The Ministry Of Elders: Equipping God's People for the Work of the Ministry

Devotional

Day 1: Elders equip the saints for maturity and unity.

The elders are given by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry so the whole body grows into the fullness of Christ; they bring diverse gifts together to teach, encourage, challenge, and prepare every member to be a functioning joint in the body so the church moves in one direction and resists false teaching and immature drift. [04:29]

Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which each part does its work, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Reflection: What specific gifting has God given you that the church needs, and what one concrete step will you take this week to offer that gift to an elder (call, email, or meet) so you begin serving the body?

Day 2: Elders must exhibit mature, above-reproach character.

An elder’s calling requires a visible life shaped by Scripture and the Spirit — sober-minded, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, faithful in household leadership, not a recent convert, and well thought of by outsiders — so their example enables trust and protects the flock from scandal and deceit. [09:24]

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 (but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Reflection: Which one qualification from 1 Timothy 3:1–7 is your greatest growth edge; name one practical habit you will begin today (and one person who will hold you accountable) to pursue more Christlike character this month.

Day 3: Submit to elders who watch over your soul.

Members are called to obey and submit to leaders because elders keep watch over souls and will give an account before God; this mutual trust enables elders to pray, protect, and shepherd without being driven to groaning, and it preserves unity and spiritual care in the church. [21:35]

Hebrews 13:16-17 (ESV)
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Reflection: Identify one recent decision or direction of the elders you struggle to understand; pray for them now, then schedule a calm conversation within the next seven days to seek clarity rather than fostering private complaint.

Day 4: Elders give themselves sacrificially, guarding the flock.

Eldership is costly work of relentless care — praying, teaching, confronting error, grieving with the dying, warning against wolves, and testifying to the gospel — a ministry that may bring sorrow and heartbreak but is undertaken to finish the course and protect the church entrusted to them by the Holy Spirit. [24:04]

Acts 20:24-28 (ESV)
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Reflection: Who in the church is on the margins or in mourning that you could intentionally visit or call this week; choose one person and make a plan to reach out before Sunday to offer prayer, presence, and to listen for spiritual needs.

Day 5: Elders shepherd willingly, not for gain.

Those who shepherd are urged to do so willingly, eagerly, and as examples rather than for shameful gain or domineering control, holding before them the promise that when the chief Shepherd appears they will receive an unfading crown of glory. [29:35]

1 Peter 5:1-4 (ESV)
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Reflection: If you sense a call to shepherd, ask an elder today for a mentoring conversation within two weeks; if you are not called, ask God to show one willing, eager way you can serve this week and take that first step before next Sunday.

Sermon Summary

I shared why the ministry of elders matters for our church family and why I’m so thankful for the six men who carry this calling with me. Scripture uses three overlapping words—pastor-shepherd-teacher, bishop-overseer, and elder—to describe one shared responsibility with different emphases: caring for people, managing the church, and bearing spiritual responsibility. Jesus prayed for unity, and unity requires a shared direction. Elders exist to help the church move together toward Christ, not scatter into personal preferences. From Ephesians 4, the Lord gives leaders to equip the saints so that all of us grow into maturity, speak truth in love, resist false teaching, and do our part as joints in one body working properly in love.

I walked through the character God requires of elders from 1 Timothy 3—not perfection, but a life under Scripture and the Spirit: above reproach, a one-woman man, sober-minded, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. This character preserves credibility so that the work isn’t hindered. Then I outlined the job description that few would chase for the perks: prayer and study, leading and managing, caring and protecting, teaching sound doctrine, developing leaders, guarding the church, confronting falsehood, and even church discipline when necessary. It’s often labor without applause and sometimes amid complaint. Yet God sustains ordinary people by his Spirit to do impossible work.

We considered the sobering accountability from Hebrews 13: elders keep watch over souls and will give an account to God. That accountability shapes how I pray, plan, and lead. We also faced the heartache of shepherding from Acts 20—goodbyes, grief, wolves that twist the truth, and the need to admonish with tears. Sometimes correction is the most loving protection. Still, there is joy and reward: 1 Peter 5 promises an unfading crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd appears. Finally, I invited anyone unsure about Jesus to respond to the gospel—Christ’s death and resurrection for our forgiveness—and to repent and believe. The same grace that saves is the grace that forms elders and a church that grows up into Christ together.

