In the modern church the most important role in most congregations is that of the person who does most of the preaching on Sundays, the traditional pastor. Beside the preaching and providing most of the direction for the community, this person is expected to perform baptisms, the dedication of babies, weddings, and funerals whenever the occasion calls for them.

However in the New Testament book, the Acts of the Apostles, no such person is found. Of course, the apostles who were personally chosen and trained by Jesus were front and center in this history of the Early Church. After that, we see prophets and evangelists in action and important in establishing the churches.

The congregation at Jerusalem was organized and led by the 12 apostles. The second major center was North in Antioch of Syria, and was led by prophets and teachers, which were mentioned by name in Acts 13:1. This group was led by the Holy Spirit to send Saul and Barnabas out as missionaries. Saul, also called Paul preached the Gospel with Barnabas and later Silas, on many journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.

Whenever converts to Christ came together in any area, Paul appointed elders to lead them. This practice goes all the way back to Moses, who had taken upon himself more responsibility than was necessary. The Lord instructed Moses to gather seventy men of the elders — the older men of Israel, so He could impart the Holy Spirit’s gifting of Moses to them. These unnamed men were to share the load with Moses. (Numbers 11:16)

Many historians believe that this was less of an office, but more of a charge. The appointment of an elder did not make one an elder. He was already an older man, but he was to be blessed and ordained to fulfill the duties that were already his.

Examples of this are found in both Acts 20:25-35 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. In Paul’s last address to the elders at Ephesus, he charged them to:

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
(Acts 20:28 NASB)

In the older English language, the words “shepherd” and “pastor” were interchangeable. Thankfully, modern English translations have clarified the fact that the elders of the churches in Acts were the same people who were elsewhere referred to as “pastors,” in Ephesians 4:11. Another source of confusion is the fact that the work of the “overseer,” later took on the official sounding title of “bishop.”

It is this simple: This same body of elders were held responsible of “shepherding,” tending God’s flock, and “overseeing,” watching over them to protect and lead them by example.

Peter affirms this in his first letter.

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
(1 Peter 5:1-4 NASB)

Somehow we often miss the picture of the church as a family. The adults are the responsible ones. They are the ones who provide for the younger ones.

In all of this my hope is to encourage all of you seniors, men and women in the body of Christ. You have not only an opportunity, but a duty to put your years of experience to good use. In our society you might not get the respect that elders in the early church received. Maybe you have not earned it! Maybe you thought you should stay out of the way and let the “official” leaders make all the calls. Or maybe you are acknowledged as an elder in your church, but you are asked only to study the financial numbers in the budget or in the unfilled pews.

Please consider this: Somewhere in your circle there are younger people who could use your help. Maybe they don’t even know it. It might be up to you to reach out to them and show some love and concern. Pray for them and seek the Lord’s help for opportunities to serve them.

We all know it is easy to criticize and complain about the failures in Christianity. It is not as easy to share another’s load as did the 70 elders of Israel. However, I believe our response to Christ’s example and charge to us will elicit His response with the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill that call!