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

4. What criteria did the apostles provide for those who were qualified to be elders in the NT? When taken together, what do these various stipulations suggest about the nature of Christian leaders in the body of Christ? 5. What is the relationship between the qualification for preaching and teaching the Word and that of ruling well in the Church ? Can one be qualified to be an elder if they do not possess both of these qualifications? Explain your answer. 6. How do Peter and Paul help us in 1 Peter 5 and Acts 20 to understand the relationship between being an elder to shepherding the flock of God ? Can one still maintain the position of an elder if they refuse to shepherd God’s people? If so, under what situation would this be possible? 7. The pastoral epistles place special emphasis on the need for elders to preside over the spiritual and social affairs of the Church. Is the role of elder, therefore, a political position in the church ? Explain your answer. 8. In what ways are elders to serve as examples and role models for the disciples gathered in community? In light of this, what might this suggest as to the age of elders? Does this have any implications as to the gender of elders? Explain your answer. 9. What does it mean that we must select elders who are “people of recognized spiritual maturity and gifting?” What ought we to do if we cannot find anyone in our church who meets these qualifications ? Be thorough in your answer.

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The Christian Leader as Elder ( Presbyteroi )

Segment 2: Models, Training, and Practice

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The NT provides us with key analogies of the Christian Leader as elder or presbyter : the Christian elder is seen as an overseer, providing oversight of the various spiritual affairs of the community, as a father or parent who leads and heads the Church as the Lord’s household, as a colleague or teammember who contributes as a member to the council of elders as they give oversight to the congregation, and finally as a

Summary of Segment 2