The Lord Governs His Church by Elders

The Ruling Elder and Deacon: The Lord Governs His Church by Elders
Exodus 3:16-18; Acts 14:23
Rev. Chris Strevel

I. The Way a Church Is Governed Decides Many Issues
A. Denominations Divided along Governmental Lines
B. Church Government Failures Common and Disruptive

II. God Has Always Governed His People by Elders (Ex. 3:16-18)
A. The Most Ancient Office
B. A Warning: The Eldership in Jesus' Day
C. Two Errors to Avoid

III. The Lord Jesus Ordained Elders in Every Church (Acts 14:23)
A. Government by Ruling Elders the Norm
B. As a Gift to His Church (Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:8-16)
C. New Testament Clarification about the Office
D. The Ruling Elder at Work
E. The Present Demise of the Ruling Elder

IV. We Desire to Be a Thriving Church of Jesus Christ
A. To Obey Jesus Christ in the Way He Governs Us
B. To Grow in Truth and Holiness
C. To Choose Godly Elders for God's Glory and Our Good