This message demonstrates that eldership is not a new doctrine but one that has been in effect for God’s people since the Old Testament. Part 2 of 9.
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Remember ItJesus Christ started this concept with the twelve disciples. Peter was the “first among equals” among the disciples. This means that he was a leader among the twelve, but he was not the head disciple. The other disciples were equal to him in status and authority. Peter was simply gifted as a leader and became the natural spokesperson of the group.
Acts 20, 1 Peter 5:1-5, James 5:14
To set right what is lacking – a church without elders is deficient in an essential element for a healthy church.
- Why do you think that when there is so much teaching about eldership in the NT, that churches continue to go with the pastor-centric form of government?
- How would you respond to the objection: “The church should adopt the form of government that is most effective for its time and culture?”
- Make a list of the elders in your church, and indicate in what areas they are particularly strong and act in the role of "first among equals." How does their leadership show in those areas? Is there evidence that the other elders allow the "first among equals" to lead?
- Make a list of people in your church that function as "first among equals" in their various ministries? How does their leadership show?