Elders are spiritual leaders in the church, entrusted with guiding and shepherding God’s people. Today, we’ll look at the Bible’s instructions for their responsibilities and the qualities that define a godly elder.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Elders And Deacons
What Does The Bible Say About Elders In The Church
1 Timothy 3:1
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”
This verse highlights the honorable role of elders in the church. It emphasizes that serving as an overseer is a noble task and something to aspire to. Being an elder is not just a position of authority, but a responsibility to care for and guide the church.
It shows that elders are called to lead with integrity, wisdom, and humility, setting an example for others to follow. This verse encourages individuals with the desire to be an elder, reminding them of the importance and significance of their role in the church.
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
This verse emphasizes the role of elders as shepherds of the church. It reminds them to be vigilant in caring for the spiritual well-being of both themselves and the congregation.
Elders are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and guiding the flock, just as a shepherd would care for their sheep. The mention of the church being bought with Christ’s blood highlights the sacrificial nature of their role. It is a reminder that elders are called to lead with love and willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of the church.
Titus 1:5
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”
This verse shows that appointing elders in the church is important for maintaining order and leadership. It emphasizes the need to have elders in every town or congregation, ensuring that there are mature, capable individuals who can provide guidance and oversight.
By appointing elders, the Apostle Paul ensures that the church community is properly cared for and that there are individuals who can handle the responsibilities of leadership. This verse demonstrates the importance of the role of elders in maintaining the spiritual health and organization of the church.
1 Peter 5:1
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: “
In this verse, the Apostle Peter addresses the elders directly, speaking to them as equals and fellow shepherds. He acknowledges their important role in the church and their position as overseers of the congregation.
The mention of witnessing Christ’s sufferings and sharing in the glory to be revealed highlights the significance of the elders’ calling. It serves as a motivation for elders to remain faithful in their task, knowing that their service is connected to the sufferings and ultimate victory of Christ.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
This verse encourages the church to have confidence in their leaders, including the elders, and to submit to their authority. It emphasizes that these leaders are responsible for watching over the congregation and will have to give an account for their work.
By submitting to their authority, the church enables the elders to fulfill their responsibilities with joy and effectiveness. This verse highlights the importance of a healthy relationship between the elders and the congregation, based on trust and mutual respect.
James 5:14
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
This verse demonstrates one of the roles of elders in the church, which is to provide spiritual and physical care for the congregation. It encourages individuals who are sick to call upon the elders to pray for them and anoint them with oil.
As spiritual leaders, elders are to intercede on behalf of the sick and seek God’s healing and comfort. The act of anointing with oil is symbolic of God’s presence and the work of the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the importance of elders’ involvement in the ministry of healing within the church.
1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the elders who faithfully lead and serve the church. It highlights that those who prioritize preaching and teaching should be particularly esteemed.
Elders who dedicate themselves to the proclamation of God’s Word are deserving of double honor, acknowledging the significance of their role in teaching and guiding the congregation. This verse encourages the church to appreciate and support the elders who labor in their service.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
This verse speaks to the importance of humility and submission within the church community. It encourages the younger members of the church to submit to their elders, recognizing their wisdom and experience.
It also emphasizes the need for all members, both young and old, to clothe themselves with humility in their interactions with one another. Humility fosters unity and harmony within the church, and it aligns with God’s favor. This verse reminds us of the importance of a humble and respectful attitude towards our elders and fellow believers.
1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
This verse provides a list of qualities that are expected of an elder. It emphasizes the importance of moral integrity and personal character in leadership within the church.
An elder should be above reproach, meaning they should have a good reputation and live a life that aligns with the principles of the gospel. They are also called to be faithful in their marriage, demonstrating commitment and fidelity.
Additionally, qualities such as temperance, self-control, and hospitality are mentioned, highlighting the importance of emotional stability and a welcoming attitude towards others. Lastly, the ability to teach is essential for elders, as they are responsible for imparting spiritual wisdom and knowledge to the congregation.
1 Timothy 3:7
“He must also have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”
This verse underscores the significance of an elder’s reputation and testimony in the broader community. It highlights the importance of maintaining a good reputation, not only within the church but also with those outside of it.
An elder’s character and conduct should be a reflection of Christ, and this includes their interactions with non-believers. A positive reputation is crucial in avoiding negative perceptions and safeguarding against the schemes of the enemy. This verse reminds elders of the importance of their witness in the world.
1 Peter 5:2-3
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
In these verses, Peter provides guidance for the shepherding role of elders. He encourages them to care for those under their responsibility willingly and with sincerity, rather than out of obligation.
Elders are to serve with humility and an eagerness to meet the needs of the congregation. They should not seek personal gain or wield their authority for control, but instead, lead by example, displaying Christ-like character.
This passage reminds elders to demonstrate genuine care and selflessness in their leadership, aiming to be role models for the flock they oversee.
1 Timothy 3:6
“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.”
This verse cautions against appointing newly converted believers as elders. It emphasizes the need for maturity and spiritual growth before taking on the role of leadership.
