Selecting Elders

Three and a half years ago, Jack Kiss and Harry Summer resigned as elders of this congregation. Since that time you have for the most part been patient in waiting for elders to be selected. We stressed that we were working from God’s timetable. I believe that we have been given a rare opportunity to rethink the role of elders and to recommit to a biblical view of the function and responsibility of elders. I am announcing to you today, that God in his own time has opened the door for us to begin the process of selecting elders. I will have more to say about the process in just a moment, but first, I want us to review the role and function of elders.

What Are We to Look for in an Elder?

According to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 there are some broad categories that we can look at.

We should look at a man’s conduct. We should notice a consistency of his life in what he professes to believe and how he lives. He should be a man who can handle a variety of situations without flying off the handle. He should be a man who demonstrates good judgment in decisions and aids others in making good decisions.

We should look at the man’s family. His wife should demonstrate faithfulness and be well respected. His children should be believers. The elder must demonstrate that he has a track record of leading and guiding his own family with dignity.

We should look at his reputation among those who are not Christians. We need to be able to see that this man is respected not because of his faith but for his consistency of life.

We should look at the man’s faith. Can he verbalize what he believes? Has he demonstrated that his faith is in God not in this world? These are traits to look for. No man is perfect. No family is perfect. The question to ask yourself is: “Will I follow this man? Does he demonstrate a desire to bring out the best in this congregation? Is he involved in the lives of people? Is he helping people come closer to the Lord?” If you can answer yes to these questions then you are on the right path to selecting a man to serve as elder.

What Is the Work and Function of an Elder?

The words used to describe elders will help us to understand the work and function. Those words are elder, overseer, and shepherd.

The word “elder” is found about 60 times in the New Testament. It is a title. The word is most often used to describe Jewish leaders, but in the texts which affect us the word is used to describe leaders in the early church. An elder is an older man who is full of wisdom, experience, sound judgment and a healthy fear of God. An elder is well respected. An elder is a man who can provide wise counsel.

The word “overseer” is found in only a few texts. Again this is a word designating a specific group of leaders. The word is used to describe one who watches over, protects, serves as a patron for another or cares for another. An overseer is one who watches over a group for the purpose to protect and care for that group. So in Acts 20:28 in which Paul meets with the elders from Ephesus he tells them to “keep watch over the flock because the Holy Spirit has made them ‘overseers, patrons, protectors, ones who are to care for other.’” Or in 1 Peter 5:2, the overseers are told to serve the church. The word elder designates one who provides wise counsel for the church while the word overseer designates one who desires to care for and protect the church.

Finally there is the word “shepherd.” This word is found in only three texts which affect our discussion. In Ephesians 4:11 the shepherd is a teacher. However, in Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2, the word is actually a verb and not a noun. In Acts and 1 Peter those who are overseers are told to shepherd. What does it mean to shepherd? According to the Bible the shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He protects, guides, feeds guards, seeks and serves the sheep. To shepherd means to be merciful and to liberate.

As you begin to seek out men to follow, look for men who demonstrate that they already guard, care for, serve, protect, touch and encourage this congregation. Elders are to be men who walk among us touching us and reminding us that we are called to follow the Chief Shepherd. They are to show us where the kingdom is and what it looks like when we are a part of the kingdom. They are to demonstrate what it means to walk hand in hand with Jesus. We are looking for men who will love us, protect us, care for us, pray for us, correct us and guide us. The men you seek out should already be engaged in this behavior. Will they be perfect in this conduct? No, but the men you select need to be men who demonstrate that they are not only willing but are already being shepherds.

Who Can Be an Elder?

Any older man who demonstrates wisdom and faith and whose character exemplifies a deep faith in God and a concern for God’s people. A man should be considered based on his faith and concern for others not based upon his education, position, business acumen, or current status in this congregation.

The Selection Process

Now let me give a brief outline of the procedure we are going to use as we begin the selection process. If you will look on the inside of your worship bulletin on the opposite side of our order for this morning is a form for you to fill out. Beginning today, you are to think of men you believe would serve this congregation well as elders. You are to go to that man and ask him if he is interested in serving as an elder. You are encouraged to ask him questions. Tell him why you believe he would do a good job as an elder. This is an awesome responsibility and any of our future elders will be encouraged knowing why you as individuals believe God has called them to take on this responsibility.

After talking with the men you believe would best serve this congregation, fill out this form or one just like which is available at the exits and turn it in to me or to Dwight. Sign and date the form. Unsigned forms will be discarded. Please talk with the individuals. Refrain from submitting a list of names without having talked with the individuals first. Men who do not want to serve as an elder can tell you no and prohibit any embarrassment or awkwardness later.

You have the entire month of December to inquire and submit names. On January 3, 1999 we will stop taking names. And at that time you will be informed about the next steps in the process.

A New Era

This is an exciting time for us as a congregation. Our patience is going to be rewarded with men who are prepared and ready to serve this congregation and when they are finally appointed, they will know that God has called them to this task and we will know that God is with us as we begin this new era. I had asked Jack Kiss to be a part of today’s assembly, but he is out of town and unable to participate. He did write a letter that he wanted to be read to the congregation. I am going to read this letter and then John Brownlow is going to lead us in a prayer. Following that prayer you are dismissed.

Follow Jesus

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