Key Takeaways

1. Elders equip saints toward maturity Elders are not spiritual finishers; they are God’s toolmakers, shaping the church to do the work of ministry. When leaders equip well, people are no longer tossed by trends or clever counterfeits because they are anchored in Christ. The goal is a community that speaks truth in love and grows into the fullness of Christ. Equipping hands you the tools; maturity is built as you use them. [04:50]
2. Unity requires shared direction and trust Biblical unity is not the absence of disagreement but the presence of a Spirit-led path the church chooses to follow together. Trusting qualified leaders—especially when plans aren’t fully clear yet—trains our hearts to submit to Christ’s care over us. Unity is an act of worship: we lay down our demand to be right so that the body can move as one. That kind of unity nourishes, protects, and advances the mission. [22:10]
3. Character forms leadership credibility Gifts can gather a crowd, but character keeps a family safe. “Above reproach” means nothing in my life should discredit the gospel or the care of souls. Faithfulness at home, self-control, and integrity are not extras; they are the platform from which truth can be heard. Where character is thin, spiritual authority crumbles. [10:56]
4. Correction protects the flock in love Biblical admonishment is not harshness; it is compassion willing to risk misunderstanding for someone’s good. Elders must warn against wolves and also correct what in us echoes their lies. Tears and truth belong together when people’s souls are at stake. Love that refuses to correct is not love; it is neglect. [27:39]
5. The Chief Shepherd sees and rewards Most shepherding happens out of sight—quiet prayers, late-night burdens, unseen service. But nothing is invisible to Jesus, and he promises an unfading crown of glory. That hope frees leaders to serve eagerly, not for control or gain, and it steadies the whole church to endure together. The reward is not applause; it is his “Well done.” [29:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - Why elders matter and gratitude
[01:22] - Three biblical titles for elders
[01:53] - Unity and a shared direction
[03:17] - Today’s roadmap: calling to reward
[04:50] - Purpose: equipping the saints
[06:37] - One body, every joint working
[08:03] - Thanksgiving for our elder team
[09:24] - Character qualifications (1 Timothy 3)
[13:10] - A one-woman man and integrity
[16:39] - The hard job description of elders
[18:10] - Ernest’s mentoring and honest correction
[21:35] - Accountability: watching over souls
[24:48] - Heartache: Paul’s farewell and vigilance
[29:35] - Joy, reward, and the crown of glory
[30:39] - Gospel invitation and response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

- Ephesians 4:11–16 — 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. - 1 Timothy 3:1–7 1 The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober‑minded, self‑controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, lest he become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 4:11–16, what are leaders given to accomplish in the church? How does Paul describe the end goal for the congregation? (read the passage aloud)
What specific character qualifications does 1 Timothy 3 highlight for an overseer? Which of those qualifications did the pastor emphasize as “not perfection, but credible life under Scripture and the Spirit”? [10:56]
The sermon said elders exist to help the church move together toward Christ and avoid scattering into personal preferences. Where in church life have you seen people or groups pulled in different directions, and how would a single, Spirit-led direction help? [01:53]
The pastor referred to Hebrews 13's teaching about leaders keeping watch over your souls and giving an account. What concrete responsibilities flow from “keeping watch over your souls”? [22:10]

Interpretation Questions

How does Paul’s description in Ephesians 4:11–16 shape the balance between leaders equipping the church and individual members using those gifts? In what ways does the passage place responsibility on both sides?
What does the term “above reproach” in 1 Timothy 3 demand of an elder’s daily priorities and public life? How did the pastor unpack this phrase in his sermon? [10:56]
How should the accountability described in Hebrews 13 (leaders who “keep watch” and will “give an account”) influence how elders plan, pray, and carry pastoral burdens? What did the pastor say this accountability does to his own rhythm of prayer and planning? [23:16]
Paul warned elders in Acts 20 about wolves and said he admonished with tears. How does the combination of tears and correction inform the way elders should confront false teaching or persistent sin? [27:39]

Application Questions

Ephesians says leaders equip the saints by giving tools for ministry. Name one “tool” the elders have given you (example: a way to read Scripture, a habit of confession, a short evangelism phrase). How will you use that tool this week to help someone else grow? [04:50]
The sermon argued that biblical unity is not uniformity but a Spirit-led path chosen together. Think of a recent church decision you questioned. What would submitting to qualified leaders look like in that situation? What practical step can you take to trust and pray instead of push back? [22:10]
1 Timothy calls an elder a “one‑woman man” and sober‑minded. For men in the group: are there patterns, habits, or relationships that threaten your faithfulness or reputation? For everyone: what concrete change will you take in the next 30 days to protect the credibility of gospel witness in your life? [13:10]
The pastor told a story about being lovingly corrected (Ernest confronting his cigarette habit). Who in your life has permission to correct you? If no one, name one person you will invite into that role. If you’ve been corrected recently, how did you respond and what will you do differently next time? [18:35]
Elders often serve without applause and carry hidden burdens. Identify one practical way you can encourage or support an elder, pastor, or church leader this month (phone call, written note, a meal, offers of help). Set a date to do it. [08:58]
The sermon warned about “wolves” and false teaching rising from within. How will you grow in discernment this quarter? Name one book, sermon series, or habit (e.g., weekly Bible reading plan, accountability partner) you will begin and when you will start it. [27:08]
The pastor invited those unsure about Jesus to repent and believe. If someone in the group is not yet a follower, what is one step they can take this week (talk with a believer, read a Gospel, pray to repent and believe)? If already a believer, name one person you will invite into that conversation this month. [30:39]

