Can you appoint a person to be old? No. Does the New Testament require advanced age as a qualification for eldership? No. Rather, the New Testament pattern shows that even young people were appointed to be elders, and even young people, like Timothy, appointed elders. Elders are shepherds, or pastors. What do shepherds do? They care for the sheep. Their primary purpose is not the running of a business, or to reign like kings. They are shepherds. They are overseers. What does this look like? They must know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, and protect the sheep. He is with the sheep. he lives with them and smells like them. Yet each shepherd is responsible for his own sheep. Although most of the qualifications required of an elder can be expected from any true Christian, the elder must be able to teach. By God's command, such men must be supported by those whom they serve. It has been said that the shepherd must have two voices. One he uses to lead the sheep. The other he uses to drive away wolves. Pastors are called to lay down their lives for their sheep--to serve them, not to have them serve him. How do these pastors carry out this responsibility? Not under compulsion. Not for shameful gain. Not lording it over the sheep. They must be examples of mature Christianity to the sheep. Why does Peter say elders should serve like this? Because it is a privilege that will be richly rewarded, and God Himself is receiving the glory. What a privilege! |
