stephen R Harrison

1 Peter 5:1-4

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Peter was an elder and encouraged other elders in how to lead well. He reminds elders that they are shepherds of a flock, the church, and gives us very important responsibilities and qualifications that must be evident in the life of the elder. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Peter said, “To the elders among you,” when addressing the dispersed churches. How important is it for elders to be among those they lead?
2. What does it mean to shepherd people?
3. What is the temperament of a willing elder? What could be that of an unwilling elder?
4. Underline each qualification of elders that Peter lists.
5. Which of Peter’s qualifications do you see as most important?
6. Concerning Christ, what does Peter say about an elder’s position? How is this important to the way an elder functions?

Philippians 1:1

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”  

In the opening verse of Philippians, Paul greets three distinct groups of people: the saints, the elders, and the deacons. A church consists of those who are saved by Christ. Among the saved (saints), we see those who serve by leading (elders) and those who lead by serving (deacons).  

Discussion Questions:

1. As elders, Paul and Timothy greet the church and describe themselves as what?
2. How is this description important in eldership?
3. Paul lists overseers (elders) and deacons. What are the differences in qualifications between the two? What about the differences in function? (See 1 Timothy 3:1-13 to observe both offices; maybe Acts 6:1-6 as well).
4. How do churches often confuse, omit, or combine the roles of elders and deacons?
5. The two offices of elder and deacon are distinct and separate in function. Do you see yourself more as a deacon or an elder? How so?