DIRECTIONS: All lessons are prepared using the New International Version of the Bible. Read each Scripture Reference and then answer the questions following each Scripture Reference.
1. READ: ACTS 2:41-43
a. Who were the first leaders of the Lord's church?
b. What did the people devote themselves to?
2. READ: ACTS 6:1-7
a. What did the twelve apostles desire to give their attention to?
b. What responsibility did they give to other men?
3. READ: ACTS 14:21-25
a. Who did Paul and Barnabas appoint for the disciples in each church they visited in that area?
b. Who did they commit the elders to?
4. READ: ACTS 15:1-6 AND ACTS 15:22-23
a. What leaders did the church in Jerusalem have by this time?
5. READ: ACTS 20:17-38
a. What leaders did the church at Ephesus have?
b. What responsibilities had the Holy Spirit given to the elders?
c. What did God purchase His church with?
d. Why did Paul tell the elders to be on their guard?
e. To what did Paul commit the elders?
f. What words of Jesus did Paul quote to them?
6. READ: 1 PETER 5:1-4
a. What did Peter instruct the elders to "be"?
b. What did he say was under their care?
c. What did he tell them to serve as?
d. What must elders NOT do?
7. READ: MARK 10:42-45
a. What did Jesus say was "Not so with you"?
b. Leaders among God's people must be what?
c. Why did the Son of Man come to the world?
8. READ: EPHESIANS 4:11-16
a. Who did Jesus give to lead God's people, so that His body may be built up?
b. Who will we grow up into?
c. How does the body grow and build itself up in love?
9. READ: PHILIPPIANS 1:1
a. Who did the overseers have as their helpers?
NOTE: The word "deacon" means "servant or minister."
10. READ: 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-16
a. Anyone who sets his heart on being an overseer desires what?
b. What is the noble task of an overseer?
c. Must a man be properly qualified to take on the important work of an overseer?
d. Must deacons be respectable and good family managers?
11. READ: TITUS 1:5-9
a. Paul told Titus to appoint elders where?
b. What is an overseer entrusted with?
c. Can just anyone be appointed an overseer?
d. What must an elder be able to do?
12. READ: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13
a. The leaders who are over us in the Lord have what work among us?
b. What must our attitude be toward them?
13. READ: HEBREWS 13:7-8 AND HEBREWS 13:17
a. What works do the leaders in Christ's body do?
b. What should we do as followers?
14. READ: HEBREWS 13:20-21