Elder's and Pastor's Lecture Handouts

8/9/2019 Elder's and Pastor's Lecture Handouts

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Leading the Local Church Together

LECTURE NOTES

Prepared by

Francisco D. Gayoba

NPUC, January 2010

Session 1:Gods Purpose for the Church

I. Gods Purpose for the Church

A. The desire and work of God is that all men will be saved.

1. 1 Tim 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to

be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2. The church is a community of people called into being by God for the purpose of carrying out His

redemptive mission in the world.

B. In the Gospel commission given by Jesus to His disciples (Matt 28:19-20), he termed Gods desire for

the salvation of the world as to make disciples of all the nations. Jesus then stated that making

disciples involves two basic elements:1. baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

2. teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you

C. The salvation of all men or of making them disciples involves two aspects that we will use the as

aspects of the work of the church.

II. Baptizing (Matt 28:19): Evangelism

A. The New Testament lists several activities that leads to baptism: 1) witnessing, 2) speaking, and,

3) evangelizing.

B. The NT is also clear what being baptized means.

1. Baptism, the outward immersion in water, signifies the experiences of dying to sin and living in the

newness of life in Christ.

2. Accordingly, the inward experiences associated in the Bible through the symbol of baptism by

immersion are repentance, faith, death to sin, accepting the lordship of Christ, and newness of life.

C. Evangelism then is the work of the church that leads people into a relationship with Jesus, manifested

by

1. Faith and repentance

2. Death of the old self

3. New birth

4. Accepting Jesus as Lordship

5. Joining a body of believers

D. How important it is that the church be faithful to making disciples the biblical way.

1. Evangelism is the first work of the church. It involves the witness of life, and proclamation,

leading those who respond into conversion and a saving relationship with Jesus.

2. Evangelism also means that only those whose experiences conform to the biblical meaning of

baptism be accepted into the church. Failure to follow the biblical teachings on baptism means that

there is no genuine new birth. The next step of discipleship, that of growing up, is not possible

without the new birth. How can a person who has not died to self and has not been born again

grow in a new life?


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Leading the Local Church Together Lecture Notes, FDGayoba (NPUC, Jan 2010), page 2

III. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you (Matt 28:20): This work is often called

Edification. Edification means building up in the faith.

A. Having been baptized, we must continue to teach members how to grow as disciples. Converts must betaught and nurtured so that they can live the life of a Christian.

1. The combined work of evangelizing and teaching is brought together by Paul in Colossians

1:28,29, where he expressed the purpose of his entire ministry: Him we preach, warning every

man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

2. To be perfect in Christ is the goal of edification.

B. The second work of the church then is its ministry to bring about living faith as evidenced by

scriptural holiness in the lives of the members. This is the work of maturing disciples.

1. Making disciples does not end but only begins at baptism.

2. Disciple-making is to build up and sustain a living faith on those who have accepted Jesus as their

Savior.

3. An individual Christian needs a community of faithful believers to help him or her persevere untilthe end, to bear fruit in a life of Christlike holiness.

C. The church, in order to be faithful in making disciples, must not only focus in baptizing but also in

edification.

1. The question is ask is, How many persons are we reaching so that they know Jesus and are born

again?

2. The other important question is, Of the persons baptized, how many remain in the faith and grow

to be mature Christians?

D. Thus, the programs and activities of the local church must fulfill Gods purpose of the church, both in

calling people to salvation and keeping and nurturing salvation after they have become members of the

church.

IV. Principles in making disciples based on the NT

A. Evangelism1

1. Every body of believers must be responsible to evangelize its own community first. Christians are

to saturate their community with love and demonstrate a Christian lifestyle in all their

relationships.

2. Presenting the Gospel to the unsaved is to take place against the backdrop of a loving and unified

body of Christians.

3. The corporate witness of the local church is basic to personal evangelism. How the members relate

to one another is important to witnessing. Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also

love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one

another" (John 13:34-35).

4. The primary target for evangelism should be adults and consequently, whole households. (Acts

16:15, 31-34)

5. The church is responsible to identify those who have a desire to carry the Good News in a special

way out into the community and beyond the immediate community, even to the remotest part of

the earth. (Acts 13:1-2)

6. New believers should be integrated into the life of the church as soon as possible.

Adapted from Gene A. Getz, Sharpening the Focus of the Church (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1984), 81.1


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B. Edification2

1. The local church is the primary means by which edification is to take place. (Eph 4:11-13)

2. Believers must be provided with a basic knowledge of the Word of God.

3. Believers must be provided with an in-depth knowledge of the Word of God, often provided bypeople beyond the local church.

4. Believers must be provided with opportunities to develop capacities that go beyond knowledge, such

as wisdom.

5. Believers must be provided with the sum total of experiences which will help them get beyond the

knowledge level: vital learning experiences with the Word, vital relational experiences with one

another and with God, and vital witnessing experiences, both individually and corporately.

6. All believers must be equipped for Christian service so that together they can function as a body,

edifying one another.

7. Believers must be helped to develop qualitative family life.

V. Summary and Conclusion

A. God called us to lead His church.

B. As leaders we should be faithful to God and lead His church according to His purpose.C. Are we fulfilling Gods purpose as a church?

1. Reaching as many people as possible, doing all the steps needed so that people will be baptized and

have a genuine experience of being born again in Christ and joining His church?

2. Teaching converts so that they can observe or obey all that Jesus taught? Are we producing mature

Christians in our church?

D. We Adventists believe that Jesus is coming soon. The conviction that Jesus is coming soon is

manifested, according to the Bible in

1. A passion for bringing people into a saving relationship with Jesus

2. An active commitment and discipline to a holy life, growing in Christlikeness

E. Let us help each other so that our church, through our leadership, can fulfill Gods purpose.

Ibid., 119.2


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4

Session 2:

Toward Biblical Leadership in the Church

I. The church is both Local and universal (general/worldwide), as the several meanings of church in the NT

show.A. The church is local

1. Actual assembly of believers in a particular place: the church in your house (Phm 2); the church

that is in his house (Col 4:15).

2. The church in a broader geography such as churches in a given city or area: the churches of God

which are in Judea (1 Th 2:14); churches of Galatia (1 Co 16:1).

3. The church is worldwide, referring to the entire body of believers, wherever they are. This can be

seen from Acts 9:31, Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria; Acts 20:28

the church of God which He purchased with His own blood;

B. Which level of the church is responsible to make disciples of all nations? The local? the worldwide

church? or both? When we look at the apostolic church, we see the interconnection of both levels as the

local and worldwide structures worked together to fulfill the mission of the church.

