THE TASKING OF ELDERS

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it 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 will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:1-4

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Every church that I have ever been a member of had elders who formed the backbone of overall congregational leadership. Some of these leaders actually bore the title “elder” but in other churches, they were called “deacons”. Regardless of the title, the  responsibilities of these special leaders remain very similar and it’s important to remember that there exists a rich legacy of people appointed by the church to govern over its affairs. It’s widely believed that it started as the Christian church was just getting started in the holy city of Jerusalem. Here’s what we find in the sixth chapter of Acts:

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly. Vv. 1-7a

After receiving the Holy Spirit, the eleven chosen apostles of Jesus plus Matthias who was selected by lots to replace Judas were very busy preaching and teaching the Word, carrying on the Gospel work that Jesus has called them to. When we think about it, we know the number of believers numbered in the thousands, five thousand or more at the least. It was an incredible undertaking when a social matter rose to the surface.

At the heart of the problem was a complaint of inequity by the Hellenistic Jews over the “daily distribution of food”. These were Greek speaking Jews who in many ways adopted the Grecian ways of life and their grievance was grounded in the Hebraic Jews gaining preference.

To settle this matter, we read where “the Twelve gathered all the disciples together” and addressed them with these words:

“It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.”

Note here that the Twelve worked to get consensus within the congregation regarding a viable solution to the predicament at hand. They proposed that the body select seven men, not just any men but seven who were “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom”, to handle the civil affairs of the church so the apostles could give their “attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word”.

How did this go over with the congregation?

The scriptures tell us that the “whole group” was “pleased” and did as they were told, selecting Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. They “presented” them “to the apostles” who then “prayed and laid their hands on them”, essentially commissioning them to their ministry service.

As we see in this passage, the appointment of additional church leaders was a success. The apostles were able to dedicate their time to Gospel ministry and as a result, “the word of God spread” and the “number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly”.

From this point on, Christian congregations appointed elders who held special responsibilities in support of those who were bringing the Word to others. As we pivot to today’s opening verses from 1 Peter, chapter 5, we find Peter addressing the elders of the believers who were exiled and “scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1). Look at his words again here:

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it 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 will never fade away. Vv.1-4

Peter knew all too well about the responsibilities of a church elder because we see by his own confession that he was one as well. This is why he had absolute credibility when it came to reminding his peers of what was expected of them.

First and foremost, they were to be “shepherds of God’s flock” that He had entrusted to “their care”. Shepherds watch over their sheep and the elders were to willingly watch over their congregations just as Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did during His days of ministry. In both instances, it was God’s will to do so.

Next, Peter reminds the elders of the critical nature of integrity when it came to leading the church. The elders were to turn away from “dishonest gain”, instead being willing to selflessly serve others.

Finally, the elders were to lead their flocks with grace and love, not lording over those who may have been subordinate in positional authority within the church.

What was in it for the elders?

None other than “a crown of glory” that would given to them by Jesus, “the Chief Shepherd” when He returns to earth and appears. This “crown” would be one “never fade away” as the elders, along with all those who placed their belief in Jesus, would not perish but rather gain eternal life (John 3:16).

If you are an elder in the church today, the Word of God is tasking you with specific duties and they aren’t optional. It’s an amazing privilege and honor to serve any church in this capacity, one I have held many times, and the Lord has great expectations for those He has elevated into positions of leadership.

My prayer is that one day you will have the opportunity if the Lord wills it. Until then, if it happens at all, please support and be in prayer for those called to higher levels of service to the churches and their respective congregations.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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