Being an elder requires wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of the faith. Rushing into leadership prematurely can lead to pride and the potential for moral failure. This verse highlights the importance of ensuring that elders are firmly grounded in their faith and have experienced sufficient growth before taking on the responsibilities of leadership.
1 Timothy 3:4-5
“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”
This passage emphasizes the importance of an elder’s role within their own family. Their ability to lead and care for their own household reflects their capability in shepherding the church.
An elder should have a well-ordered family, where children respect and obey their parents. This demonstrates their ability to provide guidance, nurture, and spiritual oversight. This verse highlights that an elder’s leadership within their family is a significant factor in assessing their suitability for church leadership.
1 Timothy 5:19-20
“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.”
This verse provides guidelines for addressing accusations against elders. It emphasizes the importance of handling such matters with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to truth.
An accusation against an elder should not be easily entertained unless there is sufficient evidence from multiple witnesses. This standard helps protect against false accusations or personal vendettas. However, if an elder is found to be sinning, they are to be reproved publicly, ensuring that accountability and discipline are maintained within the church.
1 Timothy 5:21
“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of acting with impartiality and integrity in dealing with matters related to elders. It admonishes against showing favoritism or bias towards any particular individual or group.
These instructions are given with a solemn charge in the presence of God, Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, underscoring the seriousness of the matter. Church leaders, including elders, are called to uphold biblical principles and to exercise their authority with fairness, justice, and complete impartiality.
1 Timothy 3:8-9
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.”
Although this verse refers specifically to deacons, it provides valuable insight into the qualities that should be present in all church leaders, including elders. It highlights the importance of respect, sincerity, and self-control.
Leaders in the church should not be given to excessive indulgence or dishonest gain, but should instead uphold the principles of integrity and upright living. Additionally, they must have a firm grasp of the teachings of the faith and make decisions in accordance with their convictions, guided by a clear conscience.
Acts 6:1-4
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.'”
This passage provides an example of early church leaders delegating specific responsibilities. The twelve apostles recognized the need to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word and appointed seven men to attend to the practical needs of the congregation.
While not directly addressing elders, this passage demonstrates the importance of shared leadership and the delegation of tasks within the church. It reminds elders that they do not need to carry the entire burden of responsibility alone, but can rely on others within the church community to effectively serve and minister to the congregation.
Hebrews 13:24
“Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.”
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and greeting church leaders. It encourages believers to extend their fellowship and appreciation to their leaders and fellow believers.
Leaders within the church play a significant role in guiding, teaching, and spiritually nurturing the congregation. This verse serves as a reminder to express gratitude and honor to those who faithfully serve in the leadership of the church.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
This verse highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of leaders within the church. It calls believers to recognize the hard work, care, and admonition provided by those in leadership.
It emphasizes holding leaders in high regard out of love for the work they do in service to the Lord and His people. Furthermore, it encourages unity and harmony within the body of believers, reminding them to live in peace with one another.
1 Timothy 5:1-2
“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
This verse provides guidance on how to interact with different members of the church community, emphasizing respect and proper relationships among believers.
Elders, who may be older men and women within the congregation, should be treated with honor and respect, just as one would treat their own parents. Younger men and women should be treated as siblings, promoting a familial bond within the church.
The call for absolute purity emphasizes the need to maintain proper boundaries and avoid any form of inappropriate behavior or relationships. This verse reminds believers of the importance of mutual respect and purity in their interactions with one another.
1 Peter 5:4
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
This verse reminds elders of the ultimate reward they will receive when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears. It offers encouragement in their labor and ministry, reminding them of the eternal significance of their service.
The promise of receiving a crown of glory that will never fade away is a reminder of the heavenly reward awaiting faithful leaders. This verse serves as a motivation for elders to persevere and remain steadfast in their calling, knowing that their work has eternal implications.
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in the role of elders. It calls them to submit themselves to God’s authority and to exercise humility in their leadership.
By recognizing their dependence on God and submitting to His guidance and timing, elders can avoid pride and self-exaltation. Humility opens the door for God’s exaltation and blessings in due time. This verse serves as a reminder to elders that their leadership should always be grounded in humility and dependence on God.
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
This verse highlights the importance of remembering and imitating the faith of church leaders. It encourages believers to consider the example set by their leaders and emulate the way they lived out their faith.
Leaders within the church, including elders, are called to be role models for the congregation. Their faith and way of life should reflect the teachings of God’s Word. This verse urges believers to recognize the impact their leaders have had and to follow their example of faithful living.
These Bible verses provide a comprehensive view of the role and qualities of elders within the church. They emphasize the importance of leadership, accountability, character, care, and humility. Elders are called to be shepherds, guiding and nurturing the congregation with wisdom and integrity. Their lives should be marked by moral uprightness and a deep commitment to God’s Word. These verses also remind believers to respect, honor, and support their elders, recognizing their vital role in the spiritual growth and well-being of the church. Lastly, the ultimate reward of faithful elders is highlighted, as they eagerly await the eternal crown of glory in the presence of the Chief Shepherd.