Within a Biblical Eldership, there is equality and diversity. The speaker defines Biblical Eldership and explains the principle of “first among equals.” Part 4 of 9.
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Remember ItPastoral leadership of the local church by a council of qualified, Spirit-appointed men.
All elders are charged to shepherd the flock of God and share the same authority and responsibility for the pastoral oversight of the entire congregation (Acts 20:28). All elders must be able to teach and protect the flock from false teachers (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9).
Not all elders are gifted in preaching and teaching. Not all elders have the same giftedness regarding leadership. Not all elders receive double honor from the congregation (1 Tim. 5:17).
- What passages have you heard that some people use to support the traditional “Pastor” centric form of church government? How would you respond to that way of thinking?
- In your own words, define the principle of “first among equals.” How does this principle play out in your eldership? Do you err toward either of the extremes the speaker mentions? If so, how can you find a good balance in this principle?
- Study 1 Timothy 5:17-18 for yourself. Identify the elders in your church who labor in preaching and teaching which Paul would say are “worthy of double honor.” Is your church obeying the mandate to support those elders? If so, how? If not, what needs to change so that you are obeying this Scriptural principle?