II. Universal/General/Worldwide Pastoral LeadersA. Background. The apostles and disciples carried out the commission of Jesus to make disciples of all

nations. We begin with the general/universal leadership because it is by this set of leaders that the

local churches were founded

B. Biblical teachings from parallel passages in 1 Corinthians and Ephesians

1. 1 Cor 12:28-31

a. The background of 1 Cor 12:1-27. Verses 4-10 explains that all members receive diverse

spiritual gifts. V 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each

one individually as He wills. This phrase is parallel to the "to each one of Eph 4:7. Verses

12-26 explains that all members of the body are necessary.

b. Verses 27-31 highlights several gifts that are not shared by all

(1) v 28. "First . . . second . . . third" was normally a designation of rank; most of the gifts

after the first three seem to be listed randomly.

(a) first apostles

i) The term apostles refer primarily to the twelve men chosen by Jesus from the

larger group of disciples (Luke 6:3; see also Matt 10:1-4). An apostle is a

messenger sent forth with orders. Paul also considers himself a apostle, sent by

Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

ii) In a secondary sense, the apostles are messengers sent forth by Jesus Christ as

missionaries or Christian leaders involved in proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

Thus their main work is the ministry of the Word. They founded and

organized churches.

(b) second prophets A prophet is a person who spoke forth messages from God.

This gift was given to individuals who received special revelations from God in

order to help the founding of the churches and help them grow and mature into afunctioning body of believers.

(c) third teachers The teaching in the apostolic church, frequently associated with

preaching, was primarily for evangelistic purposes (Acts 5:42; 18:24, 27-28; 20:21-

22).

(d) There is no ranking for the succeeding gifts but presented randomly: after that

miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues

(2) These gifts are not given to all. Vv :29-30 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all

teachers? . . . This is the parallel of the gifts given only to some of Eph 4:11


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(3) Verse 31 terms these gifts as best gifts, greater gifts (NIV), higher gifts (RSV),

indicating greater significance than the each one gifts given to all members.

c. These best gifts were appointed or set in order by God in the work of the church. The

greater gifts are part of the order of the church ordained by God.

(1) Eph 2:20 gives the reason for the order: The church was built on the foundation of theapostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone

(2) The work of the apostles and the prophets then are foundational gifts because of its role

in founding the Christian church.

2. Ephesians 4:4-16

a. Ground for the unity of the body in vv 4-6 one: one body, one Spirit, called in one hope

of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all

b. But though one, each differ. Spiritual gifts given to each one, thus all have gifts (v 7),

though different from each other

c. God also gave gifts only to some, not to all, for the unity and spiritual growth of the body (v

11)

(1) some to be apostles Mentioned also in 1 Cor 12 and already explained.

(2) some prophets Mentioned also in 1 Cor 12 and already explained.(3) some evangelists Not mentioned in 1 Cor 12.

(a) The gift of the evangelist was not mentioned in the 1 Corinthian passage but

doubtless also a greater gift.

(b) To be an evangelist is to be a bringer of good tidings or to be one who preaches

the gospel. In the NT, these individuals brought the good tidings of the

Gospelthe Good News of Jesus Christs coming, death, and resurrection.

(4) some pastors and teachers 1 Cor 12 mentions only teachers

(a) The gift of pastoring was not mentioned in the 1 Corinthian passage but doubtless

also a greater gift.

(b) The construction of the Greek for this phrase makes pastors-teachers one

category.

(c) The gift of pastoring is also important in the church. However, from the teachings

in the NT, it appears that being a teacher is the primary role of the persons givengreater gifts rather than being evangelists and pastors. As such the detailed

explanation of this function will be given in section describing the set of leaders

upon whom the work of pastoring/shepherding was primarily assigned.

(5) The purpose of the gifts given to some vv 12-16

(a) v 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry

(b) for the edifying of the body of Christ

i) 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of

God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

a) 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried

about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the

cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

ii) 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is

the head Christ 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together

by what every joint supplies,

a) according to the effective working by which every part does its share,

b) causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

3. Important points from the passages

a. From the list of greater gifts given only to some, it can be seen that the common gift

beyond the foundational ones is that of teacher. Eph 4 would add evangelist and pastor.

b. Students of the Bible, using the analogy of 1 Cor 3 that the apostles as the builders of the


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foundation and those working later as continuing the building, suggest the following chart to

bring together the greater gifts of Eph 4:11 and 1 Cor 12:28

Founding work Continuing building work

Apostles (sent forth to proclaim the Gospel Evangelists (Bringer of the Gospel)

Prophets (speaking the Word from God) Teachers of the Word

c. The continuing work of the evangelists and teachers show the importance of the Word in

producing faith, whether in proclaiming to unbelievers or teaching believers.

C. The function of the greater gifts

1. The gifts given to some is to equip all members of the body for service and ministry.

2. The gifts of apostleship, prophecy, evangelist and pastors-teachers were not only for the local but

the universal church, as the context of Eph 4 and 1 Cor 12 indicate.

3. The gifts given to each one or to all were primarily for the local church.

4. The foundational gifts for apostleship (and prophecy are not always present in the church. Whatremains however, are the gifts needed for the continuing unity and growth of the church, that of

evangelists and pastors-teachers.

5. The model of the gospel minister in the Adventist church is the New Testament evangelist-pastor-

teacher.

a. The ministry of the evangelists-pastors-teachers were for the church at large or for the

general/universal church.

b. They made disciples, founded churches, and moved from one group of believers to another,

helping them become established in the faith.

c. Their main role would be a teacher, which involves proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers as

an evangelist, as well as edifying believers with the Word.

d. Their additional work would be that of pastor.

III. Pastoral Leadership in the Local Church

A. The New Testament has enough data from which we can derived who the pastoral leaders in the local

churches are

1. The church in Jerusalem was led by elders (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4).

2. The book of Acts records that in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, they "appointed

elders in every church" (14:23).

3. Paul instructed Titus to "appoint elders in every city" (Titus 1:5).

4. That the elders were local is plain from Peter's letter referring to the "elders who are among you" (1

Peter 5:1).

B. Titles of the spiritual leaders of the local church

1. "Elder" (presbuteros) is the first title of local church leaders. "Elder" is the most prevalent term

for local leaders in the NT.

a. The term elder comes from the Old Testament. Elders were the leaders in the Jewish

communities and synagogues. To be an elder is to be an "older" person in experience and

wisdom, a proven leader, who serve as example to the community.

b. That is why a elder must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under

the same judgment as the devil (1 Tim 3:6, NIV).

2. The second title for local church leaders is "bishop" (episkopos) (Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1-2; Titus 1:7).

a. Bishop means an overseer, guardian, one who exercises oversight. The contemporary


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meaning may be superintendent or supervisor. This title is of Greek origin and is used in

the Christian Hellenistic churches.

b. This title is the equivalent of the title elder in the Jewish Christian churches.

3. The term "elder" and "bishop" are used synonymously in the NT.

a. In Paul's letter to Titus, he reminds Titus that he had commanded him to appoint "elders"(Titus 1:5). Paul calls these "elders" "bishops" (v 7).

b. Peter also uses these terms interchangeably. The elders are to serve as overseers (1 Peter

5:1-2).

c. While the term elder emphasizes the age, experience, and wisdom of the local leaders,

bishop emphasize their active work in managing affairs, guarding the group, and directing

activities.

d. In the Adventist church we use the term elder rather than bishop since elder is the

predominant title in the NT.

