Some Things You Should Know About Elders

Organization of the Lord’s church

The organization of the Lord’s church is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the religious world. One can find all manner of organizational structures in the denominational world, but the New Testament offers a simple yet effective organizational system for the Lord’s church. In relationship to organization, the church is called a body. There is one body, and there is but one head, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). It’s not an organization of many bodies with one head, or one body with many heads, but one body with one head.

Each congregation is autonomous (self-governing)

There is no organization in the New Testament larger than the local church. Each scripturally organized congregation is overseen by qualified elders (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9), and served by qualified deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Elders have no authority beyond that contained in the New Testament. They have no authority to bind or loose. That is, they cannot make laws for Christ, nor can they set aside those laws contained in the “perfect law of liberty.” Their responsibility is to lead the local church in the direction dictated by her head Jesus Christ.

Elders are not perfect

They do not claim to be. They can and do make mistakes. No qualified elder would ever claim infallibility.

Elders have the best interests of the church (congregation) at heart

The well-being of the body always outweighs that of any one member, or small group of members.

Elders often deal with matters that are highly confidential

Sometimes they are misunderstood because all the facts are not on the table, and can’t be, out of respect for personal privacy.

Elders, as already noted, have no authority to add to or take from God’s word

But in matters of indifference, opinion, and expediency, they must weigh all sides and lead in the direction that is best for the church as a whole.

Elders have various responsibilities

They often work in demanding jobs, are involved in many civic organizations, and have family responsibilities like other members of the church. Still, they take time to study, pray, counsel, and shepherd the flock. They do so not for personal recognition or honor, but out of a love for Christ and His church.

Elders genuinely desire your prayers and support

And they will listen patiently to your suggestions and criticism.

Elders have a very serious work to do

They approach that work earnestly desiring to please the Lord. There are some things you can do to make their work easier. The writer of Hebrews offers a good summary. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).

— Roger

JUNE 17, 2012