What is the role of the pastor in reference to the role of elders in the local congregations?
OBSERVATIONS FROM SCRIPTURE
Throughout the Old Testament God’s people were led by elders who gave leadership to various size groups of people. In the New Testament elders were appointed for local congregations (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5).
Three Greek words are helpful in understanding the full scope of the elder’s ministry:
Elder…. Presbuteros – qualifications of maturity, character (What an elder is)
Elder…Episkopos – bishop, overseer (What an elder does)
Elder…Poimen – shepherd, nurture, care, guide, pastor (How an elder leads)
WHAT IS INOVLED IN OVERSEEING?
Paul Thigpen outlines overseeing this way…
- Looking at members of the group, to care for them
- Looking outside the group to watch and warn
- Looking at the whole picture to administer the overall group
- Looking at the goal (vision) to press toward the mark
WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE ELDERS?
- Teach (feed) 1 Timothy 3:2
- Lead (direct) 1 Peter 5:2-3
- Watch (protect) Acts 20:28-31
- Correct (warn) II Corinthians 10:6; I Thessalonians 5:14
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ELDERS?
The New Testament description of elders is…those in plural ministry, having a shared pastoral ministry that calls upon the gifts of several elders serving together to provide oversight and care for the congregation. Elders may have designated areas of ministry according to gifting.
Among this group (team) of elders there is a unique role of one person who leads the group of elders. This person (known as the lead elder, or in language typical of today…the pastor) is recognized by other elders and the congregation for…
- Maturity
- Experience
- Example
- Gifting (leadership, faith, administration)
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR?
In line with the New Testament concept, elders are not viewed as either a) a board of directors over the pastor, or b) a group of assistants to the pastor. Rather, the elders have a shared pastoral ministry wherein the pastor is the designated leader of the elders and the congregation.
