Questions-08-Leaders

HARD QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ASKED

"Who should lead the church?"

�� This study includes the following leadership roles traditionally found in organized Christian religions today, along with EVERY MENTION OF THEM IN THE BIBLE.� Those with the same meaning in the original Greek writings are categorized together.

Elders/Overseers

Bishops/Overseers

Pastors/Shepherds

Pope

Council

Deacons/Ministers/Servants/Attendants

Priests

Reverend

ELDERS/OVERSEERS

In the Jewish religion of the Old Testament elders did not have a religious position.� However the Jewish laws were both religious and secular.� Let us look at some of God's warnings to the elders of the Old Testament:

Ezekiel 20:4�� Because of their sins, God allowed Babylon to take the remainder of the Jews into captivity.� In the 7th year of that captivity in Babylon, some of the elders went to Ezekiel, a prophet.� Ezekiel said God sent word to them through Ezekiel, "I will not let you inquire of me."� Then he told Ezekiel to _________________________ them with the _________________________ practices of their fathers (who they followed).�

Ezekiel 20:11�� "I gave them my _____________________ and made known to them my _________________, for the man who ______________________ them will ____________________ by them."

Ezekiel 20:13�� "....They did not follow my _______________________ but __________________ my _________________� - although the man who _____________________ them will _______________________ by them."

Ezekiel 20:16�� "....they _____________________ my _________________ and did not follow my __________________."

Ezekiel 20:21�� "But the children ______________________ against me:� They did not follow my ____________________, they were not careful to keep my __________ although the man who _____________________ them will ___________________ by them."

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Ezekiel 20:24�� "....they had not _____________________ my _______________________ but had ___________________ my ________________________."

The word "elder" is translated from the Greek (language of the New Testament) word "presbuteros."� It is from this word that a denomination was named ~ Presbyterians.

Acts 6:1-4�� At first there were no elders.� The first church office created was deacons.� What did the apostles (later, elders) give their attention to? __________________________________________________

Acts 11:29-30�� There was a ___________________ over the entire Roman world.� So the disciples decided to help the brothers living where?� ____________________________________� Who was the money sent to?

�� __________________________________________________� Who delivered the money?� _____________________________________� [NOTE:� This is the first mention of elders in the church.]

Acts 14:23�� Elders were appointed in every _______________________.�

Acts 15:2�� Paul and Barnabus went to Jerusalem to see what two groups of people regarding circumcision?� _______________________________ and _____________________________________.

Acts 15:4-6�� Although the entire church came and listened to Paul and Barnabus explain their question of doctrine, who

Acts 16:4�� met separately to consider it?� ___________________________ and _____________________________. Just as Jesus worked with, and trained his Twelve Apostles because he will die some day, these apostles now began working with and training elders because they will die some day.

Acts 15:22�� But did the elders and apostles make decisions exclusively about everything the church did? ___________ What was decided on in this case? ____________________________________________________

Acts 20:17�� The Apostle Paul sent to Ephesus to talk with the ________________ of the ______________ there.

Acts 20:28�� Paul said the elders were __________________________ over the flock.

�� What else did Paul call the flock in this verse?� ____________________

�� NOTE:� The word translated "overseers" is from the Greek "episkopos" (from which a denomination was named ~ Episcopalians).� This word is translated elsewhere in the Bible as "bishop."

�� Since Paul called them elders earlier, and bishops later, are elders and bishops the same thing?� ______________________� Be careful here.� Reread Jesus' statement at the top of the page.

Acts 20:30�� Paul warned that even among the elders themselves people would do what to the truth?� ___________________________________� Why?� _____________________________________________

�� NOTE:� It is almost always from church leadership that we go astray.� We must be careful not to judge and follow our leaders based on their smiles

�� In John 7:24 Jesus said, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."