Sermon Clips

God provides for his children by equipping people to care for his children. Just as a baby has a mother and father to care for them, God provides for his church by calling from before time even began. He began to make elders, pastors, teachers. He began to prepare them for what they would do one day. Some of you are in that process of preparation right now. And I praise God for this. [00:05:26] (34 seconds) #GodEquipsLeaders

Every one of you are of integral part of God's building up his flock, his body, his church in this community. If you were to move to some faraway place, you would be an integral part in that faraway place, like a joint in the body, making things move and work together. Very important. And how beautiful that God would allow us to participate in his ministry of grace. He would allow us to be his voice, to spread the good news. [00:07:06] (35 seconds) #BeTheChurchTogether

Above reproach doesn't mean perfect, but it does mean you're not a charlatan. It does mean you're not a confidence man. It does mean that you're not doing it for sordid gain. It means that your lifestyle is under the authority of the Word of God and under the power of the Holy Spirit of God. This is what this means. And every day an elder looks at his own life and thinks, why me? Why am I standing here? [00:10:55] (35 seconds) #LiveAboveReproach

The husband of one wife is a one-woman man. It's a person whose heart is bent toward one woman. You're not playing the field. You're not looking for side and interesting extras. You're a one-woman man. Again, this is what we need. Every woman needs a man who's a one-woman man. Every child needs a daddy who's a one-woman man. Don't let that compromise you, gentlemen. If you let that compromise you, it will cause you grief that you'll never get over. [00:12:55] (39 seconds) #OneWomanMan

Hey, you know what? Whatever you love more than God is an idol. Let it go. Little children, abstain from all idols. Could be. Whatever it is, you fill in the blank. Let it go. For the glory of God. Not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well with all dignity, keeping his children submissive. Now, I don't know about you, but I can't control my adult children. Can you? [00:14:15] (34 seconds) #LetGoOfIdols

Well, when you look in the Word of God, the job description of the elder is a miserable, miserable concoction of sorrow and heartbreak. Labor without gratitude and often amidst complaints from people who we are giving our lives to. Just say, listen to the job description. Elders are to do what? Pray and study the Scripture, ruling and leading the church, managing the church, caring for the people in the church, giving an account to God for the church, living exemplary lives, rightly using the authority of God that God has given to them, teaching the Bible correctly, preaching the Scripture, praying for the sick, teaching sound doctrine, working hard, rightly using money in power, protecting the church from false teachers, disciplining unrepentant Christians, obeying the secular laws, developing other leaders and teachers. [00:16:49] (69 seconds) #ElderResponsibilities

We take watch care over your souls as those who will give an account. That's the elders accountability. The elders have this sober responsibility before God and we will give an account for how we do the ministry that we are given. Keeping watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning for that would be no advantage to you. [00:23:43] (27 seconds) #WatchOverSouls

It hurts to give yourself away 24 forever. It really hurts. Because you're hurting. And entering into other people's lives is very difficult. It takes all of your soul and you couldn't do it in human energy. And these five elders that I served with, we cry, we grieve, we pray. We're doing all we can to help make you prepared to be fully the person that God wants you to be. The elder's heartache, the elder's joy and reward. [00:28:38] (35 seconds) #EldersHeartacheAndJoy

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you, not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering over those you're in charge by being examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, come on, read it with me now. Encourage me. Let's read verse four. Come on, everybody read. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. [00:29:35] (33 seconds) #ShepherdTheFlock

``Jesus died so that you could have a new life and eternal life. That's why he came. He said, I came to give my life a ransom for many. By the blood of Christ, we are right with, made right with God because he suffered on the cross. God's justice was satisfied. And this, this is the good news of Christmas. This is the good news of Easter. This is the good news every day, every day. What am I supposed to do? Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, repent, and believe the gospel. That's what the Bible said. [00:30:54] (39 seconds) #NewLifeInChrist

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