THE ELDERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Last week, we looked at four responsibilities the members have toward elders. We should 1) pray for them; 2) encourage them, 3) honor them; 4) submit to them. Today, we want to look at the elders’ responsibilities to the congregation.

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:1-4). From this passage, I would like to point out four responsibilities of the elders.

Shepherd the flock. There are many things which fall under the duties of a shepherd. They can, primarily, be divided into three main categories: 1) direct, 2) feed, 3) protect. A shepherd is responsible for guiding the sheep in the proper paths. He is also required to make sure the sheep are properly fed. Concerning the church, the nourishment is the word of God. The primary responsibility for feeding the sheep falls, not upon the preacher, but upon the elders. One of the qualifications is that they be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). The shepherd is also responsible for the protection of the sheep. David speaks of protecting his father’s flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-35). When savage wolves (Acts 20:29) come in among the flock, the elders must be prepared to defend it. I am afraid many of the perverse things being taught today are being taught because elders are not protecting the flock (sometimes because they do not know the scriptures well enough to refute false doctrine).

Oversee the flock. Paul tells the Ephesian elders the Holy Spirit had made them overseers (Acts 20:28). We understand the principle that oversight implies authority in the business world. Why should it be any different in the church? Included in the concept of oversight is the factor of giving account. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). While scripture does not teach that if I am lost, it is the elders fault, they do teach that God will hold them accountable for how they have dealt with the situation.

Not as lords. “I am an elder and you have to submit to my authority whether you like it or not.” There have been elders in the Lord’s church with this kind of attitude. Do the elders have authority to rule over a congregation? Absolutely! Should they use that authority to run roughshod over the people and to get their way? Absolutely not! Wise elders will listen to the congregation in making their decisions.

Be examples to the flock. Elders should be men the congregation can follow in their manner of life. They should live pure, holy, righteous lives in the church and in the community. It is true with all Christians, but perhaps to a greater degree with elders, that example will often speak louder than words. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

I believe the future is bright for the congregation here at St. Mary’s. Much good can be done for the kingdom in this area. Let’s all do our part to see that it gets done.

--Lamar