�� On the day of judgment, who is going to judge where we spend eternity?� Our religious leaders or God?� ___________________�

�� NOTE:� If you want to test the true sincerity of any religious leader, present to them a command of God that is different from what is currently being practiced, and ask them if they would be willing to lead your congregation to obeying that command of God. �Will their smiles turn to anger?�

�� So what happened to the church in Ephesus?� Jesus sends a message to them in Revelation 2:1-7:

�� 2:2�� Jesus complimented them for testing who? ______________________________________________� Among the leaders (elders) of the church, some had decided to elevate themselves and declare themselves apostles.

�� 2:6�� Jesus also complimented them because they hated the practices of who?� __________________________________________

�� In the original Greek language of the Bible, Nicholas means "conqueror of the people." The word "Nicho" is found four times in the Bible and is always translated victory.� The word "laos" is found 143 times and is always translated "people."

�� BRITANNICA DICTIONARY:� laity:� The people as distinguished from the clergy [lay + ity].� lay:� Pertaining to the laity; non-professional [Gk. laikos & laos the people].

�� Therefore, the Nicholaitans had begun calling their congregations laity, and were exercising "conquest over the people."

�� NOTE:� The term "clergy" is not in the Bible.� The closest it comes is the Greek word "klesis" which is translated 10 times as "calling" and one time as "vocation"; also "kletos" which is translated 16 times as "called" and one time as "which is called."� So, according to God's word, the clergy is everyone who has been called to be a Christian.�

�� 2:2-4�� Jesus said he knew their _____________ and hard ____________ and _____________________. He knew they did not tolerate ________________________ men.� But, they had forsaken their first ____________________.� We must obey God's rules rather than man's, but that alone does not save us.� We must also show love for God and for people.� They had become legalists.��

Acts 21:18�� Note, by this time (about AD 58 - 25 years after the church began in Jerusalem), all the apostles had scattered from Jerusalem except who?� ___________________________________� So the rest of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem were now who?� ______________________�

1 Timothy 5:1�� The word translated "older man" here is the same translated elder and bishop elsewhere.� Therefore, if we are having trouble with our elders at church, what can we do about it?� ________________________

1 Timothy 5:17�� Elders are to direct what?� ______________________________________� Are they to direct the church (one) or churches (several)?� ______________

1 Timothy 5:17-18�� Look at the context in which the term "double honor" was given.� The worker deserves his _____________________________.� This gives us permission to pay who?� ________________________________

1 Timothy 5:19-20�� We are not to accuse an elder unless we have two or three ____________.� Once we have rebuked the elder privately in kindness (5:1), we need to rebuke them ______________________________ too.� Why?� _________________________________

Titus 1:5�� Paul left Titus in Crete to appoint who?� ________________� Were any to be in charge of churches in several towns?� _____________

Titus 1:6-9�� HERE ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELDER:� "An elder MUST BE...."

�� 1.�� ____________________________________

�� 2.�� the husband of _______________________________________

�� 3.�� a ________________

�� 4.�� whose ________________________________ believe and are not ___________________ and _______________________________.

�� 5.�� ....he is entrusted with _________________________ work

�� 6.�� he must be _____________________________________

�� 7.�� not ____________________________________________

�� 8.�� not ____________________________________________

�� 9.�� not given to ___________________________________

�� 10.�� not ____________________________________________

�� 11.�� not pursuing ___________________________________

�� 12.�� ....he must be _________________________________

�� 13.�� one who _____________________________ what is ___________

�� 14.�� who is _________________________________________

�� 15.�� ________________________________________________

�� 16.�� ________________________________________________

�� 17.�� ________________________________________________

�� 18.�� He must hold firmly to the ____________________________________________

�� message as it has been _________________________

�� 19.�� so that he can __________________________________________ by sound _______________________________________

�� 20.�� and _________________________________ those who _____________________ it (sound doctrine).

