ELDERS ARE DISCERNED NOT DECIDED

1. God’s call is seen in our gifts2.3.

Ephesians 4:7-16But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. … (11) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:7-16Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

ELDERS ARE DISCERNED NOT DECIDED

1. God’s call is seen in our gifts2. God’s call is seen in our passion3.

Jeremiah 20:9But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

ELDERS ARE DISCERNED NOT DECIDED

1. God’s call is seen in our gifts2. God’s call is seen in our passion3. Congregational selection affirms God’s call

Acts 1:21-26Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.

Acts 1:21-26Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Acts 13:1-3In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

1 Timothy 5:22

NIV84 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands …HCSB Don't be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder ...

ELDERS LEAD BY EXAMPLE

1. Imperfect men, models & examples2.3.

Differences between two lists1 Timothy 3:1-7• Sensible• Respectable

Titus 1:5-9• Self-control• A firm grasp of the word• Devout

ELDERS LEAD BY EXAMPLE

1. Imperfect men, models & examples2. A guide to selecting elders3.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2.3.

4.5.

6.

7.8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3.

4.5.

6.

7.8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4.5.

6.

7.8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5.

6.

7.8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5. Willing to be

inconvenienced for others?

6.

7.8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5. Willing to be

inconvenienced for others?

6. Capable of teaching Scripture to others?

7.8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5. Willing to be

inconvenienced for others?

6. Capable of teaching Scripture to others?

7. Wise personal habits?8.

9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5. Willing to be

inconvenienced for others?

6. Capable of teaching Scripture to others?

7. Wise personal habits?8. Strong sense of

stewardship?9.10.

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5. Willing to be

inconvenienced for others?

6. Capable of teaching Scripture to others?

7. Wise personal habits?8. Strong sense of

stewardship?9. Track record of discipling? 10. Christian long enough to

maintain humility?

A Guide to Selecting Elders1. Respected in the

community?2. Committed to his wife?3. Wisdom in decision-

making?4. Keep his temper in check? 5. Willing to be

inconvenienced for others?

6. Capable of teaching Scripture to others?

7. Wise personal habits?8. Strong sense of

stewardship?9. Track record of discipling? 10. Christian long enough to

maintain humility?

ELDERS LEAD BY EXAMPLE

1. Imperfect men, models & examples2. A guide to selecting elders3.

ELDERS LEAD BY EXAMPLE

1. Imperfect men, models & examples2. A guide to selecting elders3. A sketch, not a snapshot

FOLLOW JESUS’ EXAMPLE