Who are "the women" in 1 Timothy 3:11? Are these female deacons in a role identical to the male deacons described earlier? Are these women who help deacons in the execution of their role? Are these the wives of deacons? Are these the wives of deacons and elders? In this lesson, we examine these questions and also the qualifications of these women. ★ Support this podcast ★

This lesson examines the Scriptures that describe the role and function of deacons in the New Testament church. We study Acts 6 as an example of the definition of the role and general qualifications for deacons, along with the full list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3. ★ Support this podcast ★

1 Peter 5 provides great exhortation and encouragement to elders to “shepherd the flock…with eagerness…being examples to the flock” with the hope of great reward from the Chief Shepherd. ★ Support this podcast ★

This passage has much to say concerning the way in which the local church is to relate to her elders. What does it mean to give “double honor” to elders who lead well? How do we determine appropriate compensation for elders? How do we protect elders from false accusations while at the same time protecting the church from sinful, abusive, greedy, or otherwise unqualified leaders? In what circumstances is it appropriate for an elder to be restored to office? ★ Support this podcast ★

In this lesson, we review the qualifications for elders in Titus 1 and treat the subject of the process of examination, testing, and qualification of elders. ★ Support this podcast ★

The list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 continues with “not pugnacious,” “considerate,” “peaceable,” “free from the love of money,” “leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity,” “not a new convert,” and having “a good reputation with those outside the church.” We also begin a review of qualifications in Titus 1, with emphasis on “having faithful children” and the question of whether an elder may have unbelieving children. ★ Support this podcast ★

Examination of the Biblical qualifications of elders continues with “temperate,” “sensible,” “respectable,” “hospitable,” “able to teach,” and “not addicted to wine.” We look at the meaning of each of the words and flesh out how those qualifications are applied to elders.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Of all the specific topics around eldership discussed in scripture, the Spirit gives the vast majority of His attention to the issue of qualification. Why is the qualification of elders so important? In this lesson, we continue to examine the qualifications for eldership given to the church in 1 Timothy 3, examining the meaning of “above reproach,” and “one-woman man.”  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this lesson, we begin a detailed survey of the qualifications for elders, first from 1 Timothy 3. What does it mean to aspire to and desire the work and office of an elder? Is this the first qualification? What if an elder loses that desire?  ★ Support this podcast ★

Why is there so little written to (and about) elders in the general epistles? How should believers relate to their elders? What should elders do for those under their care? We see in this brief survey of eldership in these passages that believers are to esteem those elders that diligently perform their roles of loving leadership and effective teaching. ★ Support this podcast ★

Continuing in Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders, this lesson focuses on the work of the elder, those specific activities in which the elder is to toil for the sake of the church body; diligent study of the Scriptures, and regular, consistent prayer for the flock, guarding the flock against sin and false teaching. These things are to be done with the proper attitude, motivation, and diligence. ★ Support this podcast ★

We see in the events around the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 the role of elders in combating false teaching and how elders approach the clarification of an important doctrinal issue that has major impacts on the spiritual condition of their local church bodies. In addition, the passage gives us clarity on Biblical ecclesiastical organization, with no higher authority apparent than the eldership of the churches involved. In Acts 20, Paul gives his most direct teaching to elders, exhorting them to guard their own hearts and the flock that is under their shepherding care.  ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Acts provides significant teaching regarding the role, organization, appointment, roles, methodology, and accountability of elders in the church. In this lesson, we begin an examination of the relevant passages in Acts and come to an initial understanding of the Biblical model of a plurality of elders, examining in the process several apparent exceptions that serve to clarify how plurality worked in the early church. We also see the Biblical method for the appointment of elders. ★ Support this podcast ★

Honorifics and Biblical Eldership: Should you refer to an elder as Pastor Jim or Reverend Cornel? What is the Biblical evidence for honorifics, and what does that tell us about the role of the elder? What about other offices that are mentioned in the New Testament – apostle, evangelist, deacon, and “the women” of 1 Timothy 3:11? What is the Biblical model for church government? How does a plurality of elders work in the real world? Who’s in charge? ★ Support this podcast ★

Introduction to Biblical Eldership: Alignment to a Biblical model of church leadership is essential to the proper function of the local, visible expression of the body of Christ. In this lesson, we examine the three Greek words used to identify the office of those responsible for the spiritual leadership of the local church. An elder is an overseer, a shepherd, and a pastor. The words are themselves descriptive of the necessary character of the elder and give us an indication of the function that qualified elders are to perform in the church. ★ Support this podcast ★