DUTY OF THE CHURCH TOWARD ELDERS:

1. Know them -- 1 Thes. 5:12.

A. Know them by face.

B. Know them by their quality -- know their work.

2. Esteem them highly in love --- 1 Thes. 5:13.

A. Because of their qualifications.

B. Because of the office they hold.

C. Because of their diligence.

3. Be submissive to them -- Heb. 13:17.

A. Not as a slave or hireling.

B. Submit in all matters of human judgment unless scripture is violated.

4. Be at peace among yourselves -- 1 Thes. 5:13.

A. An unscattered flock that can be attended by them.

B. A unified flock -- united in action.

5. Receive not an accusation against them except in the mouth of two or more witnesses -- 1 Tim. 5:19.

6. Remember them -- Heb. 13: 7. Reflect upon their advice; seriously consider their responsibility; run not ahead of them, but let them lead the way.

7. Count them worthy of double honor when they labor in word and doctrine -- 1 Tim. 5:17,18.

8. Call them when they are needed -- Jas. 5:14. They are not mind-readers.

Elders are more than figureheads in a congregation. No, they do not have to run every decision they make before the congregation for approval before they act upon it. Elders are those who make critical judgments on matters that partain to the congregation. Of course, the law concerning all activities that a congregation is to be engaged in has already been laid out by the Lord through His Written Word. But, elders are to see that such scriptural requirements are carried out in the congregation over which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers -- Acts 20:28 - 32. It is good for elders to keep the congregation informed of judgments made and it is alright for them to ask for input from members of the congregation. But, in all these matters of judgment they are the ones that make the final decision and we as members should be ready to acknowledge and accept that. This concludes our study on the eldership, now we will look briefly at the deaconship.

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