Biblical Leadership: The Function
Practically (biblically) what do elders do?
The New Testament has commands and examples given for the function of elders in the local body. Elders in the New Testament church help settle disputes amongst the flock (Acts 15:1-2). Elders are decision makers and they make decisions concerning the spiritual well-being of the congregation. James instructs the church to have the elders pray for the sick (James 5:14). They are to watch out for the church in humility and provide an example for the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4). Shepherds are to watch out for the spiritual lives of the flock (Hebrews 13:17) and spend time in prayer and teaching the word (Acts 6:2-4; Ephesians 4:11). One of the qualifications given to Timothy …show more content…
The first is that of a shepherd. Shepherding includes providing for and protecting the body of Christ. Everything discussed this far in the shepherding model would be included in this shepherding function. A major concept involved in the shepherding process brought out in the book is that of relationship building. The concept behind Anderson’s book is that a shepherd “smells like sheep,” because they are with the sheep on a regular basis.
The second function Anderson lists as key for elders is equipping. He states, “God wants his church to grow. But long-term growth calls for assimilation and equipping skills! Churches that grow help their people find places to serve and help them get the needed skills.” It is important that members can serve as Christ has called us all to do. Proper equipping is essential for this to take place.
The final function Anderson says Elders must do is mentor. Jesus gave us the example of preparing people that would continue the work he established. He took the twelve and spent time with them preparing them for the future work they would do. If it weren’t for mentoring done by
Practically (biblically) what do elders do?
The New Testament has commands and examples given for the function of elders in the local body. Elders in the New Testament church help settle disputes amongst the flock (Acts 15:1-2). Elders are decision makers and they make decisions concerning the spiritual well-being of the congregation. James instructs the church to have the elders pray for the sick (James 5:14). They are to watch out for the church in humility and provide an example for the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4). Shepherds are to watch out for the spiritual lives of the flock (Hebrews 13:17) and spend time in prayer and teaching the word (Acts 6:2-4; Ephesians 4:11). One of the qualifications given to Timothy …show more content…
The first is that of a shepherd. Shepherding includes providing for and protecting the body of Christ. Everything discussed this far in the shepherding model would be included in this shepherding function. A major concept involved in the shepherding process brought out in the book is that of relationship building. The concept behind Anderson’s book is that a shepherd “smells like sheep,” because they are with the sheep on a regular basis.
The second function Anderson lists as key for elders is equipping. He states, “God wants his church to grow. But long-term growth calls for assimilation and equipping skills! Churches that grow help their people find places to serve and help them get the needed skills.” It is important that members can serve as Christ has called us all to do. Proper equipping is essential for this to take place.
The final function Anderson says Elders must do is mentor. Jesus gave us the example of preparing people that would continue the work he established. He took the twelve and spent time with them preparing them for the future work they would do. If it weren’t for mentoring done by