TEACHING NOTES Introduction In the last few weeks we have learned about the biblical roles of servant-leadership in the church. Now that we understand the roles, we are ready to choose and commission shepherds and deacons. This session will be focused on choosing and commissioning shepherds into their ministry. But first we need to review the role and responsibilities of shepherds. ‌ Session Overview ‌1. Character Requirements ‌2. Role and Responsibilities ‌3. Commissioning and Blessing ‌ Why do we need shepherds? ‌ Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision [guidance] the people are out of control, but blessed is the one who keeps [guards] the Torah [instruction]. ‌ What is a shepherd? ‌ Episkopes = Overseer, guardian Presbyteros = Elder, older, experienced Poimenos = Shepherd, herdsman ‌ 1 Peter 5:1-2 “I exhort the elders [presbyteros] among you…shepherd [poimaino] the flock of God, exercising oversight [episkopeo]“ ‌ Character Requirements for Shepherds: ‌ 1 Timothy 3:1–3 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a good work. 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, 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. ‌ Titus 1:7–9 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. ‌ Requirements for Overseers/Elders/Shepherds: Live above reproach Not a drunkard or addict Faithful in marriage Gentle, not violent Humble Peaceable Self-controlled Generous, not greedy Respectable Leads well at home Caring toward others Experienced in the faith Able to teach, rebuke Maintain a good testimony ‌ What will our shepherds do? ‌ 1 Peter 5:1–3 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. ‌ Basic Responsibilities for Shepherds: ‌‌- Follow the direction of Christ and His Word. ‌- ‌Guide and guard the mission, teaching, and discipline of the church. ‌- ‌Be willing and able to teach God’s Word to the church. ‌- ‌Research and pray together over major decisions. ‌- ‌Be in constant communication with the church family. ‌‌- Be accountable to the church family. ‌ Summary of a Shepherd’s Role: ‌1. Lead: be a godly example ‌2. Feed: teach and care ‌3. Guide: make disciples ‌4. Guard: protect and correct ‌ Candidates for Shepherds: ‌- Curt Whitfield ‌‌- Doyle Lundy ‌- ‌Marty Albanese ‌- ‌Ray Whitfield ‌ Next Week Our shepherds will meet this week to discuss candidates for deacons. They will create a list of who is biblically qualified and then find out who is willing to serve. Next Wednesday this list of candidates for deacons will be presented to the church so we can all pray and give input. If all is well and we are all in agreement, we will commission our team of deacons on September 25. If we need more time, then we will commission them on October 2.