Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Called: Elders

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Definition and Role:
In the Christian context, "elders" refers to individuals who hold a position of authority and responsibility within the church. The term is derived from the Greek word "presbyteros," which means "older" or "senior." Elders are often seen as spiritual leaders, tasked with guiding, teaching, and overseeing the congregation. Their role is both pastoral and administrative, ensuring the spiritual well-being and doctrinal integrity of the church community.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of elders is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where they are frequently mentioned as key figures in the early church. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in each church, indicating the importance of this role in church governance: "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed" .

Elders are also mentioned in the context of church leadership in Titus 1:5, where Paul instructs Titus, "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you" . This highlights the necessity of having elders to maintain order and provide leadership within the church.

Qualifications:
The qualifications for elders are outlined in the pastoral epistles, particularly in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. These passages emphasize the moral and spiritual character required of an elder. For instance, 1 Timothy 3:2-3 states, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money" .

Responsibilities:
Elders are entrusted with several key responsibilities, including teaching, shepherding, and overseeing the church. In 1 Peter 5:1-2, Peter exhorts the elders, "As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness" .

Elders are also responsible for maintaining doctrinal purity and addressing false teachings, as seen in Titus 1:9: "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" .

Plurality and Accountability:
The New Testament model often depicts a plurality of elders within a single congregation, suggesting a shared leadership structure. This plurality is seen in passages like Acts 20:17, where Paul calls for the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him: "From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church" . This collective leadership helps ensure accountability and balanced decision-making within the church.

Conclusion:
The role of elders is integral to the structure and function of the Christian church, providing spiritual oversight, teaching, and leadership. Their presence is essential for maintaining the health and growth of the church body, as they shepherd the flock and uphold the teachings of the faith.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 5:1
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... Had bishops been originally called angels, they never would ... it would appear that
the Christian communities among ... This minister seems, indeed, to have now spent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm

Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.
... DISCIPLES OF CHRIST; SOMETIMES CALLED CAMPBELLITES, OR REFORMERS ... with Mr. M'Calla,
a Presbyterian minister of Kentucky ... a complete standard of Christian faith and ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/disciples of christ sometimes called.htm

The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ...
... the worship of the Church, given by a Christian writer who ... century, it was committed
to a new official, called the Reader ... 468:4] The presiding minister seems to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the worship of.htm

By the Sea once More
... But this was the work which Jesus now called upon him to do ... without the love of Jesus
in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a ... The elders which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 85 by the sea.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... or upon the scaffold." Behold, my brethren, a Christian hero ... care of so able and
faithful a minister of Christ ... for the work whereunto I have called them;" their ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Saved by Grace Alone.
... to Damascus to cast into prison every Christian he could find ... States a few years
ago; and the minister called my attention to one of the elders in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter ii saved by grace.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian's life. ... the undershepherd to do
as he is called to meet ... wrongs made right, not only by the minister's work in ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (I. ).
... Psalm 119:11.]; and who, being called upon by ... and a manly deference towards elders,
and watchful ... as the Christian man, and particularly the Christian Minister. ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iv the daily walk.htm

Laboring under Difficulties
... from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister. ... occasion of his farewell
talk to the elders of Ephesus ... men who feel that they are called by God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 33 laboring under difficulties.htm

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... our best Divines, as not appliable to Christian churches;) but ... also because it is
taught by a Minister for his ... and Elders; and those whom he called the whole ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm