Great Doctrines - Grace Church of DuPage

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D OCTRINAL OCTRINAL LLESSON
L ESSON SSECTION
S ECTION 36 TTHE
T HE LLEADERSHIP
L EADERSHIP
EADERSHIP’S EADERSHIP RRESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBILITY
ESPONSIBILITY TO TO TO TTHE
T HE CCHURCH
C HURCH
DOCTRINAL SUMMARY
The Scriptures instruct all Christians to watch over each other with loving care and
prayer, but they also call for the appointment of guardians called ‘elders’. The
elders are to look after people as shepherds look after sheep, leading them by example
away from all that is harmful and into all that is good. In virtue of their role, the elders
(presbuteroi) are also called shepherds or pastors (poimenes) and overseers (episkopoi),
and are spoken of in various terms that express leadership. The congregation, for its
part, is to acknowledge the God-given authority of its leaders and follow the lead they
give.
This leadership model is found in the Old Testament, where God is the Shepherd of
Israel and kings, prophets, priests and elders are called to act as His
under-shepherds. In the New Testament, Jesus the Good Shepherd is also the Chief
Shepherd ~ and the elders are His subordinates. The apostle Peter called himself an
elder under Christ, perhaps remembering that spiritual shepherding was the specific task
that Jesus gave him when restoring him to ministry (John 21:15-17).
The pastoral role demands mature and stable Christian character and a well-ordered
personal life. Wholeheartedness and faithfulness in the eldership ministry will be
rewarded. Every local church needs godly men to minister and serve in the role of elders,
and the churches should implement a wise method of selecting and appointing these
leaders.
AS YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER YOUR RESPONSE:
As Christ came to serve and to give His life, so shall I. ~ Matt. 20:26-28
HOMEWORK:
Read the central passages daily.
Read Grudem Chapter 47 Sec A & B.
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36 T
Notes
GREAT DOCTRINES IV ~ THE CHURCH PART 4~SECTION 36~PAGE 3
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