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Why
Don’t We Have Elders? By
Earle H. West Christians
in many congregations are asking this question. Current statistics show that
over half of No
One Is Qualified Probably
the most common stated reason for not having elders is that "we don't have
anyone qualified." If true, it is valid and biblical since scripture
specifies the qualifications of those to be appointed. But how can such a
situation exist even in old and large congregations? Were conditions so
different in the first century that congregations could appoint elders quickly
but that it cannot be done today? Some have answered "yes" to this
question and have pointed to the possibility that miraculous spiritual gifts
rendered men qualified, or that many new converts were mature men who had been
synagogue leaders steeped in the Old Testament scriptures. There is some truth
in both points, but more likely, these reasons provide a convenient excuse for a
less than aggressive pursuit of Biblical church organization. It may also
reflect a worldly atmosphere in which Christian men are not growing spiritually
and have no desire to serve. The claim that none are qualified may be the
publicly stated reason, but there are likely other more subtle, even
unacknowledged reasons that should be explored. Idealizing
Biblical Qualifications Idealizing
the Biblical qualifications leads to the belief that "we don't have anyone
qualified." The Biblical qualifications are intended to describe traits, as
they exist in imperfect men, not as they exist in angels. In most congregations,
men can be found who possess all the qualifications to a positive degree, that
is, to a degree equal to or surpassing the congregational average and to whom
the church can look as a reasonable example of each trait. Nitpickers can always
find flaws. Peter once practiced dissimulation and racial discrimination at Loss
of Power Some
members of a congregation may oppose the appointment of elders because for them
it would mean a loss of power since they themselves would not be selected. It is
interesting to note that congregations will contend that they have none
qualified, yet will put the management of the church in the hands of persons
admittedly unqualified as elders. The inconsistency is conveniently overlooked
or unrealized. Sometimes preachers who "run" the congregation in the
absence of elders may discourage the appointment of elders since they might then
come "under" men less knowledgeable of scripture than they. Christian
men who are successful and influential in the business or academic world may
discourage appointment of elders if they themselves have not developed
spiritually thus do not wish to be led by less successful and. influential men.
These attitudes will often be quite real, but unrecognized and unacknowledged. Misunderstanding
the Work of Elders Congregations
may fear the appointment of elders because they misconstrue the role of elders
and have known unfortunate situations of elder oversight. Bad examples abound of
elders who, being lifted up in pride, have "lorded it over" (1 Peter
5:3) the congregation and have made arbitrary decisions without consulting the
congregation. These instances understandably make congregations fearful of going
through such traumas with the concomitant falling away of members,
discouragement, loss of community influence, and loss of spiritual tone. It must
be clearly understood that the work of elders is less that of dictating, and
more shepherding, teaching, encouraging, setting an example, and...leading with
consideration and humility. Don't
Rock the Boat Some
congregations have a history of strife or fear possible divisiveness during the
selection process and prefer not to "rock the boat." Divisiveness can
be avoided if the process is approached with appropriate study and prayer, and
with determination to act only when it can be "with one accord," which
is the New Testament model. Two Biblical passages emphasize the importance of
respecting the opinions of each Christian (Romans 14:1; 1 Corinthians 8). The
principles in these passages mean that congregational actions must not be
merely majority rule, but rather consensus based on respect for each
individual's conscience. Members
Don't Know Each Other Some
congregations are unable to appoint elders because they are a congregation of
isolates or isolated cliques who do not know each other well enough to determine
eldership qualifications. This will be a significant factor in very large
congregations, but the average congregation is of such size that each member can
know every other member if the desire exists. In political elections, the
newspapers sometimes mention that "Snoopy" or "Donald Duck"
or "Mickey Mouse" got some votes. A similar situation sometimes occurs
when a congregation is asked to submit the names of men thought to be qualified
as elders only to see the names of non-members, novices, or "nice
looking" brothers who are totally unfitted. Such situations discourage
consulting the congregation and may lead to the rejection of governance by
elders. What
If We Make a Mistake? This
is often the final clincher to stop action. Naturally, such a possibility gives
pause, since it is often thought that being without elders would be better than
making a mistake in appointing the wrong people. However, one must also consider
whether it is better to risk making a mistake in a serious effort to be
Biblical, or to stick with a situation known to be unbiblical. There
are ways to minimize the possibility of mistakes. Paul warned Timothy not to
"lay hands upon anyone too hastily." (1 Timothy 5:22 NAS) This
suggests a slow, deliberate process in full knowledge of Biblical teaching, of
the personalities involved, and of the nature of the work to be done. Another
possibility would be to set a definite term of office at the end of which the
new elders would be reevaluated and either reaffirmed or released. There is no
definite Biblical teaching as to an elder's term of office, so congregations are
free to use mature judgment. By setting a definite term, the congregation will
always be able to correct any mistakes it has made. Conclusion The
most frequently expressed reason for a congregation not to have elders is that
no one is qualified. This may indeed be true in some circumstances, but other
more subtle and unacknowledged reasons may underlie that reason. Congregations
and individual members that are truly committed to the New Testament pattern of
church organization and governances should engage in serious and extended
reflection on their internal spiritual life with a view to identifying all the
obvious and hidden obstacles to the appointment of elders. With enlightened
self-understanding, progress can be. made toward the Biblical pattern of church
governance. & The
By
Bob Myhan The
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