Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

The Christian Leader as Elder Presbyteroi

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Welcome in the strong name of Jesus Christ! After your reading, study, discussion, and application of the materials in this lesson, you will be able to: • Recite the meaning of the Greek term presbyteros as the translated term for elder in the NT. • Narrate the evolution of the concept elder from its OT roots in the tribal system of Israel, the development of the concept in the synagogue, to its usage as an official position in the Sanhedrin, and finally to the NT Church. • Provide a clear record of the elements involved in the calling of NT elders, as well as the biblical qualifications associated with becoming an elder in the Church. • Lay out critically the biblical authority and responsibilities connected with the faithful fulfillment of the office of serving as an elder in the body, and speak of the implications of this authority and responsibility in the affairs of Christian community today. • Recreate frommemory the key analogies given in Scripture of the Christian Leader as Elder (Presbyter) : the Christian elder is imaged as an overseer of the affairs of the community, a father or parent who heads the spiritual family of the Lord, a colleague or team member who contributes to the council of elders in their role as leaders of the congregation, and finally as a representative both of the Lord and the people in the community. • Articulate the major assumptions and issues needed to understand the significance of elders for urban congregations, and suggest practical ways in which we can both select and equip elders for our churches in the city.

Lesson Objectives

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Elders Called to Shepherd

Devotion

1 Pet. 5.1-4 - So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion,

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