Lesson 20

Jehovah is a God of order. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

So we would expect that his people would be organized. How is the Christian congregation organized? How can we contribute to its success?

“Christ is head of the congregation.” (Ephesians 5:23)

From heaven, he oversees the activities of Jehovah’s people worldwide. Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave”—a small group of mature elders also known as the Governing Body.

Read Matthew 24.45-47: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! Truly I say to you, he will appoint him over all his belongings.

Like the first-century apostles and elders in Jerusalem, the Governing Body gives direction to the global congregation. (Acts 15:2)

But these men are not the leaders of our organization. They look to Jehovah and his Word for guidance, and they submit to Jesus’ headship.

Elders are mature Christian men who teach from the Scriptures and shepherd Jehovah’s people by helping and encouraging them. They are not paid for their work. Rather, they serve “willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:1, 2)

Elders are assisted by ministerial servants, who, in time, may qualify to serve as elders themselves.

The Governing Body appoints some elders to be circuit overseers. They visit various congregations to give guidance and encouragement. They appoint elders and ministerial servants, who must meet the Scriptural requirements.— 1 Timothy 3:1-10; 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:5-9.

All in the congregation “praise the name of Jehovah” by participating at congregation meetings and sharing in the ministry according to their circumstances.

Read Psalm 148.12, 13: You young men and young women, Old men and young together. Let them praise the name of Jehovah, For his name alone is unreachably high. His majesty is above earth and heaven.

Learn what kind of leader Jesus is, how elders try to imitate his example, and how we can cooperate with Jesus and the elders.

Jesus offers us an appealing invitation.

Read Matthew 11.28-30: Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”

Discuss this question:

How does Jesus want us to feel about his leadership?

How do elders imitate Jesus’ example? Play the VIDEO.

The Bible clearly teaches how elders should do their work.

Read Isaiah 32.2: And each one will be like a hiding place from the wind, A place of concealment from the rainstorm, Like streams of water in a waterless land, Like the shadow of a massive crag in a parched land.

Read 1 Peter 5.1-3: Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of the Christ and a sharer of the glory that is to be revealed, I make this appeal to the elders among you: Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.

Discuss these questions:

How does it make you feel to know that, like Jesus, the elders endeavor to refresh others?

What are some other ways in which the elders imitate Jesus?

How does Jesus want elders to view their role? Play the VIDEO.

Jesus set the standard for those who take the lead in the congregation.

Read Matthew 23.8-12: But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your Teacher, and all of you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Discuss this question:

What impresses you about the difference between the Bible’s standard for elders and what you have observed in religious leaders?