The Evangel Dean Basic Training Resource Handbook

A PPENDIX • 211

flock; [30] and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. [31] Therefore be alert. . . (Acts 20.28-31a). 5. The elders’ most important responsibility is to make space for hearing the Word and listening to the Lord in prayer (Acts 6.4; 1 Tim. 3.2; Titus 1.9; James 5.13–20). We are devoted to the Word of God.

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6.4).

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5.17).

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. [17] Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. [18] Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. [19] My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, [20] let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5.13-20). 6. Elders prioritize a clear conscience before God (Acts 20.28). We know we will ultimately give account to God for how we have shepherded God’s people (Heb. 13.7). We value the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9.10).

Pay careful attention to yourselves. . . . (Acts 20.28a).

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you (Heb. 13.7).