Elders have the souls of men in their charge.

3. Elders have the souls of men in their charge. • “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” (Heb 13:17). • “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers” (1 Peter 5:2).

4. The first qualification of an elder is the willingness to serve. • “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Tim 3:1). • NIV: “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” • The Greek term refers to reaching for something just out of one’s reach.

5. Elders Wish the Church Would Give Them the Benefit of the Doubt

6. The church has recognized these men as possessing sound judgment. • 1 Tim 3:1-7. • Elders are to be “blameless.” • Elders are to be “of good behavior.” • We need to be cautious about accepting accusations against elders. • 1 Tim 5:19. • Elders are privy to facts that will never see the light of day.

7. Elders Wish the Church Would Recognize That They are Not the Opposition

8. There is too much of an “us-vs-them” mentality in the church. • We are on the same team. • “God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Cor12:24-25). • “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” (Heb 13:17).

9. Elders Wish the Church Would Recognize that Responsibility for Faithfulness is a Two-Way Street

10. Elders have a responsibility to know and to shepherd the flock. • “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own” (Jn 10:14). • 1 Pet 5:1-4. • The church also has a responsibility toward the elders. • 1 Thess 5:12-13. • “When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (Jn 10:4).

11. Elders Wish the Church Knew What Their Job Is

12. Ezek 34:1-4. • Each Christian is, in some way, his brother’s keeper (Gal 6:1-2). • It is also true that elders are the chief brothers’ keepers among us.

13. “Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul” (Ps 142:4). • How sad! • Are you watching for your own soul?