A. Shepherding Elders. 3:1-7 The sound pastor’ s character. v.1-3 V.1 a) The work of an elder - I. Position of an elder. A. Bishop (Gr. episkope) means investigator, inspector, visitor and overseer. B. An elder is a shepherd (Pastor) and overseer; they are descriptive words for the same function: 1. Elder (Gr. presbuteros) - Refers to the maturity of the leader. 1.Tim.5:17; 1.Peter 5:1 2. Shepherd (Pastor) (Gr. poimen) - Refers to the gift and work (caring, feeding, protection and guidance) of the leader. Eph.4:11 3. Overseer (Gr. episkope) - Refers to the responsibility of the leader. C. The proof that elders and overseers are the same ministry: 1. When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi he greeted the deacons and overseers. Phil.1:1. Why did he not greet the elders, because overseers are the elders. 2. The elders in Ephesus are called elders in Acts 20:17, but in 20:28 they are called overseers (Gr. episkope). 3. Paul exhorted Titus to appoint elders in Crete Tit.1:5 and calls these elders overseers (Gr. episkope) in 1:7. B. Eldership is a God ordained position of authority in the Church. C. God has eldership in heaven. Rev.4:4, 10; 5:5-14; 7:11, 13; 14:3; 19:4 D. Every church should have a plural eldership; one is not enough. Acts 14:23 E. Their had been elders in Ephesus about 7-10 years before he wrote this epistle. Acts 19:1-10; 20:17-38 F. This following instruction was given as requirements for new elders and the already established eldership. G. Elders who would not live accordingly to these requirements were disciplined and removed the position. 5:22, 24-25 II. Practice of an elder. Eldership is not only a position of authority but a good practise. 16 qualifications for the position of elders. v.2-7 V.2 b) The mind and heart of an elder - I. Sacred in Character - Blameless. No obvious public sin. 1.Tim.3:2,3; Tit.1:7,8; Phil.2:22 II. Serious Husband - Husband of one wife. 1.Tim.3:2, 4, 5, 6; Tit.1:7 A. If the elder has to be married then he also has to have children. v.4 B. The meaning is that if he is married, he should be married with only one wife. III. Sound in Mind. (Peacemaker, Keeping the unity) - Temperate and sober-minded. 1.Tim.3:2; Tit.1:8, 9; Phil.2:20 A. Temperate is a clear-headed person. B. Sober or prudent is a self-controlled person. IV. Sincerity of Personality - Good behaviour. Orderly and respectable person. 1.Tim.3:2, 7; Tit.1:7 V. Serving the Guests - Hospitable. Serving guests in their home. 1.Tim.3:2; Phil.2:20 VI. Skilful in Scripture - Able to teach. Qualified to explain and defend Scripture. 1.Tim.3:2; Tit.1:9 V.3 c) The not’ s of an elder - I. Self-controlled - Not given to wine and not violent. 1.Tim.3:3; Tit.1:7, 8 A. Wine - The meaning is not abstaining from wine but being self-controlled with wine. Not a habitual drinker of wine and not coming under alcohols influence. B. Violent - One who strikes physical or verbal. II. Simple Contentment in money matters - Not greedy for money and not covetous. He shall be a giver and not cheat to obtain money. 1.Tim.3:3; Tit.1:7 III. Sacred in Character - Gentle and not quarrelsome. Having a mild spirit and not fighting verbally. 1.Tim.3:2,3; Tit.1:7,8; Phil.2:22 V.4-5 d) The home of an elder - The sound pastor’ s home. I. Senior Steward of the household of God and their own home - Rules his own house well. The eldership ministry is a parental ministry and requires an elder to do the parenting well at home, as a proof that he is capable to parent the church. 1.Tim.3:2, 4, 5, 6; Tit.1:7 V.6 e) The growth of an elder - The sound pastor’ s maturity. I. Senior Christian - Not a novice. Not a new Christian but one that has understanding and wisdom. 1.Tim.3:2, 4, 5, 6; Tit.1:7 V.7 f) The good standing of an elder - The sound pastor’ s testimony. I. Steadfast good Testimony - Good testimony. Is known for his good behaviour after he became Chrisitan. 1.Tim.3:2, 7; Tit.1:7; Col.4:5; 1.Thes.4:12