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Study 02 of 18

Defining 'Elder' and 'Church'

What the words mean before we use them

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The handbook pauses to define its terms. 'Elder' basically refers to age, but in New Testament usage and current understanding it carries the added meaning of 'leader' or 'ambassador' — Titus 1:5 tells Titus to appoint elders, which shows the oldest member is not automatically the elder, or appointment would be unnecessary. Timothy was young and still a recognised leader (1 Tim. 4:12). 'Church' can mean a building, a company of believers, the hour of worship, or the denomination; the Greek ekklesia means 'the called out.' The church's purpose is the gospel commission — to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). The handbook calls the church a workshop rather than a museum, in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16), with every member a minister and an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).

Key points

  • 'Elder' means leader or ambassador, not merely an older person.
  • Youth does not disqualify: 'Let no one despise your youth' (1 Tim. 4:12).
  • Ekklesia means 'the called out' — the church is God's creation, not human property.
  • The purpose of the church is the gospel commission, making disciples of all nations.
  • The church is a workshop for workers, not a museum for exhibits; every member is a minister.

Key texts

  • Titus 1:5
  • 1 Timothy 4:12
  • Matthew 28:19
  • John 17:14-16
  • 2 Corinthians 5:20
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2
  1. Comprehension

    1. What two meanings does the handbook give to the word 'elder'?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read Titus 1:5. What does the instruction to 'appoint elders in every city' prove about age and office?

  3. Scripture

    3. How does 1 Timothy 4:12 apply to young elders?

  4. Comprehension

    4. List the several ways the word 'church' is commonly used, according to the handbook.

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What does the Greek word ekklesia mean, and what does that imply about ownership of the church?

  6. Scripture

    6. State the purpose of the church from Matthew 28:19.

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. Explain the handbook's picture of the church as a workshop rather than a museum.

  8. Contrast

    8. Contrast being 'in the world but not of the world' with withdrawing from the world altogether.

  9. Application

    9. If every member is an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20), what changes in how you plan church programs?

  10. Application

    10. Which of the four uses of 'church' dominates the conversation in your congregation, and what does that reveal?