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�� Do your elders meet these qualifications?� ____________� Does God care whether we obey the teachings he has given us above?� ____________

�� Compare 1:5 with 1:7.� He left Titus behind to appoint who?� _______________________.� After giving some of the qualifications, Paul continues, "for a ________________________ must be....".� Is he using "elder" and "bishop" interchangeably?� _________________________

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James 5:14�� We are to ask the elders to pray for us when?� ______________________________________

�� Anointing people with oil was not done religiously among Christians.� Anointing by Jews always indicated putting into office the high priest or the king.� The non-religious anointing of oil was done to protect wounds, etc.� (See the story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-35.� He poured oil and wine on the man's wounds.)� From this, we learn that the elders should make sure the sick are taken care of.� (NOTE:� James does not say the elders should perform a miracle over the sick.)

1 Peter 5:1�� Peter said he was an _______________________________.� One of the qualifications of an elder is that he be married.� Was Peter married (see Matthew 8:14, pg. 940)?� __________________

1 Peter 5:2�� He tells the elders he is writing that they are shepherds, serving as __________________. Peter makes the same connection as Paul - that elders are overseers (from the Greek word "episkopos," translated elsewhere in the Bible as "bishop").

�� Notice, even though another scripture says elders can be paid, they are not to serve just for the ______________________.

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1 Peter 5:3�� Elders are not to _____________________________ it over the congregation.� They are instead to lead by being ____________________.

1 Peter 5:4�� Are "bishops" as we use the term today, or any other people Chief Shepherds?� _____________________� Who is? �_____________________

2 John 1�� Who else among the apostles also was qualified to be an elder?� _________

3 John 1 �� Was he married (see 1 Corinthians 9:5)?� _____________________

There are other references to elders in Revelation, which does not talk about behavior in the church.� Therefore, that can be covered in a study of Revelation.

BISHOPS/OVERSEERS

The word "bishop" is a translation of the New Testament Greek word "episkopos".� Here are all the New Testament references to this word.

Acts 1:20�� The King James translation of the Bible uses the word "bishopric" where the New International Version translators used the word "leadership."� This is talking about replacing Judas, the apostle.

Acts 1:21�� Should we, then, have apostles today, taking the place of the original apostles as they replaced Judas?� The qualifications of an apostle are listed.

�� Peter said it was NECESSARY to choose...

�� 1.�� one of the ______________________

�� 2.�� who have been with us [the apostles] the ________________ time the Lord __________________ went in and out among us, beginning from ____________________ baptism to the time when Jesus was ____________________________ up from us.

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�� Why were these qualifications necessary?� Because apostles must be ______________________________ of Jesus' _____________________________.

�� A PRACTICAL CATHOLIC DICTIONARY, pg. 16:� "The unbroken line from the first Apostles to the pope and bishops of today.� The duties and powers given to the first Apostles by Jesus Christ have been handed down, without any interruption, to the Pope and bishops who came after them."

Philippians 1:1�� Paul wrote his letter to all the ___________________ (live Christians!) at Philippi, together with the __________________________ and _________________.� Note, the footnote says the other word for overseer is ____________________________.

1 Timothy 3:1�� If anyone sets ________________ heart on being an ______________________, it is a noble work.� Note, once more the footnote says the other word for overseer is _________________________.

1 Timothy 3:2-7�� What are the qualifications of an overseer/bishop?� He MUST BE....

�� 1.�� above _________________________

�� 2.�� the __________________________ of but one ______________

�� 3.�� ___________________________________

�� 4.�� ___________________________________

�� 5.�� ___________________________________

�� 6.�� ___________________________________

�� 7.�� able to ___________________________

�� 8.�� not given to _________________________________

�� 9.�� not _________________________________, but gentle

�� 10.�� not _________________________________

�� 11.�� not a lover of ______________________

�� 12.�� He must manage his own ________________________ well

�� 13.�� and see that his ________________________________ obey him with proper respect.

�� 14.�� He must not be a _______________________________ convert

�� 15.�� He must also have a ___________________ reputation with ______________________________.

�� Compare these qualification with the qualifications of an elder in Titus.� Write the number of these qualifications next to the equivalent qualifications in Titus.� Are the qualifications basically alike?� _______________� Are there any that contradict the other? �______________� Would you say this is the same or a different office?� ____________

�� A PRACTICAL CATHOLIC DICTIONARY, pg. 30:�";A bishop, as a successor of the Apostles, is a representative of Christ on earth."

