LEADERS FOR HEALTHY GROWTH
"Take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd the church (that is, tend and feed and guide the church) of the Lord (God) which He obtained for Himself--with His own blood" (Acts 20:29 AMP).
NOTE: "A bishop in the primitive church, a spiritual overseer; an elder or presbyter; one who had the pastoral care of a church" (Webster's 1828 Dictionary*). A guardian is "a warden; one who guards, preserves or secures; one to whom any thing is committed for preservation of injury."* In the case of the church, one who is given jurisdiction over the spiritualities [that is, what belongs to the church--doctrines of the faith and the life of the Body]. To shepherd means "to give instruction in spiritual things, to lead, protect and govern their group of believers and provide for their welfare."*
In letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul more clearly defines the character and role of an elder in the primitive church. But the foremost requirement of an elder was (and is) piety--that is, reverence for God demonstrated in one's obedience to God's will and devotion to serving God. The elder is to be appointed by the Holy Spirit. The elder is given the assignment by the Holy Spirit to oversee, protect and nurture the people of their church. The elder must keep in mind at all times that the people of his church body are the dearly loved possession of God and that he is directly answerable to God for their welfare.
Paul warns the elders about those who would come after he left, to ruin the new life of the church, drawing the people back into sinful ways and destructive behavior by distorted and opposing religious teachings (Acts 20: 29-31). Elders are to be constantly on the look out for those who would lead the flock away from the Gospel truth. Therefore, they would need to devote themselves to prayer and the teachings which the apostles of Christ handed down to them. (See Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3). These are the kind of leaders we also need in the church of today. Think about it.
"Take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd the church (that is, tend and feed and guide the church) of the Lord (God) which He obtained for Himself--with His own blood" (Acts 20:29 AMP).
NOTE: "A bishop in the primitive church, a spiritual overseer; an elder or presbyter; one who had the pastoral care of a church" (Webster's 1828 Dictionary*). A guardian is "a warden; one who guards, preserves or secures; one to whom any thing is committed for preservation of injury."* In the case of the church, one who is given jurisdiction over the spiritualities [that is, what belongs to the church--doctrines of the faith and the life of the Body]. To shepherd means "to give instruction in spiritual things, to lead, protect and govern their group of believers and provide for their welfare."*
In letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul more clearly defines the character and role of an elder in the primitive church. But the foremost requirement of an elder was (and is) piety--that is, reverence for God demonstrated in one's obedience to God's will and devotion to serving God. The elder is to be appointed by the Holy Spirit. The elder is given the assignment by the Holy Spirit to oversee, protect and nurture the people of their church. The elder must keep in mind at all times that the people of his church body are the dearly loved possession of God and that he is directly answerable to God for their welfare.
Paul warns the elders about those who would come after he left, to ruin the new life of the church, drawing the people back into sinful ways and destructive behavior by distorted and opposing religious teachings (Acts 20: 29-31). Elders are to be constantly on the look out for those who would lead the flock away from the Gospel truth. Therefore, they would need to devote themselves to prayer and the teachings which the apostles of Christ handed down to them. (See Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3). These are the kind of leaders we also need in the church of today. Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
