• Elders rule as leaders, not as bosses
    • Hebrews 13:17
      • “Obey your leaders and be submissive” (Berry)
      • “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (ESV and NASB)
      • “Obey the ones leading you and submit” (Nestles)
    • I Timothy 3:4-5- There is a parallel between the way a father rules a house and the way an elder leads a congregation.
    • I Peter 5:2-3- An elder is to rule like a shepherd rules a flock.
    • Luke 22:25-26- All Christians and especially elders are to lead through service.
  • In what realm do elders rule?
    • In matters of faith, they lead the flock in the authorized functions, without falling short or going beyond.
    • In matters of judgment they lead the flock to harmonious decisions; they do not make unilateral decisions and demand that the flock obey.
  • Elders are watchmen (Hebrews 13:17
    • Duties of watchmen seen in Ezekiel 3:17
      • Hear God’s word.
      • Give the people warning.
    • Elders will give an account for how they did or did not do their duty as watchmen (Hebrews 13:17.
    • Elders rule by watching, warning, and admonition.
  • The scope of elders’ rule
    • The flock (Acts 20:28
    • Elders rule in all affairs of the church over which they are overseers.
  • Elders who rule well will receive a crown of glory (I Peter 5:4
  • Elders who do not rule well will give account to God (Hebrews 13:17