Volume 46 Number 11 July 2004
Soon after my baptism at age 15, I began making short
talks. Because I spent the ensuing 25 years clarifying
in various places that I was not the pastor, it has taken me about two
years to process readily and comfortably that I indeed am now one of the
pastors here in Kirksville.
Most readers are aware that the terms pastors, shepherds (poimen),
presbyters, elders (presbuteros), and bishops, overseers (episkopos) are
synonymous expressions in the New Testament. God provides criteria in
Paul's epistles to Timothy and Titus (1 Timothy 3 & Titus 1) to ordain men
for service as elders and deacons. Note that Timothy and Titus were not
pastors, but evangelists. Their role was to strengthen churches and to
appoint elders and deacons.
The instructions should be viewed positively to install qualified men.
God's desire is that every congregation might be led by spiritually
mature men and dedicated servants. Accordingly, it should also be our
desire to see elders and deacons appointed. Occasionally, the criteria
are used negatively to deny able men these offices. In some instances,
brethren have not trusted God's plan and have not wanted elders. In
other instances, brethren have been hypercritical. Please realize that
when "push comes to shove" every single candidate could be disqualified
or discouraged enough to withdraw, but is this the spirit and intent of
God?
God's plan further reveals that evangelists are to assist in the process
of appointing (Titus 1:5). In most areas of the country this has been an
overlooked function. Churches of Christ across the nation are suffering
because doctrinally unsound men have been made elders. Being an elder
means more than winning a popularity contest, and far more than being a
good businessman! An elder must be able to teach, recognize error, and
refute the gainsayer (Titus 1:9). As God's anointed (Acts 20:28), an
elder is worthy of respect (cf. David's regard for King Saul, 1 Samuel
24:6, 26:11) and in some instances double honor, monetary compensation (1 Timothy 5:17).
An evangelist, as an objective neutral party and upholder of God's
criteria, fulfills a vital role that cannot be easily fulfilled by a
"full-time located preacher." To object to an appointment might
jeopardize or complicate his job, and thus the main reason that
evangelistic involvement is absent and neglected. From the scriptures,
we see that members should look among themselves for qualified men (Acts
6:3), and evangelists should help to guide the legitimacy of the process.
When additional elders and deacons are to be appointed, the assistance
of an evangelist is still necessary, although the process may be easier.
Unless scriptural objections are raised, a negative comment should not
disallow the appointment of a qualified man; in God's plan, the
evangelist serves as a check to help guarantee doctrinal purity.
We began this series by offering help to small churches. One reader
wrote me: "I'm in urgent need of your help on what are the biblical
procedures to run the church without elders?" As my fellow elder, Ken
Saner, would say, "apply the Bible." A church without elders should be
aided by an evangelist who is under elders elsewhere and is therefore
accountable. Some call this evangelistic authority. His role is to help
the congregation with spiritual guidance, and if need be fiscal advice,
until they can have elders and deacons. Certainly members should be
involved in the conduct of their own business affairs, and often
governmental regulations require trustees. An evangelist may labor with
a congregation for a long time by either residing there or regularly
visiting. Maturity of the congregation is the key to the length of stay.
In trusting God's plan for leadership, resolve to conduct yourselves as
Christians in business or decision-making meetings. Develop a
congregational goal to see elders and deacons appointed. Secure the
assistance of an evangelist to develop a plan toward that end.
Congregations that encourage talent development should logically develop
leadership faster than those that do not. Contact me or Bro. Woody, the
editor, if you need the help of an evangelist.
As members in churches with an established leadership, pray for your
elders. Conduct yourselves in ways not to grieve them (Hebrews 13:17). Be
a "minute-man," willing to volunteer when asked. Realize that some
decisions elders need to make are time-sensitive and do not have a right
or wrong answer. You may not always agree with a decision, but unless
there is a scriptural dimension to your objection, respect their
oversight. "Majority rule" is not found in the scriptures, and "voting"
can lead to politics and schisms. Do not personalize a "negative" answer
to a request. Elders must consider future implications of immediate
decisions and may not feel comfortable with certain directions. A
critical member once asked, "where do you see this church going?"
"Heaven" should be our unanimous answer!
As elders, heed the warning about "lording" over members (1 Peter 5:3).
Provide regular opportunities for membership input. Communicate often
through bulletins, financial statements, and public announcements. Learn
to delegate to deacons and others so that you can focus on spiritual
goals: public and private teaching, member visitation, and the training
of members, especially evangelists. Provide opportunities for members to
develop their talents, including classes devoted to public service such
as song leading and public speaking. Encourage every member to find a
ministry.
There are aspects of evangelistic work that I miss, but one should serve
the church in whatever capacity is needed. With role changes, come
slight changes in perspective. As an elder, I find myself less willing
to make ripples, enjoying the peace in God's family. Instead of
pricking, pressing, pushing, or prodding, God calls upon me to lead by
example. I have learned to respect God's plan for leadership.
Another way that you can dialogue with me about these thoughts
is to visit our Discussion Board at: