Now that we have done the preliminary study of what the Word of God has to say about eldership we must ask ourselves what it all means, and how to apply these truths to the ministry of elder within the 21st Century church. What is important to God?

Character & Disciplines Be an example Be an example of good Be example to flock Be strong in grace Be impartial Be sound in speech Be prepared always Be Sober/Self-controlled Be Vigilant/alert Be eager to serve Be of a willing mind Be sound in speech Serve with humility of mind Kept back nothing profitable Keep a clear conscience Keep self pure Hold onto your faith Exercise godliness Meditate Neglect not gift Flee covetousness Flee sexual temptations Endure hardness Endure afflictions Suffer quietly Strive for mastery Pursue righteousness/holiness Guard your trust Don't be resentful Practice what you preach Let no man despise you Show integrity Devote self to do good Keep your head Live godly Take heed to self Pure of the blood of all men Discharge your duties Hold firmly the message

People Skills Visit fatherless, widows Take heed to flock Protect from wolves Keep women in place Appoint godly elders Appoint godly deacons Rebuke not elderly Don't quickly accuse elders Publicly rebuke elders in sin Don't lay hands on suddenly Rebuke them sharply Honor widows 60+ Warn the rich to give Let elders get paid Be kind to everyone Gently instruct Mentor other men Appoint elders Encourage young men Warn divisive people Discipline the stubborn Avoid arguments Be shepherds Care for flock Not as lords Feed flock of God Protect from wolves Let no one despise you Teach servants to love master Remind men Don't quarrel Watch for you souls

Word Skills Warn them to be sound Don't listen to fables, etc Suffer reproach Point out end times Devote to public reading Exhort Teach Know Scriptures Keep sound teaching Warn about quarreling Study - do your best Correctly handle Word Avoid godless chatter Be able to teach Preach word Correct Rebuke Encourage Do evangelism Hold firmly the message Refute opposition Avoid foolish things Teach sound doctrine Encourage w/ authority Rebuke with authority Stress these things Teach publicly / house to house Declare repentance and faith Declare whole counsel of God Teach slaves Teach older men Teach older women Feed flock

Prayer Disciplines War a good warfare Fight the fight of faith Intercede for all men Meditate Pray for sick Anoint sick Cast your care on Him Resist the devil Pray night/day with tears Stand firm in faith Administration Work Rule Steward Authority over