THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 3, NUMBER 24, JULY 13, 2003 

HOW SHOULD WE VIEW THE ELDERS? 

Each local congregation of the Lord’s Church, when it is scripturally and completely organized, will be overseen by a plurality of elders. The rest of the congregation is comprised of deacons and the other saints. Philippians 1:1, is the simplest statement of this organization that I know of. Paul began his letter to the church in Philippi with the words, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” 

Faithful Christians recognize that between the local congregation and the Lord in heaven there exist no other level of organization. However, the primary purpose of this article is not to discuss the organization of the Lord’s church. It is to examine the responsibilities of the members of a local congregation toward the elders who oversee it. There are several passages that give us insight into how the Lord expects and demands that Christians treat faithful elders in the congregation of which we are a member. 

1 Thessalonians 5:12, says, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you:” The idea of “knowing” the elders involves more than simply being acquainted with them. The meaning of the word “to know” is to respect, highly regard; recognize and appreciate. Actually it is a sin to disrespect, dishonor, ridicule, or destructively criticize elders of the church. This is not to say that elders are perfect and can never be constructively criticized; but it is to say that we should help them in every way we can in their work as they “labor among us.” To destructively criticize elders is to destroy their effectiveness as leaders of the Lord’s people and to call in question the wisdom and authority of God’s pattern. 

1 Thessalonians 5:13, tells us, “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” Elders who are doing the very best they can in accordance with God’s word are to be loved and esteemed for their very work’s sake. We should help, cooperate with, and encourage them, making their job as enjoyable as possible. The exhortation to “be at peace among yourselves” emphasizes that point. Truly, the effectiveness and the efficiency of the elders in doing their work and in causing the church to do a good work, depends upon peace and unity among the brethren. Every single member should be involved in “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). That unity and peace cannot be attained and maintained unless every member is working for it. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). 

Hebrews 13:7, commands, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of the God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” We are to imitate, or follow, the faith of the elders. They have the responsibility to be examples to us in love, faith, liberality, attendance, study, and just in generally doing the work of the Lord. Our responsibility is to emulate them in these good things. 

Hebrews 13:17, exhorts us with these words, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.” Simply put, elders are to rule in accordance with God’s word, and members are to submit and obey. Their rule is not as lords over the congregation (1 Peter 5:2-3), but as those who enforce the Law of Christ.  

Consider 1 Timothy 5:19. “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” Let’s face it, for some it is easy to pick at flaws and be a “mote-finder” (Matthew 7:1-5). And it easy for some to be hypercritical of everybody but themselves, like the Pharisee in the Lord’s parable of Luke 18:9-14. But members should not make, nor should we pay any attention to, idle charges against an elder. To do so is to sin. Elders are not perfect people – no one is. They can sin and even espouse error. Paul told the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-30, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” If a charge is to be brought concerning an elder, it must be proven by two or three witnesses. I know from experience that it is easy for shots to be taken at men in their position. 

Finally, look at James 5:14. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Those who are sick are to call for the elders if they want them to come. Interestingly, this places the responsibility on the shoulders of the members. Sometimes a Christian will say, “I was sick and the elders didn’t come to see me.” My question has often been in response, “Did you call the elders?” When good “shepherds” learn of sick “sheep” in their fold, they will try to visit, if possible, and pray for them and see that their needs are cared for. However, even the best shepherds are not omniscient or omnipresent. They can’t visit the sick if they don’t know they are sick, nor can they be two places at the same time. 

God’s pattern works if all will abide by it. A congregation of the Lord’s church should be the most peaceful, efficient body of people that there is. 

Greg Litmer