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Elders in the Bible | Ordaining Elders in the Church

Ordaining Elders in the Church. Sermon outline by Tom Moore giving God’s counsel on ordaining elders in every city.

INTRODUCTION:

A. God has set forth a pattern for His church.

1. A pattern for:

a. Worship

b. Entrance into the Church

c. Organization

2. Hebrews 8:5

3. I am pleased that the church here wants to be scripturally organized, and do Bible things in Bible ways

B. Ordaining elders is one of the most trying times in the life of a congregation ““ it can be the making or the breaking of a congregation.

1. I felt the process used in coming up with more elders was biblical and proper.

2. I’ve been pleased with the overall participation and attitude of the congregations in this process

3. Remember, that it is not the majority or minority that dictated what was done it was the word of God.

4. Two men have come forth as being qualified and desiring the office Bill Dorries and Jim Griffith

C. There is nothing specifically said in the Bible about how elders are to be ordained

1. We are given a hint of something in Titus 1:5

a. There is some process involved

b. Titus, a gospel preacher, was involved in the process

2. Therefore, as an act of ordaining elders in the church, I want to give some final words of advise and encouragement.

3. I want to give words of advise to:

a. The elders’ children

b. The elders’ wives

c. The congregation

d. The elders

DISCUSSION:[ discussion of this sermon on ordaining elders in the church ]

A. A WORD TO THE ELDERS’ CHILDREN

1. Your father, as an elder, will need your help.

2. How can you help?

a. Be obedient

1) To your heavenly Father (Acts 5:29)

2) To your earthly father (Eph. 6:1)

3) Disobedience can:

a) Disqualify him

b) Damage his influence

c) Hinder the Lord’s work

b. Be an encouragement

1) Show your appreciation (proud, etc.)

2) Affection

3) Understanding (the Lord comes first)

3. A word of warning

a. You will now be living in a fish bowl

b. Many will judge you more critically

c. But, the blessing will outweigh the burdens if you keep the proper attitude

B. A WORD TO THE ELDERS’ WIVES

1. Set a good example

a. An elder’s wife has no authority in the church, but she can have a positive influence upon:

1) Her husband

2) Her children

3) Other elders’ wives

4) The congregation

b. A poor example can destroy your husband’s influence

c. An elder’s wife can make or break him

d. Behind every great man there is usually always a great woman

e. 1 Timothy 3:11

2. An elder’s wife must be willing to bear the burdens along with her husband:

a. Sleepless nights

b. Shedding a tear by his side

c. Be patient

d. Be encouraging

3. Warning ““ you too will find yourself in a fishbowl.

C. A WORD TO THE CONGREGATION

1. Give them a chance

a. They will make mistakes … so “off with their heads” some will say

b. They will have to learn to work with each other and the other elders

2. Don’t try to “cripple” them with bad attitudes right at the beginning of their new work.

a. Be longsuffering

b. Give them time

c. Be understanding

3. Encourage them

a. Tell them you are behind them

b. Encourage them in front of others

c. Express your gratitude for their willingness to undertake this important work

d. 1 Peter 5:1

4. Don’t receive an accusation against them

a. 1 Timothy 5:19

b. Always follow the pattern of Matthew 18:15-17

D. A WORD TO THE ELDERS

1. Set the right example

a. Speech

b. Conduct

c. Dress

d. Attitude

2. Expect difficulties

a. There will be complaining

b. There will be difficulties of sin

3. Do not allow any of the members to form factions surrounding any of you

4. Be longsuffering toward each other, and the other elders, when differences of opinion arise.

a. Keep these differences behind closed doors

b. Only the elders should know

5. Stick together ““ a divided eldership will cause a divided church

6. Be alert to false teaching

a. Never stay in the dark …

b. Meet with the teachers … discussion is in order …

7. Always put the church first

a. Above self

b. Above majority opinion

c. Above family

8. Encourage the members in good works

9. Do not lord it over the flock (1 Pet. 5:3)

a. Treat them as you would want to be treated

b. Be gentle

c. Be understanding

10. Know the flock

CONCLUSION: [ close of this sermon on ordaining elders in the church ]

A. Have them stand

B. Tell them, “You have agreed to take on this great work, with all its responsibilities, and to do things in a Scriptural manner. The church here has agreed to follow you as their elders, and understand your God-given authority.”

C. “You are ordained by the Lord to be elders in the congregation here.”

D. Prayer in their behalf

E. Invitation