Biblical Eldership

However, elder is yet another term that has often been misunderstood and misapplied. Many churches have “elders” who just operate as a board, elected by the congregation to serve a term of office, during which they meet occasionally to make administrative decisions. In many cases, they have little or no involvement in actually leading, teaching, and caring for the flock.

The leadership of the local church, as described in the New Testament, was by a plurality of elders who were deeply involved in the practical and spiritual care of the people.

ELDERS IN SCRIPTURE

Elders are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. The term quite literally referred to aged or older men, but came to be used beyond that to refer specifically to those recognized as wise, experienced, and of proven character, and who were, therefore, looked to as leaders in:

1. The family or tribe (Deuteronomy 5:23)

2. Civil government (Exodus 3:16-18; 1 Chronicles 11:3 and Joshua 20:4)

3. Religious life (Leviticus 4:15 and Jeremiah 19:1)

In the New Testament, it is clear from the Gospels and Acts that elders still had a similar status and role in the life of the Jewish community. The Greek word translated as “elder” is presbuteros which, like its Old Testament counterpart, conveyed the concept of maturity and character. It is, therefore, not surprising that this term was adopted by the newly-birthed community of Christians to refer to its leaders.

ELDERS AS OVERSEERS

As mentioned above, the other term used in the New Testament for church leaders is overseers. This translates the Greek word episkopos, a compound of epi, meaning “over,” and skopos, meaning “to look/watch, peer about, oversee.” The word “bishop” is derived from episkopos, (i.e., piskop became “bishop”), and in many denominations has come to refer to a hierarchical, regional position. However, in the New Testament, episkopos is interchangeable with presbuteros as a term for the leaders of the local congregation. For example, in Acts 20:17, we read that Paul sent to Ephesus for the “elders” of the church, whom he then addresses (in verse 28) as “overseers.” One could say that “elder” emphasizes who the person is, and “overseer” what the person does.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERSHIP

Much of the Church today would consider the necessary qualifications for leadership to come in the form of certificates from seminaries or other academic institutions. This is not what we see in the New Testament. The following are the two passages of Scripture that set out most deliberately and clearly the qualifications for an overseer/elder:

So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?  A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. — 1 Timothy 3:2-7 NLT

“…appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. — Titus 1:5b-9 NLT

These requirements relate to character, capability, and confirmation.

CHARACTER — God is not looking for executives to run a business, but for mature men of integrity who will care for and lead His family (1 Timothy 3:4-5), so it is not surprising that character takes prominence over gifting when appointing elders. The overriding requirement is that an elder be “above reproach.” In the above passages, Paul gives specific examples of this requirement.

CAPABILITY — Though good character is essential, elders must also be able to fulfill certain responsibilities. The areas of ability listed by Paul can be summarized as follows:

• SOUND DOCTRINE — An elder must hold firm to sound doctrine and encourage others to do so, rebuking those who contradict it. This requires him to be skilled in correctly handling Scripture (see also 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:1; and 2 Timothy 2:15).

• COMMUNICATION — An elder must be able to teach others—encouraging, comforting, instructing, training, correcting, and rebuking (see also 2 Timothy 2:24-25 and 3:16).

• LEADERSHIP — An elder must not be a novice, but should have a history of faithfulness in what has been entrusted to him (see also 2 Timothy 2:2).

CONFIRMATION — Elders should have a good reputation and be respected both within the congregation and in the wider local community (1 Timothy 3:2, 7).

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLURALITY

It is important to note that in both the Old and New Testaments, eldership is always a plural concept (e.g., Exodus 3:16-18, Deuteronomy 5:23, Leviticus 4:15, Jeremiah 1:9, 1 Chronicles 11:3, Acts 20:17; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1 and James 5:14). Nowhere in the New Testament do we find a sole elder placed over a church.  No one man is gifted or strong enough to be able to adequately care for and minister to an entire congregation on an on-going basis..