C. The NT uses two terms to describe the function of the elders/bishops of the local churches.

1. Acts 20:17 states that Paul "called for the elders of the church" of Ephesus.

a. He reminds these elders (v 27) that the "Holy Spirit has made" them "overseers" (episkopoi).

Even as the Spirit gifted and appointed the gospel ministers, the Spirit also made the eldersoverseers to fulfill a function.

b. Paul also reminded the elders that they are also to "shepherd [pastor] the church of God" (Acts

20:28).

2. In 1 Peter 5:1-2, the apostle Peter exhorts the "elders"

a. not only to "shepherd the flock of God"

b. but also to serve "as overseers."

3. For Paul then, overseers are to also shepherd the church. For Peter on the other hand, shepherds

are also to oversee the flock. Whatever the order, Paul and Peter agree on the two functions of an

elder/bishop: shepherd and elder/overseer.

4. Perhaps a good term to use for the spiritual leaders of local church is shepherd-elders. While

pastoring is their work in the local church, nowhere in the NT are elders given the title of pastor.

D. The Bible speaks of the elders (presbuteroi) of the church, referring to them mostly in the plural.1. Multiple eldership means that two or more elders work together, helping each other fulfill their

responsibilities thus lightening the work load, balance each others weakness, consulting each other

in decision making, and providing accountability. This will avoid a one-man rule in the local

church.

2. Pastoral leadership in the local church is a team effortnot the sole responsibility of one person.

3. Elders can take turns as presider among the council of elders. Being a presider does not mean one

elder having a higher authority over the others. The presider, or being the first among equals has

the responsibility of convening the council and guiding and following its business.

4. While singular leadership may be more efficient, the goal for the church is not efficiency but

spiritual growth. In plural leadership there is the advantage of multiple mature examples and the

understanding and judgment coming from collective experience.

E. Thus we have in the NT two main responsibilities of the elders/bishops of the local church:

1. Shepherding or pastoring, and

2. Overseeing or managing the church of God.

F. The elders/overseers-shepherds of the local church perform a noble task (1 Tim 3:1, NIV). Anyone

who is spiritually qualified can desire the position of an elder. Thus the leadership in the local

church belongs to the all category rather than to the gifts given to some.


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IV. Conclusion

A. Interrelation or Interconnection between local and universal leadership

1. Those appointed by God to lead the churches at large, the some with greater gifts, are also

considered elders/overseers (1 Peter 5:1). Thus the character qualifications needed for the gospelminister is also based on the biblical passages about the local elder.

2. In the Adventist church, the difference between the elders at large and the local elders is the degree

of authority granted by the Church, and not a distinction between clergy and laity. Both are

ordained, as such, local elders can conduct the Lords supper, give the homily in a wedding,

conduct the funeral service, even baptize if authorized by the mission/conference committee.

3. The work of the gospel minister and the shepherd-elder are similar though. The authority and

scope of ministry of the first is over the churches at large while that of the later is local.

B. The New Testament is clear on the God -ordained order or structure leadership in the church.

1. Elders, both those appointed to serve the church at large, and those chosen to lead the local

churches, are the leaders of the church.

2. It is important that gospel ministers and elder-shepherds fulfill their role.

a. When they do so, the church grows spiritually and is built up.b. When either the gospel ministers or the local elders, or both, give up their God-ordained roles

and functions, the church weakens and cannot fulfill its mission.


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9

Session 3:

The Role (Function) of the Gospel Minister in Relation to the Local Church

I. Broad Functions based on the Images of the Pastor-teacher in the New Testament

A. Pastors are Servants and Stewards of Christ

1. In 1 Cor 4:1-2, Paul wanted the Corinthians to look at the nature of the ministry from two images:

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ [ministers of Christ, KJV] and stewards

[oikonomos] of the mysteries of God.

a. The Greek noun used in 1 Cor 4:1 (huperetes) refers to a subordinate acting under another's

direction." Paul considers himself as merely a servant serving under the direction of Christ.

Paul often refers to himself as a servant, using different nouns such as diakonos servant and

doulos slave.

b. On being stewards, the point of Paul is that he and Apollos are merely entrusted with the

mysteries of God. They do not own it. What is required of them is to give it out to others

faithfully and as directed by his master Jesus Christ.

2. 1 Cor 3:3-5 is important in understanding the nature of the ministry. Paul is saying that apostles,

and pastors like Apollos, are not accountable to the congregation but directly to Christ.a. Paul does not work for the Corinthians but for Christ.

b. N either is the pastor answerable to public opinion but to Christ who will judge him.

3. Ministers are stewards of the mysteries of God.

a. In Ephesians 3, Paul would broaden the concept of the mysteries of God to include the entire

work of the gospel, of the plan of salvation.

b. That pastors are servants or ministers of the gospel are found in several passages in Pauls

writings: that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of

God (Rom 15:16-17); Timothy. . . minister of God . . . in the gospel of Christ (1 Thess

3:2-3).

c. Pauls thought is the basis for Adventists to refer to their pastors as ministers of the gospel,

or the work they are called to do as gospel ministry.

B. Pastors are Ambassadors and Preachers

1. 2 Cor 5:20-21 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us:

we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

a. The background of this passage is that the Corinthian Christians were challenging the

authority of Paul. First Cor 2:1-5 hint that for the Corinthians, "excellence of speech,"

"wisdom," and the self-confidence of the leader is the basis of authority for them. In other

words, authority for them depends on the capabilities of the leader.

2. Pauls answer is that apostles and pastors are Christs ambassadors. The authority of preaching

comes not from the human instrument but from the One who sent them. Several passages from

Pauls writings corroborate this understanding of the source of authority.

a. 1 Tim 2:5-7 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men. . . 7 for which I

was appointed a preacher and an apostle I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying

a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.b. Paul would instruct Timothy: I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ . . .

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all

longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound

doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up

for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned

aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions. . . fulfill your ministry

(2 Tim 4:1-5)

3. Pastors are to preach as Christs ambassadors even though the message may not be pleasing to


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people. They are to preach the Word God has given them rather than following the desires of the

listeners.

C. Pastors are Farmers and Builders, Growing Christs Church

1. 1 Cor 3:5-9 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, asthe Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then

neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he

who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his

own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field

a. The Corinthian church misunderstood the ministry. They measured it by human standards,

leading to divisions based on personality and giftedness.

b. Paul said that the church is Gods field, with apostles and pastors merely as workers.

c. It is God who gives different ministers with particular strengths so that His field would grow.

Some ministers are planters, some are waterers. Gods field has a growing schedule and he

sends workers as needed by the particular stage or season of the field.

d. Whatever ministers do, whether planting or watering, God will reward them according to the

role they played in Gods farm or field.

