In this sermon podcast, Pastor Brent identifies the first three of six “defining elements” of the role of an elder in the local church. In Titus 1:5 the Apostle Paul directs Titus to appoint elders in every church. These men were to be the leaders of the church. However, a key question that must be answered is, “What is the role of these men, the elders, who lead the church?” Said another way, “What do these men do?” In Titus chapter 1 we will discover a small aspect of the role of an elder. But, as we study this need for godly men, it is vitally important that we obtain a fuller sense of the role of an elder both his function and duties within the local church body. As one who leads the church, the elder’s leadership role is a spiritual leadership. He, along with a plurality of elders, are responsible to care for the spiritual needs of the church body. In this message, Pastor Brent identifies the first three of six “defining elements” of the role of an elder in the local church. The first three elements as discovered from 1 Peter 5:1-5 include: 1) An elder leads the church. 2) An elder leads the church instinctively. 3) An elder leads the church fulfilling the example of Christ.

1. The Need for Godly Men, Pt. 3
1 Peter 5:1-5
Pastor Brent Small
www.CascadesBibleChurch.com

2. What was Titus’ task in the Cretan churches?
*Establish sound doctrine;
*Model and call churches to godly living;
*Result? Credible testimonies and good deeds.

3. Significance of Titus’ Mission:
*God’s glory was at stake!
*The churches’ spiritual health and survival
were at stake!
*The survival of the GOSPEL was at stake!

4. Paul’s Directive for church leadership:
-Titus was to go into each local church, identify
and appoint godly, qualified men as leaders.
-This was the directive given to him and was also
the NT model for every local church.

5. Importance for the church body:
-The church body, membership, will be used by
God to call and affirm a man’s calling to the
ministry of an elder/pastor.

6. Sermon Goal
-Identify 6 “defining elements” of an elder’s role
within the church, so that we can begin to
develop future elders in our church.

7. First Defining Element:
Elders lead the church.
1) By exercising oversight. 5:2(b)
Elders are responsible for the spiritual health and
well-being of the church body.

8. First Defining Element:
Elders lead the church.
2) As a shepherd leads and cares for sheep.
5:2(a)
“The shepherd-sheep relationship in ancient Palestine
was used to describe both our Lord’s relationship to
His church and an elder’s relationship to the church.”

9. Second Defining Element:
Elders lead the church, instinctively.
1) they are not forced. 5:2(c)
2) they do it, voluntarily. 5:2(d)

10. Third Defining Element:
Elders lead the church fulfilling the example of
Christ.
1) by feeding the flock.
a. An elder must:
-KNOW, the Word of God.
-TEACH, the Word of God.
-LIVE, the Word of God.

11. Third Defining Element:
Elders lead the church fulfilling the example of
Christ.
1) by protecting the flock.
a. An elder must:
-REFUTE false doctrine.
-RESOLVE doctrinal issues.
-HOLD FAST the faithful Word.
-ADMONISH & DISCIPLINE sin.
-SEEK peace and steadiness in the church.

12. Conclusion:
-Identify 6 “defining elements” of an elder’s role
within the church:
1) Elders lead the church.
2) Elders lead the church instinctively.
3) Elders lead the church fulfilling Christ’s example.

13. Response?
The need is for godly, spiritual men
to lead the church!

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Pastor Brent Small
www.CascadesBibleChurch.com