Qualities of a Godly Elder -- Zac Poonen -- October 10, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/qualities-of-a-godly-elder River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the New Covenant church is defined by living under Jesus Christ through the Bible, not by following old covenant practices or the teachings of men. He stresses that the church is the people, not a building, and that leadership in the New Covenant is communal, requiring multiple appointed elders rather than a single pastor. The qualifications for an elder include having a good testimony, being a man of one wife, and having children who love the Lord.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Living under the New CovenantMany Christians mistakenly live under old covenant ways because they listen to men rather than reading the Bible for themselves.
The principle of the body of ChristIn the New Covenant, believers form one body where treating others unkindly is like hurting oneself, and a church is defined by the people rather than a physical building.
Multiple leaders instead of a single pastorFollowing the principle of the body, a New Covenant church is never led by a single high priest or pastor, but always by multiple elders as seen in scripture.Matthew 18:20
Appointing elders in every churchApostles appointed elders in every church rather than single pastors, following instructions given to leaders like Titus.Acts 14:23
What are the qualifications for an elder?An elder must have a good testimony, be faithful to one wife, manage their children well, be free from greed and pride, and hold firmly to the truth to correct those who stray.
Recognizing a heart for the weakA primary mark of an elder is caring for weak and new sheep, illustrated by David Birch's practical hospitality toward a needy family.
The responsibility of believers toward eldersElders do not run personal lives, but believers are called to submit to their collective decisions regarding the operation and direction of the local church.
