Become an Elder
What is an Elder
1. Elders are shepherds.
Both the Old and New Testaments repeatedly employ the metaphor of "shepherding" to describe the spiritual leadership of God's people. Not surprisingly, the New Testament views elders as shepherds as well (e.g. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). The elders' mission is to lead, teach, protect and love their church members the way shepherds care for the sheep in a flock, so that the church members will grow up into spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13).
2. Elders are pastors.
An Elder is a pastor, and a pastor is an Elder. In Our faith a female Elder is a Priestess. Priestesses are shepherds over women’s ministries.
3. Elders are plural.
We always find elders (plural) in New Testament churches (e.g. Acts 15:4; 20:17; Titus 1:5). Each congregation should have a team of shepherds.
4. Elders must be godly.
The New Testament job descriptions for elders focus largely on character qualities (e.g. 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Elders must be self-controlled, sensible, holy, and hospitable. They can't be drunkards or bullies or money-grubbers. Elders must be "above reproach."
5. Elders should model godliness.
The elders' character matters because the elders model KARAITE maturity for the church (1 Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7). Church members should be able to see in their elders inspiring, albeit imperfect, examples of the character of Yeshua.
6. Elders should teach.
Elders must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2) so that they can build up the church in sound doctrine and refute false teachers (Titus 1:9; cf. Acts 20:30-31). Elder teaching can take lots of shapes: one-to-one instruction, small groups, classes, or preaching. An elder doesn't need a PhD in biblical studies, but he does need to be able to faithfully explain biblical truth.
7. Elders must lead.
Elders have a measure of authority over the local church. That's why the New Testament also calls them "overseers." The elders' authority is not absolute or unquestionable, nor should it be exercised in a domineering manner. Yet God calls his shepherds to provide leadership for the flock, and, in general, God expects the church to submit to that leadership (Hebrews 13:17). Confession of Faith
John 21:17
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Yeshua saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
Become an Elder
Elders work as leaders and meditators in the church. They are not to lead for the pay or the reward but because of their desire to serve and shepherd the flock. They pray for the sick. They are to watch over the church in humility. They are to stand as shepherds of the flock. They are to spend their time in prayer and teaching the word. Simply put, the Elders are peacemakers, prayer warriors, teachers, examples, and organizers. They are the preaching and teaching leaders of the church. It is a position to be sought but not taken lightly—read this warning: "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1). The role of elder is not a position to be taken lightly.
Request to become an Elder
If you believe it is your calling to become an Elder of Zion make your request below