1 Peter 5: 1-4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
An elder or a deacon that desires a noble task, not only qualifies because of the desire to serve and the observable qualifications as written in 1 Timothy 3: 1-13; they are also considered shepherds. There are a few incidents in the Bible that showed us how elders and deacons were chosen.
Among the few responsibilities and qualities are that they are mature spiritually and not a new convert. They are able to manage the affairs of the church. But last and the most important is being a shepherd of the flock just like Jesus did in his ministry. The elder or deacon that is able to know the flock, watch, lead, serve, and being an example to the flock. And the ultimate recognition for a job well done will be a crown of glory that will never fade.
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