Theme: The Lord instructs us regarding church leadership. I. How—Ordination A. Ordination in the OT (Exodus 29; Numbers 8) 1. Priests—garments; sacrifices; cleansing 2. Levites—cleansing; laying on of hands B. Ordination in the NT 1. Based on Jesus' sovereign calling—Ephesians 4:7-12 2. Confirmed by inward and outward calling C. Ordination involves ceremony 1. A setting apart of someone from among the people 2. Prayer and laying on of hands 3. Elders perform the ordination (Acts 6:3c, 6; 13:3) II. What—Eldership A. What is an elder? Mature; dignified; godly; knowledge B. He rules; teaches/preaches; leads worship; counsels III. Why—Needful A. To protect B. To edify C. To discipline D. To administer—bishop = overseer IV. Where—Everywhere the Church Is A. The body needs a skeleton = its governmental structure B. Local authority is extraordinarily important Observations A. Presbyterianism enables the church to function well B. Elders must be qualified—only men; not self-appointed Application A. Pray—for more elders; for their protection B. Gladly submit to your elders (Hebrews 13:17) 1. Jesus paid for the church with His blood 2. Submission to elders honors His sacrifice and sovereignty