Elders qualifications and appointment
Teachers
Lesson Summary
This Bible study class documented a significant moment in the life of Linder Road Church of Christ as the congregation officially recognized and installed three new elders: Art Clark, John Mendiola, and Dana Patterson. The teacher and existing elders emphasized that eldership is a God-ordained position grounded in Scripture, specifically drawing from Acts 20 and Ephesians 4. Larry Johnson and Wendell Welch delivered a formal charge to the new elders based on Paul's parting words to the Ephesian elders, calling them to pay careful attention to themselves and the flock, to guard the congregation from spiritual danger, to feed and tend the people with care, and to remain committed to God's Word. The teaching stressed approximately 25 biblical qualifications for elders and explained that while elders bear the awesome responsibility of giving account for souls, they do so as a plurality, holding one another accountable rather than any single man exercising unilateral authority. The class also outlined the congregation's reciprocal responsibilities toward their elders, emphasizing that eldership is a God-ordained position established by Christ himself as a gift to the body of believers. Throughout the lesson, the teacher honored the legacy of faithful elders who had served the congregation over many years, recognizing both those still active and those who had passed into glory.
Key Scriptures
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which shall not spare the flock. Neither will they obey the voice of the shepherd. And out of your own midst men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn you night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commit you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.