In this sermon podcast, Pastor Brent identifies the remaining 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 remaining 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: 4) Elders lead the church sacrificially. 5) Elders lead the church with godliness. 6) Elders lead the church with humility.

1. The Need for Godly Men, Pt. 4
1 Peter 5:1-5
Pastor Brent Small
www.CascadesBibleChurch.com

2. Ezekiel 34:1-2;
Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, “Son
of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel.
Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the
Lord God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been
feeding themselves!
Should not the shepherds feed the flock?”’”

3. Titus 1:5,
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set
in order what remains and appoint elders in every city
as I directed you,

4. What was the need?
Find godly men, who could lead the
church.

5. Question:
What is the role of an elder?
What do these men do?

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)
2) As a shepherd leads sheep. 5:2(a)

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

9. 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.

10. Third Defining Element:
Elders lead the church fulfilling the example of Christ.
2) 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.

11. Third Defining Element:
Elders lead the church fulfilling the example of Christ.
3) by guiding the flock.
a. The elder(s) must:
-PROCLAIM a biblical gospel.
-ESTABLISH a biblical vision for ministry.
-TRAIN the next generation of leaders.
-STEWARD the resources of the church.
-ANTICIPATE threats to the flock.

12. Third Defining Element:
Elders lead the church fulfilling the example of Christ.
4) by caring for the flock.
a. The elder(s) must:
-LOVE the flock.
-KNOW the flock.
-TRAIN others to serve the flock.
-SACRIFICE for the flock.

13. Fourth Defining Element:
Elders lead the church sacrificially. 5:2 (e)
1) by denying self.
2) through eager service.

14. Fifth Defining Element:
Elders lead the church with godliness. 5:3
1) by not domineering their flock.
2) by becoming examples to the flock.

15. Sixth Defining Element:
Elders lead the church with humility. 5:5
1) by being a crucified man.
2) by being a servant.
3) by exercising strength under control.

16. 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.
4) Elders lead the church sacrificially.
5) Elders lead the church with godliness.
6) Elders lead the church with humility.

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

18. Application:
*Pray for current and future elders;
*Men, we must apply in leading our homes.
*Ladies, you must fulfill your role in such a way as to
free and encourage your husband to fulfill his.
*Single men, seek ministry to develop this leadership.
*Current leadership must seek to develop future
leaders.

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Pastor Brent Small
www.CascadesBibleChurch.com