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  • The rule of elders
    • Introduction
      • Hebrews 13:17
      • I Timothy 5:17
      • Elders rule in the church like fathers rule in the home.
    • Elders rule by leading the flock in the right way.
      • Elders should listen to the congregation and lead the flock into a harmonious decision.
    • Elders rule by service.
      • Luke 22:25-26
    • Elders rule by warning and admonition.
      • Acts 20:32-33 – Elders act as watchmen.
      • Ezekiel 3:17 – Ezekiel’s duty was as a watchman.
      • Elders as watchmen have no words of their own. They are to hear God’s Word and give warning.
      • I Thessalonians 5:12
    • Elders rule by teaching.
      • I Peter 5:3-4
    • Elders rule by example.
      • I Peter 5:3
      • When elders walk in the right way, theirs is an example that should be followed.
    • Elders are not bosses of the congregation. They are not despotic or tyrannical.
      • I Peter 5:3

For further study, see also:

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  • Qualifications for elders, continued:
    • Does an elder need to have a plurality of children?
      • Matthew 22:23-28 – Here “children” includes the singular.
      • Titus 1:6 – In this verse, the plural appears to include the singular.
    • The work of elders
      • Convict the gainsayer
      • Shepherd, feed, and tend the flock. I Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28, 32
      • Oversee benevolence toward needy members. I Timothy 5:16
      • Watch for the souls of the flock – Hebrews 13:17
        • Ezekiel 3:17; 34:11-19
      • Oversee the flock. Acts 20:28

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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