2. 1 Cor 3:9-15 you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, asa wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take

heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which

is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood,

hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be

revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which

he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

a. Pastors have different work in the building of the church. Some like Paul, laid the foundation,

others like Apollos continued to build.

b. The most important thing is that anyone who builds must lay only on the right foundation,

follow the building plan, and use only the right materials.

c. The work of each leader will be examined; whether the work endures. If the work endures,

there will be a reward. If the work is sub standard and burns, the builder loses.

3. Pastoral work then involves a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities. Pastors have different gifts,abilities, and strengths though they all are expected to possess the basic gifts needed to be an

evangelist-pastor-teacher. All their work is merely means to a divine end: that churches would be

built up. God called pastors to grow and build the church.

D. Pastors are Both Mothers and Fathers of the Believers

1. Paul was also a pastor and not only an apostles-prophet-evangelist-teacher. He had the following

description of his ministry as a pastor. 1 Thess 2:7-9 But we were gentle among you, just as a

nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well

pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become

dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we

might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

a. The pastor should be like a mother

(1) Gentle. . .caring

(2) affectionately longing for the members

(3) impart . . . not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives

(4) laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you

b. The pastor should be like a mother to the church

2. 1 Thess 2:10-12 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we

behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and

charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God

who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.


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a. devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe The

pastor, like a father, teaches morality through the power of example

b. we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you The pastor should not only

challenge but also encourage and comfort.

c. The pastor should be like a father to the church.

E. Based on the images of the pastor-teacher in the New Testament, several things can be derived

1. They are men of authority, derived not from the congregations they lead, but from their Lord who

called them to the ministry.

2. Pastor-teachers are not accountable to the congregation. God called them to transmit the Gospel

and lead out so that the implications of the Gospel are lived out faithfully in the lives of the

members and the churches under their care.

3. Pastor-teachers are called by God as farmers or builders. They must make sure that the church

grows or is built up according to Gods will. They are accountable to God for the results of their

work.

4. The influence of a pastor-teacher comes from caring like a mother and leading like a father.

II. The specific instructions given by Paul to Timothy and Titus serve as basis for understanding the work ofthe pastor-teacher in relation to the local churches. The function words in the passages below will be

emphasized so that the work of the pastor-teacher will be clear.

A. Timothy was a NT pastor-teacher

1. Paul sent him to Thessalonica to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith 1 Thess

3:2

2. Paul asked Timothy to go to Corinth to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in

every church. 1 Cor 4:17

3. Paul asked him to remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly

edification which is in faith 1 Tim 1:3-4

4. Paul wrote to Timothy: And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses,

commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Tim 2:2

5. 1 Tim 4:11-13 is a reminder what Timothy ought to do as a pastor-teacher. These thingscommand and teach. . . be an example to the believers . . . give attention to reading, to exhortation,

to doctrine.

6. Timothy was to correct those who hold to different teachings. 2 Tim 2:23-25 But avoid foolish

and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not

quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in

opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.

7. Timothy, the pastor-teacher, was charged by Paul to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim 4:5).

B. Titus was another NT pastor-teacher

1. Paul left Titus in Crete that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders

in every city as I commanded you (Titus 1:5).

2. As the pastor-teacher in Crete, Titus is to speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine

(Titus 2:1) and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you (Titus 2:15).

3. Titus was to confront those teaching false teachings For there are many insubordinate, both idle

talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who

subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. . .

Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:10-13).

4. He was even to silence false teachers: Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned ( Titus 3:10-11).


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III. There is a specific role stated clearly in the list of the greater gifts, that of the pastor as Equipper

A. Eph 4:12 defines the functional role of the greater gifts as the equipping of the saints. Katartiz,

the word for equip, expresses making something suitable or useful. In classical Greek it meant to put

in order, restore, furnish, equip, to make suitable or fitting. It suggests making something work the way

it was designed to function, to bring something from a place of ineffectiveness to effectiveness.B. The goal or purpose for equipping is also stated in the passage

1. so that the saints can do the work of ministry (v 12)

2. for the edifying of the body of Christ (v 12)

3. so that the saints may grow up in all things into Him (v 15)

4. so that every part of the body does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself

(v 16)

C. Based on the above, the unique role of the pastor as spiritual leader is to equip people to do the ministry

they've been called to do.

1. Pastors are to offer training, encouragement, and a framework of support through which the

ministry of all God's people can be accomplished.

2. The pastor should work closely with the elders so that they can grow as leaders of the local church.

3. He works closely with the elders in equipping members so that they can help each other serve in

edification and service.4. He leads in visioning and planning for the mission of the church.

IV. Summary

A. The primary role of the gospel minister has to do with the Word.

1. He is to feed the flock, preaching and teaching the whole will of God.

2. He is to watch the flock so that they are protected against false teachings and false teachers.

3. He is to lead and manage the different activities and programs of the church so that he can present

everyone perfect in Christ.

4. He is to lead and manage the church so that every member does his/her share, building up each

other in the faith.

B. His secondary role is to be an equipper, so that the local church can fulfill its ministry through theleadership of the local elders and the ministry of each member caring for one another.

C. Note that though called pastor, shepherding members is not is primary responsibility. His

responsibility has something to do with the care of the churches, making sure that they believe, act,

work, and function following the Bible.


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13

Session 4:

The Role of the Elders in the Local Church

I. The dominant role of local church elders in the New Testament is that of managing and shepherding..

A. Managing the church

1. Paul makes the ability to manage, one who rules his own house well, (1 Tim 3:4) one of the

important qualifications of an elder. His reason is, for if a man does not know how to rule his own

house, how will he take care of the church of God? (1 Tim 3:5). From this passage, we can

deduce several key points of the elder being the manager of the church of God

a. The word rule means manage, from the wordproistemi.

b. The elder is to manage the church like a family. Indeed the church is the household of God.

c. Managing involves the total and complete oversight of the church. Even as God holds the

father responsible for the overall leadership in the home, He holds the elders responsible for

the overall leadership in the local church.

2. The biblical gift/ministry of administration is synonymous with what we today call "Management."

While we cannot accept all of the secular understanding and methods of management, we can learn

the basic skills from them. The managerial skills needed area. Planning: The managerial function of defining goals and objectives so that the church can

fulfill its mission, and deciding on ways to reach them.

b. Organizing: The managerial function of creating a structure of relationships among members

that will enable them to carry out the objectives and meet overall goals.

c. Leading: The managerial function of communicating with and motivating members and other

leaders to perform the tasks necessary to achieve the churchs objectives.

d. Controlling: The process by which the pastor and elders, as well as the church departments

consciously monitors performance and takes corrective action.

