What does First B Jackson teach about church elders?
Drawn from the messages where it was actually addressed: the words said from the front, the passages taught, and where to hear the whole thing.
At First Baptist Jackson, the teaching on church elders starts with the conviction that the office is a noble task, not a platform. When Pastor Ray worked through 1 Timothy 3:1-7, he was careful to anchor the whole list of qualifications in the letter's running theme: the aim is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. The qualifications Paul gives are not a portrait of a sinless person but of someone whose life, when examined honestly in full context, gives an accuser no justified ground to stand on. Being a one-woman man, sober minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach are all pictures of what that blameless life looks like in ordinary days.
The teaching has also pressed on what elders owe the congregation and what the congregation owes them. Pastor Ray walked through Hebrews 13:17 and its call to obey and submit to those who lead, being clear that the Greek word behind 'obey' is rooted in persuasion and faith, not blind compliance. Elders keep watch over souls, and they will give an account for how faithfully they delivered what God said. Ezekiel 3 was brought in to show how seriously God takes that responsibility: if a leader fails to warn, the blood of those who stray is required at his hand. The watching is soul care, not surveillance. When Pastor Brian worked through 1 Timothy 5:17, he showed that the word translated 'rule' carries the sense of diligent, humble leadership that earns a reputation over time, and that the honor owed to elders who lead well is concrete, not merely ceremonial.
On the question of who qualifies, the messages have been consistent that character and a proven track record come before everything else. Pastor Brian used the ordination of a long-serving ministry worker as a live example of what it looks like not to rush someone into the role, noting that the Greek behind the caution against hasty ordination means quickly, not simply early. Pastor Mark and Pastor Ray both stressed that the hospitality requirement points to someone who is the opposite of fearful toward outsiders, carrying a brotherly love for people he does not yet know. And throughout, the messages have held together the elder's responsibility to instruct and the elder's responsibility to rebuke, because holding firm to sound doctrine is what makes both possible.
Taught from 1 Timothy 3:1-7 · Hebrews 13:17 · 1 Timothy 5:17 · Titus 1:5-16 · Ezekiel 3
The passage taught · 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
15 Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints),
16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
World English Bible
Messages that go deeper
- March 8, 2020 Be Persuaded by Those Leading You Hebrews 13:17 explored verse by verse: what Scripture actually says about obeying church leaders, why it matters, and what it costs the leaders themselves.
- July 8, 2018 Hold Firm to the Trustworthy Word as Taught A Wyoming pastor works through Titus 1:5-16, examining what the Bible says about church leadership, false teaching, and holding firm to the gospel.
- June 10, 2018 The Laborer Deserves His Wages The pastor walks through 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2, covering how churches should honor elders, handle discipline, ordain leaders carefully, and work faithfully for God's glory.
- April 29, 2018 Above Reproach: The Elder's Noble Task Pastor Ray walks through 1 Timothy 3, examining what Paul says an elder must look like and why those qualities matter for the health of a local church.
- April 29, 2018 A Noble Task The pastor walks through 1 Timothy 3:1-7, examining what God requires of church overseers: a life above reproach, marked by humility, faithfulness, and genuine care for others.