Titus 1:5-9

“I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.”

Now when it comes to the “Biblical Expectations Of An Elder” I often hear people say, “What is it that Elders do anyway?” Among other responsibilities, the Bible lists six primary tasks.

Model Christian maturity. 1 Peter 5:3: “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Leaders need to live it, its more than just talking truth it’s about walking truth out. More things are caught than taught. When doing a jigsaw puzzle it is always helpful to have a picture of what it is supposed to look like. Elders can provide that picture as they faithfully walk out the Christian life.   

Shepherd the sheep. 1 Peter 5:2: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…” One of the dangers of pastoring is that instead of shepherding the sheep we can become consumed with trying to get the sheep to take care of us. 

Feed the flock. 1 Timothy 5:17: “The Elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” You can’t teach what you have not learned. Today we have a lot of leaders who are trying to teach truth that they are not willing to walk out. Feeding means leading them to green pastures and still waters. God’s people need a meal not a snack. We can only feed others from a place of fullness, how well are you feeding on God’s word. Malnourished servants make lousy shepherds. Sheep also need time to digest what they have been fed. Are you providing space for silence and solitude or is it all just face paced ministry?

Refute the rebellious. Titus 1:9: “…Encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” This is one of the tougher parts of the task and it requires being tough minded but tender hearted. You don’t need to go looking for conflict but don’t be afraid of it when it comes your way. We are called to pastor people not be people pleasers. 

Manage church matters. 1 Timothy 3:5: “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?” Pray for your Elders this can be a time consuming thing.

Intercede for the ill. James 5:14: “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” When we are ill it is a great comfort to have people who love us and are willing to come and pray with us. Elders are not mind readers, if you are sick you need to let them know. Notice scripture tells us that the one who is sick or their family should call the Elders.