B. Shepherding

1. We turn to Peter for a longer explanation on the role of the elders as shepherds of the local church.

1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders who are among you I exhort . . . 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is

among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but

eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and

when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

a. not by compulsion but willingly serve with the right spirit

b. not for dishonest gain but eagerly serve with pure motives

c. nor as being lords over those entrusted to you not lead in an authoritarian way

d. but being examples to the flock lead by modeling

e. and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade

away.

2. The responsibilities involved in being a shepherd.

a. The Jewish and even the Gentile Christians, living in an agricultural society, were familiar

with the work of the shepherds.

b. In Ezekiel 34, God's expectations of leaders as shepherds are expressed, though the context isthe condemnation of the leaders who do not fulfill their roles.

(1) From this passage we can get a list of the responsibilities or functions of a shepherd.

(a) "feed the flocks," v 2, 3, 8, 13, 14, 15, 23

(b) The weak . . . strengthened v 4, 16

(c) healed those who were sick v 4

(d) bound up the broken v 4, 16

(e) brought back what was driven away v 4,

(f) sought what was lost v 4


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(g) seeking or searching for them v 6, 8, 11, 12, 15

(h) bring them out and gather them v 13, 16

(i) make them lie down v 15

(j) "I shall judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and goats" v 17, 20, 22

(k) save . . . flock v 22(2) Cluster of shepherding skills/activities

(a) Gathering: search, seek, save, bring out

(b) Feed: feed, pasture

(c) Care: make them lie down, strengthen the weak, bind up the injured, heal the sick

(d) Rule/judge. Organize the activities so that everybody is taken cared of, and not just

the strong who can take care of themselves.

(3) Note that the work of feeding is the most dominant task God requires of shepherds

3. Each church should have a Shepherding Plan.

a. All members are to be assigned to an elder for spiritual care and organized into groups. The

members and families know who their shepherd-elder is so that they can approach him/her in

time of need.

b. The recommendation is that an elder be elected for every 30-50 members or one for every 7-12families.

c. The best grouping is based on geography so that the shepherd-elder can easily visit and care for

the members and families under his/her care who live in one area.

d. The elder is to be assigned deacons and deaconesses who will serve as his assistants, preferably

those who also live in the same area.

e. The elder and his/her assistants are to care for the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs

of the members under their care.

f. The elder and his/her team do pastoral visit to each member/family under their care at least

once in two months.

g. A reporting device is to be made so that the pastoral visitation of members can be monitored.

h. The best shepherding plan however is that based on Small Groups.

II. Bringing it all together: The Responsibilities of the shepherd-elder of the local church.

A. Essential functions for shepherd-elders. From the NT, several functions or responsibilities emerge:

1. Teaching biblical truth. Feeding is the most basic responsibility of elders/overseers.

a. Elders, writes Paul to Titus, must hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he

may be able, by sound doctrine be able to exhort others (Titus 1:9)

b. A qualification of an elder is to be able to teach (1 Tim 3:2)

2. Modeling Christlike behavior.

3. Maintaining doctrinal purity

a. Paul reminded the Ephesian elders to watch and warn everyone because men will rise up,

speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves (Acts 20:30-31).

b. Paul wrote to Titus that he should appoint elders-overseers-shepherds who convict those who

contradict the truth (Titus 1:9).

4. Caring for members.

5. Discipline unruly believers

a. Gal 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a

one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's

burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

b. 1 Thess 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the

fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to

anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

6. Administer financial matters


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a. The fund gathered by the Christians in Antioch for the famine in Judea were sent to the elders

in Jerusalem for distribution (Acts 11:30).

b. Paul gave instructions to the leaders in Corinth, as he did to Galatia, that they gather funds for

the needy in Jerusalem, store it, and designate somebody to bring it to Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:3-

4). The elders were to supervise financial matters so that there should be no reproach on thechurch.

7. Praying for those who are ill

a. James told the believers they could ask the elders to pray for their physical, psychological, and

spiritual healing (James 5:13-16).

B. Based on the NT description of church leaders as managers/elders and shepherds, several specific

roles can be enumerated for the present-day church.

1. As elders, church leaders are expected to

a. Be examples to the members, being honored men who by reason of experience and wisdom, are

recognized as men of influence

b. Preserve the teachings of the church

c. Settle conflicts and discipline if needed

d. Manage and administer the various programs and activities of the church so that its meetsGods intent of making disciples

e. Supervise the work so that the needed tasks for a healthy church are done.

f. Care for the property of the church

2. As shepherds, church leaders are expected to

a. Preach the Word and teach so that the members grow in their faith and live the Christian way

of life

b. Care for the general well-being of members and protecting them

C. Summary: All three terms referring to the local church elders are interrelated.

1. The term "elder," emphasizes who the leader is, he is a mature person.

2. "Bishop" speaks of what the leader does, she "oversees," "guards."

3. The term "shepherd" speaks of the elders attitude and leadership style, he is caring.

4. The role of the local shepherd-elders has to do with making sure the basic processes needed for thelocal church to be healthy and grow in faith, is implemented.


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16

Session 5:

Working Together to Build Healthy Churches

I. Growing and Building a Healthy Church

A. The gospel minister and the local church elders have one focus in common: the life and ministry of the

local church. God has also a common purpose for both: For His church to grow and be heathy (Eph

4:12-16).

1. Church Health is a the concept that express what we want to happen in the local churches.

a. Definition: "Church health is our expression for the normal functioning of church life as God

has designed it."

b. The above definition points to three things:

(1) The word "health" is an attempt to capture a biblical concept. The term itself is not the

critical issue. What is important is the reality: i.e., "the normal functioning of church life

as God has designed it."

(2) There is a normal way for churches to function: namely, "as God has designed."

Churches that do not function this way are not healthy.

(3) The standard for measuring church life is God's design for the church as taught in theBible.

2. The pastor-teacher and the shepherd-elders are to work together so that through wise

planning and effective implementation, the churches they lead are healthy.

3. How to become a healthy church

a. Only God through the Spirit can cause spiritual life and health.

b. However, the Bible teaches several activities that will result in spiritual health, whether as an

individual or as a church.

c. Theologians have called these activities as means of grace. In other words, these activities

are the means God uses to sustain and grow spiritual life. An analogy would be helpful:

(1) In our physical life, we need to breathe, eat a good diet, sleep, exercise, etc., in order to

stay healthy. As long was we do these things and have no disease, we expect to stay

healthy.

(2) In farming, when the land and weather is good, if we plow, plant good seed, water,

fertilize, spray against pests and diseases, prune if needed, we expect a good harvest.

d. So, in growing a healthy church. If pastors and elders make sure that the basic spiritual

processes are taking place, God will use these means so that what results are spiritually

healthy members adding up to a strong and healthy church.

4. Processes for a healthy church. There are many ways of expressing the biblical teaching on

becoming spiritually healthy but following is the simplest and yet a comprehensive approach.

Included are not only the areas but the goal, that is, what we want to see in the church so that

spiritual growth will take place.

Aspect Goal or General Indicator

1. Prayer and Devotional

Life

Prayer and meditation are parts of the daily life of members, so much so that

their lives and the lives of others around them are transformed.

