I. Pastoral care is essential, not incidental!
A. Pastoral care merits a faithful saying (vs. 1a)
B. Pastoral care includes the formal (vs. 1b)
C. Pastoral care is golden (vs. 1c)

II. Jesus supplies visible gifts for pastoral care!
A. An Elder must be above reproach (vs. 2a)
B. An Elder must be mature (vs. 2b)
C. An Elder must be modest (vs. 2c)
D. An Elder must meet muster (vs. 2d)
E. And morality is important (vs. 3)

III. Jesus supplies hidden gifts for pastoral care!
A. Hidden gifts are seen in the mirror of family (vs. 4-5)
B. Hidden gifts are seen in the mirror of providence (vs. 6)
C. Hidden gifts are seen in the mirror of outsiders (vs. 7)

Questions for consideration: (1) Who makes an Elder? Why? (2) Why is pastoral care so important? (3) What qualities does Jesus give to Elders that you can see? Why? (4) How can you estimate those qualities you cannot see in an Elder? (5) How is the election of an Elder different than the election of a President or Governor?