BEING ELDERED

In the New Testament there are three meanings for the word elder:
(1) To denote seniority. (2) Reference to Jewish elders of the Synagogue.
(3) The Elders of the New Testament Church.

The elders of the church are my topic here. The Book of the Acts of the Apostles clearly and wisely tells us: “And when they (the apostles) had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (14:23)

Instruction concerning these elders (also called, bishops, overseers, presbyters, shepherds) is carefully given in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (and other texts). They are older men and women of high character, spiritual quality, wisdom and experience. They are the fathers and mothers of the flock. They govern and guard the church from false doctrine and teachers and give example of Godly principles.

Acts of the Apostles 20:28 says, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with his own blood.”

To not be eldered (fathered/mothered) in basic life and spiritual principles along our life’s journey will most probably cause us to pass on an orphan spirit to others. To be eldered properly is to grow strong, healthy, safely, full of hope, vision and faith. We need elders in our life and if the church does not provide them we must find them wherever we can. I personally do not believe it is optional.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus