a few important truths for anyone serving others within the body of Christ.
FEED THE FLOCK OF GOD WHICH IS AMONG YOU
The word "feed" means to tend as a shepherd. The command here is to shepherd the flock of God which is among you. I really think the King James Version translation here has opened the door to pastors believing their primary responsibility is to teach and preach, i.e. "feed the flock". The concept of being a shepherd involves feeding, but also includes protecting and nurturing the flock. A good shepherd would lay down his life for his sheep.
TAKING THE OVERSIGHT THEREOF
This word "episkopeo" is closely related to the word translated "bishop or overseer". It means to oversee but carries with it the connotation of "beware" or "to look diligently". An elder is supposed to first be a shepherd in the sense of protecting the flock. Then, if he sees danger he takes the oversight. This does not mean he usurps the authority of another leader, but functioning as an elder, he takes charge of the situation before it hurts the flock.
NOT BY CONSTRAINT BUT WILLINGLY
This means "not by compulsion or constraint". An elder does not get involved with the oversight of the flock because he "has to" or because it is "his job". No, he does what he does willingly because he wants to help and because he loves the flock. The word "willingly" actually means "voluntarily" with no sense of compulsion. Any leader who only gets involved in situations because of compulsion should stay out of them. God has no place for someone serving Him out of constraint. He wants only those who are willing to serve. This was true in the Old Testament as well as the New.
NOT FOR FILTHY LUCRE BUT OF A READY MIND
Under no circumstances is an elder to shepherd and take the oversight of the flock with the motive being filthy lucre. This is referring to the sordid greed for dishonest gain. Believe or not, and like it or not; there are many who function as leaders within the body of Christ for the sole purpose of getting wealthy. There are some false teachers and false apostles who have amassed millions of dollars for themselves by teaching and healing God's people. The motivation to serve CANNOT be financial, period, end of the story. The motivation to serve MUST be the desire or eagerness springing from love.
NEITHER AS BEING LORDS OVER GOD'S HERITAGE
This is referring to one who exercises dominion over or to "lord it over" another. An elder is not to rule the troops like a military general. The elder is not to exercise a "I'm the boss so do as I say" attitude. This kind of leader rules out of fear instead of instilling love as the motivation for obedience. Any overseer of believers must always remember who they are overseeing. The "flock" just happens to be God's heritage which means a lot to Him.
BUT BEING EXAMPLES TO THE FLOCK
The opposite of "lording it over" is to be an example to the flock. The greatest thing any overseer can do for the people God has entrusted to him is to be the very best example possible to them. This provides the motivation to "walk the straight and narrow" and to "keep it together". The greatest element of the overseer's job description is to be a good example. This involves sacrifice of personal agendas, goals and desires. This involves drawing lines in the sand to never be tempted to blow it. To be a good example means what you share is real to you and you live it yourself and not just tell others to things you can't or won't do.
YOU SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN OF GLORY THAT FADETH NOT AWAY
For those asking "what's in it for me", here is the answer. God would not expect a person to do all of the above with no future rewards for the sacrifice involved. See, to serve God always involves sacrifice and the greater the level of service, the greater the self-sacrifice. Where Christian leaders fail is when they get this all backwards. If they start thinking of all the sacrifices they have made and demanding rewards in this life; certain and very bad things will take place in the leader's heart and ministry. All God is saying is that if a person keeps their motive pure and their service genuine; He will provide a wonderful reward in the future that never will fade away.
CONCLUSION
In my last post we looked at the seven characteristics of a faithful minister. Now we have just looked at seven very simple and practical ways for an elder to faithfully carry out his/her ministry whatever it entails. Specifically, when it comes to the office of an overseer of God's people; the Word of God is very clear as to the character and general make-up of the one leading. There are certain things which are not allowed and certain things which must be in place. Above all, anyone serving in the capacity of a leader of God's heritage must be pure of heart and motivated by love and nothing else.
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Author: blessings2you
Location: Warrenton Missouri USA
Gender: Male
Age: 57
Blog Entries: 825 (archive)
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god called me to serve him when i was 16 years old while on a church work trip in new mexico in 1969. in the 40 years since; i attended bible school/leadership training, been ordained to the christian ministry and worked full time for a non-denominational ministry for nearly ten...
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in 1969 god stepped in and transformed my life as a sixteen year old teenager. after a couple of years of intense emotional ups and downs, i decided i needed a firm foundation in my life that went beyond emotional experiences. it was the decision to become involved with a...
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