2. Corporate Worship Those who regularly attend our worship encounter the living God and are

changed by their worship experiences.

3. Stewardship The church members are the kind of stewards that make the most and best


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Aspect Goal or General Indicator

resources possible for God's work, especially their time and money.

4. Teaching and Study of the Word The Spirit is speaking to members through the study and teaching of theWord, effectively transforming their lives.

5. Discipling and Pastoral

Care

Members are part of a system where they are given pastoral care by spiritually

mature leaders who personally guide them into individual and corporate

maturity and ministry.

6. Ministry or Use of

Spiritual Gifts

Our members discover and use their gifts to carry out the ministry of the

church.

7. Community Service Our church is involved in works of mercy, improving the quality of life of our

community.

8. Local Evangelism Our church members become confident and effective witnesses, regularly

leading people to God.

9. Mission Strategy Our church develops strategies that would help in effectively reaching people

groups and new areas.

10. Leadership and

Administration

Our church is led by gifted and spiritually mature leaders who lead and

manage the church so that it meets Gods purpose.

B. Bringing about a Healthy Church

1. The basic tasks are

a. Planning: defining goals and objectives for future performance and deciding on ways to reach

them. The areas and goals given above should be the focus of planning.

b. Organizing: creating a structure of relationships among members that will enable them to carryout the plans and meet overall objectives.

c. Leading: communicating with and motivating others to perform the tasks necessary to achieve

the church's objectives.

d. Controlling: The process by which the pastor and elders, as overseers of the church,

consciously monitors performance and takes corrective action.

2. The following is a chart, suggesting how pastor and elders can work together in bringing about a

healthy and growing church life.

Tasks Role of the Pastor Role of the Elders

1. Planning Lead Actively participate

1.1 Visioning Lead elders and other key leaders inseeing Gods purpose for the church.

Use the sections "The Mission of the

Church," and "The Basic Tasks in

Making Disciples" in The Healthy

Church Planning Handbookas a

resource in understanding the

mission of the church.

Communicate to the leaders and

Study and pray with pastor for adeeper understanding of the mission

of the church.

Share with other local leaders

through sermons, talks, testimonies,

etc., the mission of the church


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members through sermons, Bible

studies, committee meetings,

informal talks, prayer sessions, etc.

1.2 Environmental

scanning/Church

Assessment

Equip elders and key church officers

for Church Assessment

Assist elders and key church officers

in the Assessment.

Conduct Church Assessment with

key leaders of the church

Use the following sections in the

Healthy Church Planning Handbook

as instruments in assessing the

situation of the local church:

- "Basic Church Statistics"

-"Assessment of Church Life and

Ministry"

1.3 Choosing Broad

Strategies or Goalsbased on the Ten

Aspects of a Healthy

Church, resulting in

a 2-5 year Strategic

Plan

Lead elders and key church officers

in writing goals and formulating a 2-5 year Strategic Plan for the church.

Work with pastor in writing goals

and formulating a 2-5 year StrategicPlan for the church. In bigger

churches, pastors and elders sit with

the Departmental Councils to develop

the Strategic Plan.

1.4 Formulating an

Annual Action/

Implementation Plan

by identifying

detailed objectives

and actions.

1.4.1 Assigningpersons

responsible for

the objectives

1.4.2 Develop-

ing a Budget

1.4.4 Develop-

ing a Calendar of

Events,

Activities, and

Tasks

Lead elders and key church officers

in making the Action Plan with all its

details for each Aspect of a Healthy

Church. The objectives should

respond to the needs indicated by the

results of the Church Assessment.

Determine with the elders or theplanning committee the resources or

details needed for the objectives to be

carried out.

Work with pastor in making the

Action Plan with all i ts details.

2. Organizing

2.1 Building MinistryTeams/ Committees/

Councils

2.2 Training

members with needed

skills

Equip elders so they can organize the

members into ministry teams Assist elders/leaders in equipping

members

Organize the members into ministry

teams Train members for ministry

3. Leading

3.1 Communicating

Support elders in implementing the

church plans by providing resources

Lead out in the implementation of the

Action Plan by


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3.2 Motivating

3.3 Delegating

3.4 Managingconflicts

Coach elders in skills needed in

implementation

-Delegating the tasks to responsible

persons or departments

-Carrying out the Events/Activities-Preparing for future activities/events

as listed in the calendar of tasks

-Monitor financial support for the

church programs

-Supporting the departments/church

officers with the resources needed to

carry out the activities/events/

programs

4. Controlling Regularly visit and intentionally meet

with elders about progress of plans

for growing a healthy church

The Church Board evaluates progress

in its monthly meeting, based on the

Calendar of Events, Activities, and

Tasks, and make corrections asneeded

II. The work of the full-time district pastors and part-time local church pastors (elders) are interrelated:

A. District Pastors

1. Teach so that members and churches hold doctrinally sound beliefs and practices, and remain

connected to the world church.

2. Equip local church leaders, especially the elders, so that they can grow healthy congregations.

3. Evangelize areas and people groups in the district territories.

B. Local elders

1. Equip and administer the church so that members minister to one another and grow as a heathy

church.

2. Evangelize areas and people groups within their church territory.

III. Some specific suggestions for healthy congregations

A. If most of the churches in the district are small and have similar situations, elders of the different

churches can have a planning meeting with the district pastor before the beginning of the church year.

They can develop together a 2-3 year plan for each church. The pastor may have to plan separately for

each of the larger churches.

B. The district pastor holds regular training programs for elders, equipping them with the skills needed to

lead so that their churches can be healthy.

C. Neighboring churches can help each other equip leaders by pooling resources, especially if the churches

are small. Traditionally, district associations on specific ministries serve this purpose. For example,

the Youth Association can help churches in the youth activities.

D. The district pastor should regularly visit to encourage and support the implementation of the plan. A

pastor holding a district of less than 8 churches can visit once a month. A pastor leading a district of 9-

16 churches can visit once in two months.

E. When there is a change of a district/church pastor before the 2-3 year Strategic Plan is completed, the

new pastor should not make new plans but rather continue the implementation of the present plan.


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20

Session 6:

Toward an Effective Ministry in the Local Church

I. The primary responsibility of ensuring that churches are healthy fall upon the pastors. They are called by

God to be evangelists, and shepherds-teachers of the local churches. The mission/ conference has theprimary responsibility to supervise and equip the pastors so that the churches and its members will grow in

faith and fulfill the mission of the church.

A. Following are the performance standards for pastors.

1. Demonstrates in his personal and professional life the high moral standards and integrity of the

Adventist gospel minister.

a. Live by the standards and expectations expressed in the Seventh-day Adventist Ministers Code

of Ethics

b. Has not committed any of the reasons for the discipline of an Adventist minister nor practiced

acts which serve as basis for church discipline.

