What Is an Elder's Most Important Job?
Last winter, on behalf of the Christian Standard, I conducted a survey for Elders to bring some more clarity to what Elders actually do.
The article I wrote based on the results of that survey are in this week's edition of the Christian Standard. I was fascinated by what the survey revealed.
Here's a sample of my article:
Who is an elder supposed to be?
The Bible makes it clear in such passages as 1 Timothy 3:2-7. But the Bible is not as clear about what an elder is supposed to do.
I know, I know . . . the Bible teaches that an elder is a shepherd of Christ's church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2), but what exactly does shepherding look like in a 21st-century congregation? A shepherd's job description is clear when you're standing in a field, holding a staff, surrounded by sheep, but it's not so clear when you're standing in an auditorium, holding a congregational meeting, surrounded by people.
Finish The Article
posted by Arron Chambers @ 11:27 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for 'what elders do.'
Was curious though that you only mentioned 2 passages when commenting that the scripture says little about what they do. Thought you might want to add the following:
Psalm 78:70-71
Shepherd the flock
With Skillful hands
With integrity of heart.
Ezekiel 34:1-6
Take care of the flock
Strengthen the weak
Heal the sick
Bind up the injured
Bring back the strays
Search for the lost
Lead gently and kindly
Put the flock ahead of self
Acts 20:28
Guard the Flock
Watch the Flock
Feed the Flock
Ephesians 4:10-12
Equip the Flock for Ministry
1 Timothy 3:5 ff
Care for the Flock
Direct the affairs of the flock.
Preach the Word
Teach the Flock
Titus 1:9-10
Encourage the Flock
Refute False teaching
James 5:14
Pray the Flock
Anoint the Sick
1 Peter 5:1-5
Serve the Flock
Lead the Flock
Be an example to the Flock
Hebrews 13:17
Keep watch over the Flock (lose sleep)
Blessings,
Lynn, San Antonio, TX
Lynn--I'm grateful for your comments and research. Good stuff.
As you know, in the introduction to the article I was trying to make the point that there is some confusion about what it actually looks like for an Elder to "shepherd (watch, feed, and care for) the flock."
So I wrote, "I know . . . I know . . . the Bible teaches that an elder is a shepherd of Christ’s church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2), but what exactly does shepherding look like in a 21st-century congregation? A shepherd’s job description is clear when you’re standing in a field, holding a staff, surrounded by sheep, but it’s not so clear when you’re standing in an auditorium, holding a congregational meeting, surrounded by people."
I wanted to raise awareness that some Elders are confused, not about being a shepherd (or about what a shepherd does with sheep :)), but about how to be a biblical "shepherd" in the diverse situations in which they find themselves in the 21st century Church.
For example:
We know that a shepherd is supposed to protect the flock.
In a field this means that a shepherd uses a sling, his staff, and his body to keep the sheep safe.
The application of this teaching (protecting the flock) is not as clear when dealing with a youth minister who is addicted to internet pornography.
Do you fire him on the spot and say nothing to the congregation?
Do you fire him on the spot and make an announcement to the congregation?
Do you confront him, send him to counseling and try to restore him to his position?
Do you confront him, send him to counseling, but still fire him?
What about his wife and kids?
What do you tell the youth group, parents, sponsors?
What do you do if he repents, goes to counseling, and--several years later--asks for a reference for a ministry position at another church?
My point is just that I believe that it is sometimes hard for Elders to know exactly how best to "shepherd" in a lot of the situations they confront on a regular basis in their "flocks."
I know that a ton of info, but I value your comments and wanted to add a little clarity to mine.
Once again, thanks for your kind and thoughtful comments.
Perhaps an "elders only" blog would be a good recource for learning and growth for those elders who wish to share their experiences and insights.
I am a first-year elder and know the responsibility for shepherding the flock is an awsome and rewarding task - and that I don't have all the answers!
Arron,
Your post reminded me of a summer class led by one of my elders in my former congregation. On Wednesday evenings, we traveled around our area visiting and praying with our elderly and disabled members (some of whom were in nursing homes) who could not make it to the church building for Wednesday night services. My elder showed me what it meant to take care of the flock under his care. He cared for the weakest, loneliest, and most vulnerable. Best of all, he showed of few of us how to do it, too. It was much better than any class held in the church building during that summer. I would love to learn that other elders are doing similar work among their members.
Dan--great idea! I'm going to forward your idea to Mark Taylor at Christian Standard.
Thanks.
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