The Authority of Elders

Introduction:

The question of the authority of elders is important. Many have misconceptions. Why? Read Hebrews 13:7, 17. There is widespread misunderstanding and error on this topic both inside and outside the church. Today we want to explore the scriptural rule of an eldership in a congregation that seeks to pattern itself after the NT pattern.

I.      The source & nature of the authority of the elders.

A.    Mt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23 – Who is the ultimate authority? Jesus

B.    1 Pet. 5:4 – Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.

C.     The following passages are crucial in understanding the role of the elder:

1.     1 Thess. 5:12 – elders “have charge over you.”

2.     1 Tim. 3:5 – elders “take care of” those in the church.

3.     1 Tim. 5:7 – elders “rule.” See also 3:4-5, 12

4.     Heb. 13:7, 17, 24 – elders “lead.”

5.     Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2 – elders have “oversight.”

D.    Elder’s responsibilities require the authority to discharge it.

1.     These passages teach us that elders are the divinely revealed overseers of the local church.

E.     Since their authority comes from Jesus, it does not come from:

1.     Self; the congregation; the preacher.

2.     1 Thess. 5:12 – authority of the eldership cannot be disregarded without disobedience to Christ.

F.     Js. 4:12 -elders have no power or authority in matters of faith.

1.     Elders are constrained by scripture.

2.     Titus 1:9 – teaching is a primary part of their work.

II.     The authority of the eldership is limited.

A.    Their oversight is limited to the time during which they independently are qualified to serve and are appointed.

B.    Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:2-3 – authority is limited by congregational autonomy.

1.     Elders oversee ALL the work of their congregation.

a)    Acts 11:27-30 – their work is not limited to the spiritual.

C.     Elders oversee ONLY the work of their local congregation.

1.     No other congregation’s work to be overseen.

2.     No human institutions work is to be overseen.

3.     None but the members of the local congregation are to be overseen.

4.     Nothing, but the work of the church is to be overseen.

D.    It is no less wrong for the oversight of elders to be diminished unscripturally than it is for it to be enlarged unscripturally.

Conclusion:

A.    Neglect, failures, and disobedience in the rule of the eldership invite trouble & thwart God’s intention for churches.

B.    In the rule of the eldership, God’s intention must be honored.

C.     Heb. 8:5 – our aim should be according to the pattern.