(1) Reasons for Discipline of Ministers3

(a) Moral Fall violation of the seventh commandment, including those violations

involving sexual perversions(b) Apostasy--the minister falls away to the world, or identifies with, or gives

continuing support to, any activity subversive to the denomination, and/or

persistently refuses to recognize properly constituted church authority or to submit

to the order and discipline of the church

(c) Dissidencethe minister openly expresses significant dissidence regarding the

fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Continued and

unrepentant dissidence may eventually be seen by the Church to be apostasy

(d) Embezzlement or Theft--Embezzlement or theft of funds or property to which the

ministry has no lawful right, or the willful misappropriation of the same.

(e) Other Reasons--Any other conduct which is inconsistent with the high standards of

the Christian ethic, and which casts a shadow over the integrity of the ministry,

such as violence or other questionable activity, and which demonstrates that the

individual is unworthy as a leader in the church.

(2) Reasons for Which Members Shall Be Disciplined4

(a) Denial of faith in the fundamentals of the gospel and in the cardinal doctrines of

the church or teaching doctrines contrary to the same.

(b) Violation of the law of God, such as worship of idols, murder, stealing, profanity,

gambling, Sabbathbreaking, and willful and habitual falsehood.

(c) Violation of the seventh commandment of the law of God as it relates to the

marriage institution, the Christian home, and biblical standards of moral conduct.

(d) Such violations as fornication, promiscuity, incest, homosexual practice, sexual

abuse of children and vulnerable adults, and other sexual perversions, and the

remarriage of a divorced person, except of the spouse who has remained faithful to

the marriage vow in a divorce for adultery or for sexual perversions.

(e) Physical violence, including violence within the family.(f) Fraud or willful misrepresentation in business.

(g) Disorderly conduct which brings reproach upon the church.

(h) Adhering to or taking part in a divisive or disloyal movement or organization.

(i) Persistent refusal to recognize properly constituted church authority or to submit to

SSD Working Policy, L60 20.3

Church Manual, p. 195.4


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the order and discipline of the church.

(j) The use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages.

(k) The use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption.

(l) The misuse of, or trafficking in, narcotics or other drugs.

(3) Abides by the qualifications stated in the SSD Working Policy as basis for continuingeligibility for denominational service. These aspects are

(a) Maintaining high standards in personal finance. This includes no sidelines, living

within the income of a minister, faithful return of tithe, and paying financial

obligations.5

(b) Is not living apart from spouse beyond what is allowed by the mission/conference6

2. Manages time efficiently to meet ministerial roles and responsibilities.

a. Works forty hours a week, to be recorded in the daily log or diary of the worker.

b. Formulates at the start of each year, and submit to the Ministerial Secretary, an itinerary

showing the major events or meetings he will attend or conduct, including the authorized

meetings of the mission/conference.

c. Formulates a monthly work schedule or itinerary that is communicated to the churches, with a

copy submitted to the Ministerial Secretary before the start of the quarter.

d. Consistently fulfills planned itinerary for the month.3. Designs a preaching/teaching plan for the churches so that the members will have a maturing

Christian experience that can be gained only from the study of Gods Word. The pastor is to

implement the plan as he preaches/teaches in the various church services such as prayer and vesper

meetings, Sabbath services, etc.

4. Plans with the local church elders a healthy church life in the areas identified in theHealthy

Church Planning Handbook.

a. Conducts an assessment of the life of each church under his care based on the Ten Areas of the

Healthy Church Planning Handbook

b. Formulate a 2-3 year Strategic Plan for each church under his care, with objectives in each of

the following Ten Areas of a Healthy Church

(1) Prayer and Devotional Life

(2) Corporate Worship

(3) Stewardship(4) Teaching and Study of the Word

(5) Discipling and Pastoral Care

(6) Ministry or Use of Spiritual Gifts

(7) Community Service

(8) Local Evangelism

(9) Mission Strategy

(10) Leadership and Administration

5. Develops and ensure the implementation of a yearly Action/Implementation Plan for each church,

based on the objectives in the 2-3 year Church Strategic Plan.

a. Creates a yearly Implementation Plan for each church

b. Lay out the activities, events, and tasks to do for each church in a Calendar

c. Formulate a Budget and a Giving Plan for the local church to meet its financial needs

d. Implement the Action Plan through regular meetings with the local church boards, business

meetings, and elders council.

e. Devise a monitoring system for the implementation of the action plan.

6. Plans and implements a visitation plan for church members and churches under his care

SSD Working Policy, E80.5

SSD Working Policy, E95.6


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a. Visits every member/family of each church at least twice a year.

b. Visits each church in the district at least once in two months.

7. Equips the local church elders in pastoral leadership.

8. Performs ministerial functions competently.

9. Develops and implements a 2-3 year District Strategic Plan, and the corresponding yearly ActionPlan. The District Plan should contain the following elements:

a. Equipping of elders and other leaders

b. Major district events such as evangelistic meetings, fellowships, revivals, etc.

c. Work in unentered areas

d. Financial self-sufficiency

10. Submits promptly and accurately to the mission/conference the required reports.

B. Supervision of the Pastor

1. The responsibility of supervising the life and ministry of the pastor is the responsibility of the

mission/conference.

2. The local churches and leaders however, through proper feedback, may help in encouraging and

effective ministry from their pastor in several ways.

a. Pastors will be asked by the mission/conference to submit a report to the church at the end ofeach year on the following:

(1) A member/family visitation report showing the list of members/families in the church

and the dates they received pastoral visits from their pastor.

(2) The services rendered to the church for the year (church services and served, church

board meetings attended, ministerial functions performed, etc.)

b. The mission/conference will solicit every two years the evaluation of the pastor from the elders

of the churches served on the areas of personal characteristics and ministerial skills.

c. In instances where the pastor has problems maintaining the moral standard and integrity of the

ministerial calling, the elders and local leaders are advised to follow the procedure of Matthew

18 and work closely with the mission/conference leaders.

II. The primary responsibility of ensuring that members are strong in the faith is upon the elders.

A. Following are the expectations from elders as overseers and shepherds of the local church1. Be an example to the church in holiness of life and purpose. An elder who commits any of the acts

stated as reasons for church discipline in the Church Manualis not fit to continue in office.

Moreover, an elder, just like any other church officer, must return a faithful tithe.

2. Dedicate at least 4 hours of preparation/work time each week to meet pastoral-evangelistic roles

and responsibilities.

3. Preach and teach the basic teachings of the Bible so that members can grow in Christlikeness.

4. Manages (envision, organize, delegate, supervise) with the church officers all the branches of

ministry in the local church.

5. Work closely with the pastor so that the 2-3 year Strategic Plan of the church on the different

aspects of a healthy church is carried out.

a. The Annual Action Plan should be expressed in work assignments, schedules, budgets, etc.

b. The head elder is the point man in the implementation of the Action Plan. Monitoring and

implementation of the Plan is the main work of the church board.

