The Biblical Blueprint for Church Leadership | Acts 20:17–38

In Acts chapter 20, we find one of the clearest and most personal passages in the New Testament that describes what an elder is and what an elder is called to do. The reason for this message is practical. In the coming days, we’ll be discussing the possibility of appointing another elder in the church. For some time, we have recognized the need for additional shepherds. The church has grown, responsibilities have increased, and Scripture teaches that a healthy church is led by a plurality of qualified elders. Two years ago, this same need was brought before the congregation. Nominations were made, conversations were had, but the outcome was that no additional elders were appointed. Some nominees were not members, some did not desire the office, and so we have continued on as we were. But the need has not gone away. If anything, it has grown. So this morning, we turn to the Word of God and ask a simple question: What is an elder? And just as importantly, what does an elder do? Why This Matters to Every Christian Some of you may be thinking, “I have no interest in being an elder. Why is this relevant to me?” That’s a fair question. But the answer is simple: elders were God’s idea for the health of His church. The structure of church leadership is not a human invention. It’s not something that churches created because it seemed practical or efficient. God, in His wisdom, designed the church to be led by qualified, godly men who shepherd His people. So even if you never desire the office of an elder, you still need to know: What God expects from an elder What you should look for in an elder What kind of leadership God says is healthy for His church Many churches have drifted away from these biblical standards. Instead of asking what God wants in a leader, they ask: Who is entertaining? Who draws the biggest crowd? Who is funny or charismatic? Who looks good on stage? Who is trendy or culturally appealing? But none of those things are the biblical qualifications for an elder. The church is not a business, a stage, or a social club. It is the flock of God, and God has very clear instructions about how it is to be shepherded. Read the full blog post: https://cotwstl.org/the-biblical-blueprint-for-church-leadership-acts-2017-38/ Do you want to support Church of The Word? https://cotwstl.org/give/ Check out our church here! https://cotwstl.org/ #biblestudy #faith