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

3. Theirs was a distinctly local oversight (i.e., the synagogue council).

4. Invested with authority to lead, speak on behalf of, and manage the affairs of the community.

IV. Authority and Functions of the Elder

We exhort those who are mighty in word and of blameless life to rule over churches. We reject those who are ambitious to rule. . . . And if those who govern in the church . . . rule well, they rule in accordance with the divine commands and never allow themselves to be led astray by worldly policy. ~ Origen (c. 248, E), 4.668., Ibid., p. 159.

A. Elders presided over the spiritual and social affairs of the community.

1. The Apostles referred to themselves as elders of the Church.

2

a. John, 2 John 1.1

b. Peter, 1 Pet. 5.1

2. Elders gave rule over the general affairs of the community, 1 Tim. 5.17.

3. Some elders labored especially in preaching and teaching, (cf. 1 Tim. 5.17, with 1 Thess. 5.12-13).

a. Elders provided oversight, i.e., those who “labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” (elders functions as ruling elders ).

b. Were worthy of the esteem and love of those whom they led.