6. Plan and implement worship services for the church, following a calendar of themes to ensure a

balanced and adequate spiritual food for the church.

7. Make sure that every member is part of a shepherding plan or small group structure.

a. Plans and implements the visitation plan, visiting each family in the church at least once in

two months.

b. Monitor implementation of the shepherding plan.

8. Plan for regular evangelistic meetings, making it an opportunity to involve and train members in

witnessing and evangelism.


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9. Equip the local church officers in their duties.

10. Perform as necessary pastoral functions and special services such as child dedication, counseling,

communion service, funerals, etc.

B. Oversight of the ministry of the Shepherd-Elders1. The local elders are directly accountable to the local churches which elected them. The regular way

of holding elders accountable is through the church election process; the church may reelect the

elders who are available to serve again if it finds their life and service satisfactory.

2. The pastor, having authority for the growth of the churches under his care, has the informal

responsibility of ensuring that the leaders of the local church serve faithfully and effectively.

III. Perspectives on Pastoral Leadership of the Churches.

A. The Calling of Pastoral Leadership

1. Background of calling

a. The call to faith, evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit

b. The call to serve, evidenced by the passion and life of service and sacrifice

2. Pastors and elders have an interrelated work

a. Proclaiming the Word of Godb. Managing the church so that Gods purpose for it is fulfilled

c. Shepherding the flock

3. A difference is the degree of authority and the corresponding livelihood support system

a. The gospel ministers work is for the church at large, therefore he serves from place to place.

As such, like the OT Levites, he is supported by the people of God.

b. The elder ministers to the local church. He has the opportunity to support himself.

4. The more important difference is the nature of the work

a. The local elders work is the maintenance of body life: ensure that each member of the

church connects and minister to each other so that members and the church as a whole

matures.

b. The work of the gospel minister, as the greater gifts given only to some, is the continuation

of the work of the apostles and prophets. As a gospel minister, he is to found biblical churches,

ensure that the life and ministry of each church follows Gods plan, and to propheticallyproclaim the Word of God.

5. We must lead the world not only in the reformation of neglected biblical doctrines but also in

restoring the biblical structure of leadership in the church

a. The elders are the church pastors of the local church. Churches are not helpful when they

demand that gospel ministers act like church pastors.

b. Pastors at large should serve as gospel ministers and stop acting like church pastors. Pastors

are not helping the local churches when he merely speaks occasionally and visits members. He

is to set the direction in the life of established churches, equip its leaders to carry out the work

of the church, and lead in the founding of churches.

6. Gods church is richly blessed when there are elders and gospel ministers who respond to the

gifting of the Spirit and serve His church with faithfulness and dedication.

B. The apostles Paul has counsels on how Christians should relate to their pastoral leaders.

1. Heb 13:7-9, 17, 24 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to

you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same

yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is

good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have

been occupied with them. . . .17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch

out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for

that would be unprofitable for you. . . Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints.


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a. Three times in his closing exhortation, Paul mentions those who rule over you (v 7, 17, 24).

Leaders is important in the life of the church, especially pastors-teachers, and shepherds-

elders. They have authority in the church of Christ.

b. Christians have three responsibilities toward their pastoral leaders:

(1) Remember them (v 7). The reasons for remembering them are(a) They have spoken the word of God. The leaders have led them to Jesus (v 8) and

have kept them from strange doctrines (v 9). The Christians profited from the

teachings of leaders in that they have been established by grace (v 9)

(b) Their faith is apparent. The leaders have served faithfully.

(c) The outcome of their conduct can be seen. The leaders have served with

integrity their teachings agreed with the faith and conduct.

(d) The influence of a leader comes from the faithfulness of their teachings to the Word

of God, the strength of their faith, and a life of integrity.

(2) Obey them (v 17) and

(3) Be submissive to them (v 17). The reasons for obedience and submission to the

pastoral leaders are

(a) for they watch out for your souls Obey the leaders because of the work they do.

(b) those who must give account. Pastors and elders are accountable to Christ (1 Cor3:10-15).

c. Paul exhorts the Christians not to bring grief to their leaders but joy. In Pauls writings,

their were instances when what the Christians were doing gave him anxiety.

(1) Gal 4:11, 19-20 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. . . 19 My little

children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to

be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

(a) Paul was afraid because the Christians in Galatians were being carried away by

false teachings. They were not growing in Christlikeness as he desired them to be.

(2) The reports about the fighting and immaturity of the Corinthian Christians made the

apostle Paul sad. Paul was concerned because as he wrote in 2 Cor 3:2-3, the lives of the

Corinthians are letters known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter

from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the

living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. From the reportsabout the lives of the Corinthian Christians, Paul was struggling with the results of his

ministry.

d. Grieving the pastoral leaders would be unprofitable

(1) Strange doctrines do not profit because they do not establish the heart by grace (v 9)

(2) Not obeying and submitting to the leaders, and therefore grieving them is also

unprofitable because the main purpose of their leaders is to watch over the souls, to

make sure that members are saved in Gods kingdom.

(3) Then members do not obey and submit to the authority of the pastoral leaders whose

ministry is based on the word of God, they put their salvation into peril.

2. 1 Thess 5:12-13 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over

you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.

Be at peace among yourselves.

a. Paul refers to the pastoral leaders as those who labor among you, and are over you . . .and

admonish you (v 12).

b. He urges the Christians to have a certain attitude toward pastoral leaders

(1) esteem them very highly

(2) in love

c. Why esteem the leaders? Not because of their position but because of their work. This labor

of overseeing and admonishing is a work in the Lord.

d. It seems that there are Christians who do not accord the proper respect to leaders, so much so


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that it is causing conflict in the church. As such Pauls counsel was be at peace among

yourselves.

IV. That gospel ministers and shepherd-elders work together for the edification of the body of Christ is the plan

of God.A. They should be given the appropriate authority and respect because they work for God in the salvation

of the members of the church.

B. When either the gospel minister or the church elder, or both, fail to function in the roles set for them by

God, the church weakens and break down in its task of making disciples.


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North Philippine Union Conference

Ministerial Association

Pastors and Elders Training

Leading the Local Church Together

SCHEDULE

Saturday Sunday

6:00-7:00 Morning Worship

7:00-8:00 Breakfast

8:00-9:30

Session 1:

Gods Purpose for the Church

Session 6:

Toward an Effective Ministry in the Local

Church

9:45-11:30

Session 2:

Toward Biblical Leadership in the Church

Session 7:

Open Forum

11:00

Commitment Service

11:30-1:30 Lunch

2:00- 3:30

Session 3:

The Work of Gospel Minister in Relation to

the Local Church

3:45:-5:15

Session 4:

The Work of the Elder-Shepherd

in the Local Church

5:30-7:00 Supper

7:00-8:30

Session 5:

Working Together to Build Healthy

Churches

Elder's and Pastor's Lecture Handouts

Documents

Transcript of Elder's and Pastor's Lecture Handouts