1 Peter 2:25�� Jesus is the divine Shepherd and ____________________ (translated "bishop" in the KJV) of our souls.� Ultimately, no matter what religious title a human declares they have and no matter how good they seem, are we going to answer to them on the Day of Judgment?� ________

PASTORS/SHEPHERDS

The term "pastor" appears primarily in the Old Testament.� It is a general term meaning feeder or shepherd.� All references are below.� In the NIV, this word is often translated "leader" or "shepherd."

Jeremiah 2:8�� The priests did not ask, "Where is the Lord?"...the leaders [pastors] ______________________ against me.

Jeremiah 3:14f�� "Return, __________________ people," declares the Lord...."Then I will give you shepherds after ____________________________________ heart."

Jeremiah 10:21�� "The shepherds are _______________________________ and do not _____________________

�� of the ______________________________."

Jeremiah 12:10�� Many shepherds will __________________ my vineyard and ___________________________

�� down my field; they will turn my pleasant field into a desolate ___________________________________.

Jeremiah 17:15ff�� "I [Jeremiah] have not run away from being your _________________________________....let my _______________________________ be put to shame."

Jeremiah 22:22�� The ___________________ will drive all your shepherds ____________.

Jeremiah 23:1f�� " '_________________ to the shepherds who are ________________________ and __________

�� _____________________ the sheep of my pastures!' " declares the Lord.� Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people:� 'Because you have ___________________

�� my flock and ______________________ them away, I will bestow ____________________________ on you for the evil you have done,' declares the Lord."

There is only one time the word "pastor" is used in the N.T. in the King James translation.� That one verse is below.� The NIV translated it overseer or shepherd.

Ephesians 4:11�� (pg. 1135)� It was he [Jesus] who gave some to be ________________, some to be __________________, some to be _______________________, and some to be _____________________ and _________________.

Other places in the New Testament where this word is translated shepherd, it refers to Jesus.

POPE

The word pope is not found in the Bible.� Some say the Bible infers that Peter was the first pope based on Matthew 16:15-19.� Let us examine this.

Matthew 16:16ff�� After Peter confessed Jesus was the Son of God, Jesus changed his name from Simon to

�� _________________________________.� "Peter" in Greek is "Petros" and means stone, the kind you can throw.� But the "rock" on which Jesus would build his church is from the Greek "Petra" and means boulder or foundation rock.� So, if Peter was not the rock, was it perhaps something Peter had said?� __________

�� If so, what?� ____________________________________________________________________________

Matthew 16:19 �� To whom did Jesus give the keys of the kingdom according to these two scriptures, part of the same...

Matthew 18:18��...discussion?� ______________________________________

COUNCIL

The word "council" in the New Testament is from the Greek word "suned" and which the Jews called the Sanhedrim.� There are no references to a council in the New Testament church.� Some people refer to the leaders of the church in Jerusalem as the "council."� But who were they made up of?

Acts 6:6�� Made up of apostles.� Do we have apostles today? For qualifications to be an apostle, look here.

Acts 9:26-27�� Made up of the apostles.� Do we have apostles today? ________

Acts 11:2�� Made up of "circumcised believers" ~ Jewish Christians.� If this were considered an official "council" and a congregation today does not have Jewish Christians, can they have an official "council"? __________

Acts 15:2�� Made up of apostles and elders.� We do not have apostles today.� So that leaves only a group of __________________________.

Acts 15:4�� Made up of the entire church, the apostles and the elders.� Is that basically an entire congregation, not a "council"? _____________

Acts 15:6�� Made up of apostles and elders.� We do not have apostles today.� That leaves only a group of ________________________

Acts 15:22�� Made up of the entire church, the apostles and the elders.� That's an entire congregation, not a "council."

Acts 21:18�� Made up of one apostle and elders.� We do not have apostles today.� That leaves only a group of __________________________.

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