Elders and Oversight - Teacher (Standard) (print)

Teens (ages 13-17) · Acts 20:17-35; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 · Standard ·35 minutes

Teach now

Objective: Analyse the relevant text and explain the case that new testament elders are described through character, teaching ability, household credibility, and shepherding responsibility.

Read: Acts 20:17-35; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

Opening: Ask: What does this passage actually say before we explain what it means?

Say:

Paul summons the Ephesian elders and describes their responsibility to watch themselves and shepherd the flock.
1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 emphasize character, household credibility, self-control, hospitality, and ability to teach among elder qualifications.
Across these passages, New Testament oversight is characterized by qualified character, teaching responsibility, and shepherding rather than status or celebrity.

Ask:

What does the text directly say?
What conclusion requires synthesis or inference?
What should we avoid overstating?
What is one faithful response?

Do: Complete Elders and Oversight Claim Audit.

Close: Restate the big idea, name one faithful response, and pray.

Materials: Bible; Elders and Oversight Claim Audit

Standard outline · 35 minutes

4 minConnect. Locate the lesson within Cycle 2 and activate prior knowledge.
4 minContext. Identify genre, audience, setting, and immediate context before making claims.
9 minRead and observe. Read selected portions of Acts 20:17-35; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 and identify direct observations. Ask: What does the passage directly say?
7 minDiscuss. Test the big idea against the evidence and identify interpretive limits. Ask: What conclusion can we support from those observations? Where could someone overstate or misapply this passage?
7 minActivity. Complete the primary evidence-based activity. Activity: Elders and Oversight Claim Audit. Printable: T3-L12-P01-elders-and-oversight-claim-audit.
4 minRespond. Name one faithful response and pray. Ask: What faithful response fits the text?

Activity details

Elders and Oversight Claim Audit · 10 min

Materials: Elders and Oversight Claim Audit; Bible; Pens or pencils

Read or review Acts 20:17-35; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.
Record at least two direct observations.
State the supported meaning without adding details the text does not supply.
Name one faithful response and one interpretive limit.

Low-resource option: Draw the categories on blank paper or complete verbally.

Closing

Memory verse: Genesis 3:1-24

Prayer: Thank God for what this passage reveals and ask for wisdom to respond faithfully.

Take-home line: The Spirit's coming, apostolic proclamation, baptism, and shared life mark the church's public beginning.