However, God’s heart for plurality in leadership is more than just a practical concern. An essential characteristic of God is the trinity — God is three in one. His intent is to be reflected on the earth by a Church which is one, though comprised of many. On a local congregational level, it is matured and shaped by the example and care of a team of elders working together as one.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EQUALITY

In many elder-led churches, the practice is to designate one as the “lead” or “senior” elder. The main thought behind this is that, even among a group that seeks for consensus in decision-making, there will inevitably be occasional impasses which will require someone with recognized authority to determine a way forward. However, Scripture says nothing of the role of a “lead” or “senior” elder, and our concern is that this practice diminishes true equality in the way elders function. Many church elderships have started with good intentions to function in plurality, only to devolve into an unbiblical structure reminiscent of the “Pastor” and “Associate Pastor” model.

Some will argue that a true equality among elders is impractical and unworkable. Without a genuine and mutual submission to the Holy Spirit, we would agree. However, as is so often the case in the Church, we believe that it is the intention of God to demonstrate something of His wisdom through eldership functioning in equality and agreement. In real terms, this requires a level of humility and yielding as the Holy Spirit leads through one and then another as He sees fit.

In the rare instance the elders cannot come to an agreement, a mutually respected and pre-determined mediator will provide external oversight.

GIFTING AND RESPONSIBILITY

Though there should be governmental equality in an eldership, we should expect to see different degrees of gifting and responsibility in the elders.

In 1 Timothy 5:17, we read that “Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” This seems to imply that, though there should be governmental equality in an eldership, there will be some elders who are particularly given to directing the affairs of the church. It certainly indicates that preaching and teaching will not be the primary work of all elders. While many elders will fulfill their function in the church while retaining secular employment, some will work full-time for the church. Consequently, some will take more responsibility than others for the day-to-day administration, the shepherding care, the teaching and preaching, etc.

THE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS

“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” — Hebrews 13:17 NLT

Elders carry responsibility not just for the welfare and direction of the congregation as a whole, but for each individual. Jesus is concerned with every area of your life (not just your “spiritual life”), and so are elders. They may, at times, bring very clear correction and direction to you.

To bring this into perspective, however, we must recognize that a father directs his toddler quite specifically at first, but expects to see in the child a growing ability to know—and willingness to do—the right thing. Similarly, a new Christian, unfamiliar with the teachings of God’s Word, may need specific direction in many areas. However, a godly leader’s intention will be to bring that believer to a level of maturity in Christ where he is able to know—and willing to do—what is right before God.

A good parent doesn’t discourage questions, and you should feel free to share with your elders any concerns you may have regarding their direction or counsel. Also, just as good parents rejoice to see growing initiative, you do not need the permission of the elders before making every decision, or taking any step in serving the Lord. They will, however, be interested to know what you are doing in order to offer you counsel, encouragement, etc.

RESPONDING TO AUTHORITY

Romans 14:12 tells us that “each of us will give a personal account to God.” However, Hebrews 13:17 shows that church leaders will also give an account of how they took care of the people  in their charge. Elders, therefore, take their responsibility very seriously. Their aim is to please God and to be good stewards of those He has entrusted to their care.

It is also interesting to note from Hebrews 13:17 that we are to obey our leaders so that their work will be “with  joy and not with sorrow” and that the latter “certainly not be for your benefit.” Our willing submission is not for the purpose of exalting them, but rather for our own maturity and growth. As John Calvin points out when writing about this verse, “if the salvation of our souls be precious to us,” then we should consider with high regard “those who watch out for it.”

A NURTURED CHURCH

Jesus is referred to in 1 Peter 2:25 as “the Shepherd and Guardian” of our souls. He has fully provided for the maturing and equipping of His Church by giving His Word and His Spirit. However, He did not stop there. He has brought an intimate care to each local congregation by establishing elders to lead and serve His people on a daily basis.

Be thankful for them and be determined to make their work as easy as possible. They need your love, help, and prayerful support!