The following articles are related to the topic of ELDERS

Paul’s Discourse to the Elders at Ephesus

Having concluded his third missionary journey, the apostle Paul hurriedly was making his way toward Jerusalem, hoping to arrive in that renowned city before the Jewish Pentecost (doubtless because of the great crowds that would be assembled). Sailing southward in the Aegean Sea (that arm of the Mediterranean between Greece and Asia Minor) the apostle came to Miletus. Miletus was ... read more »

Elder Qualifications: What About His Adult Children?

One of the men who serves as an elder in the congregation where I am a member has a son in a distant city. The son, who is in his late thirties, has recently become discouraged and has stopped attending church services. Does this fact disqualify our elder, in view of the Bible stipulation that he is to rule his ... read more »

How Should Church Business Be Conducted without Elders?

"How does a congregation conduct its business when there are no men qualified to serve as elders?" When a church has no men qualified to serve in the role of elders, it must fall back upon the next level of scripturally sanctioned authority. There are several passages that contain principles that apply to this situation. The Natural Order There is ... read more »

1 Timothy 4:14 – Timothy’s Gift and the Elders

The New Testament teaches that spiritual (miraculous) gifts were received in the first century in only two ways: Holy Spirit baptism - which came upon the apostles (Acts 2) and upon the household of Cornelius (Acts 10).By the laying on of the apostles' hands (Acts 8:18; 19:6). Some allege, however, that 1 Timothy 4:14 broadens the method of gift reception. ... read more »

What Is a “Pastor”?

"Is the term 'Pastor' a proper title for ministers of the gospel?" Three verses in the New Testament include the word "pastor" (in various forms): Ephesians 4:11, Acts 20:28, and 1 Peter 5:2. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul discusses various roles that Christ placed in the church. He intends for "pastors and teachers" to serve in the church. The expression "pastors ... read more »

What About “Local” Church Membership?

"Is a person required to be a member of a local church?Can he not be just a Christian, without a 'church' affiliation?" Before we address this question specifically, let us lay a broader foundation concerning the use of the term "church" in the New Testament. The English word "church" is derived from the Greek kurikon, meaning "belonging to the Lord."The ... read more »

New Expository Dictionary of Bible Words

Book Review The long-awaited, highly anticipated Expository Dictionary of Bible Words made its debut in 2005. This volume of 1171 pages, from Hendrickson Publishers, is subtitled Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts. It is coded to the Revised Strong's Numbering System for the convenience of those who do not read the original ... read more »

If We Never Meet Again

Final words are cherished. On November 5, 1994, President Reagan wrote a farewell address to the nation, announcing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. He characterized the diagnosis by saying, "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life." Sometimes, we don't have the chance to say goodbye. Contemplate your life. What would you say ... read more »

The Church Fathers: Benefits and Abuses

The term "church fathers" is a descriptive of some elasticity, depending upon who is using the expression. Generically, it refers to a number of men in those centuries following the apostolic age (A.D. 30-100), who energetically promoted and defended Christianity as they understood it. Protestants usually define the duration of these scholars to about the 6th century, while Roman Catholics ... read more »

What About Moderate Social Drinking?

*"In the 2nd chapter of John, Christ's first miraculous sign was the turning of water to wine at a wedding. We know the purpose of wine at weddings - social consumption. And, if we look at the passage honestly, we know that this is a fermented beverage; for when the host tasted it he was confused that the best wine ... read more »