Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Role:In the Christian Church, the term "elder" refers to a leader or overseer within the congregation. The role of an elder is rooted in the New Testament and is integral to church governance and spiritual oversight. Elders are tasked with shepherding the flock, teaching, and maintaining doctrinal purity. They are often seen as spiritual fathers within the community, providing guidance, wisdom, and support to the members of the church. Biblical Foundation: The concept of elders is well-established in the New Testament. The Greek term "presbyteros," translated as "elder," appears frequently in the context of church leadership. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in the churches they established: "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" . This practice underscores the importance of elders in the early church structure. Qualifications: The qualifications for elders are explicitly outlined in the pastoral epistles. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul provides a detailed list of attributes required for someone to serve as an elder: "Now the overseer is to 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. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect" . Similarly, Titus 1:5-9 reiterates these qualifications, emphasizing the need for moral integrity and sound doctrine. Functions and Responsibilities: Elders are responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church. They are called to shepherd the flock, as Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 5:1-3: "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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" . This passage highlights the elder's role as a servant leader, guiding the church with humility and care. Elders are also tasked with teaching and defending the faith. In Titus 1:9, Paul instructs that an elder "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" . This responsibility underscores the elder's role in maintaining doctrinal integrity and providing sound teaching. Plurality and Governance: The New Testament model for church leadership often involves a plurality of elders. This collective leadership is evident in passages such as 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" . The presence of multiple elders in a single congregation suggests a shared responsibility and accountability in church governance. Conclusion: The role of an elder is a vital and biblically mandated position within the Christian Church. Elders are called to lead with integrity, teach sound doctrine, and shepherd the congregation with love and humility. Their leadership is essential for the spiritual health and growth of the church community. Nave's Topical Index Acts 11:29,30Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers which dwelled in Judaea: Nave's Topical Index Acts 14:23 Acts 15:1-35 Acts 16:4,5 Acts 20:17,28-32 Acts 21:18 1 Timothy 4:14 1 Timothy 5:17-19 Titus 1:5-9 Hebrews 11:2 James 5:14,15 1 Peter 5:1-5 2 John 1:1 3 John 1:1 Greek 4245. presbuteros -- elder ... used as subst.; an elder, a member of the Sanhedrin, an elder of a Christian assembly ... Tim 5:2. It refers to , ie not women with an official church office or ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4245.htm - 7k 1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer 4244. presbuterion -- a body of elders Library The Christian Church a Family. The Church of God. The Council at Jerusalem. The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century. The Christian Ministry, and Its Relation to the Christian ... The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ... Central Position of Christ in the History of the World. Chronology of the Apostolic Age. The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter. Preface Resources What are the qualifications of elders and deacons? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the form of church government? | GotQuestions.org Elder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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