the work of the elders

 The Work Of Elders/Church Discipline…$4.95
This 28 page book carefully examines the idea of Elders “lording it over the flock,” and their proper work as servants to the congregation. The forgotten subject of Church discipline is also carefully examined. Paperback.
See Books by Norman Childs.

God’s relationship to his people

God wanted a personal relationship with each of his children from the very beginning. He walked and talked with them in the garden. When sin entered the picture, sin separated man from God. When Adam and Eve made clothing of fig leaves they were not hiding their sin of nakedness but were hiding from the purity of God that amplified their sin of eating the forbidden fruit. God made us all naked - completely open to His observation - but man has always pushed God aside and tried to keep certain aspects of his life hidden from God.

In the time of Moses, God wanted to speak directly to the people but the people moved away and did not want that degree of a one-on-one relationship with God.

In the days of Samuel, God wanted to be directly involved in the people’s lives but they pushed him away and desired to replace the kingship of God with a physical king.

In the New Testament Church we see the very same problem. The people often desire a senior elder, a group of elders, and a “pastor” to be stationed between them and God. This is not what God wanted.

Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. [Ones who give help to others]  But you are not to be like that.’” Luke 22:25-26

The government for the church is:

#1. Christ is the king, the supreme dictator of everything.

#2. The individual members of the church are responsible directly to Christ.

Revelation 1:5-6 “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God...”

1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...”

Heb 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace...’”

#1. Christ is the king, the supreme dictator of everything.

#2. The individual members of the church are responsible directly to Christ. The congregation is served by...

#3. elders,

#3. deacons

The elders are not over the church but are servants of the church.

THE CONGREGATION IS OVER THE ELDERS

There is no one verse in the Bible that lists all the steps of salvation. In a similar way there is no one verse that specifically tells us that the congregation is over the elders but when the evidence is collected, certainly this is the only conclusion that can be drawn.

1. Logic demands that the elders are answerable to the congregation.
2. Scripture teaches that the congregation is to choose its elders.
3. In church discipline the congregation is the highest earthly authority.
4. Elders that sin are to be brought before the congregation.
5. The Master forbids the elders to be bosses of the congregation.
6. The Master specifically declares that the elders are the servants of the congregation and that no servant is above the ones he serves.
7. Scripture shows clearly that no one, except Jesus, should stand between the Christian and God.

Therefore the congregation is over the elders.

1. Logic demands that the elders are answerable to the congregation.

Certainly it is possible to have sheep with out a shepherd but it is impossible to have a shepherd without sheep. The definition of a shepherd is one who herds, guards and leads sheep. A congregation can exist without elders but an eldership cannot exist without a congregation, therefore, the congregation must hold a higher position than the elders.

If the elders are not selected by the congregation and are not required to answer to the congregation for their actions, they are responsible to no one on earth. Their power goes completely unchecked and unquestioned. Power corrupts and absolute human power absolutely corrupts. When the elders select more elders they can carefully groom the new men so they will be sure to back their decisions and not be a threat to their ultimate power. This procedure reduces the selection process to only a popularity contest among the elders.

In 1 Timothy 5:17-18 we find, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain’, and ‘The worker deserves his wages.”’

The Greek word translated here as “honor” means a value, i.e. money paid, or esteem given (Strong's dictionary, NT: 5099.) Note again, “The worker deserves his wages.” These verses clearly show that the elders and all other workers deserve a fair wage. The question we need to ask is who pays the elders and the staff? Are the elders required to pay themselves and the staff from their own pocket? No, they are to be paid by the congregation. There is an old adage that goes like this, “The one who pays the fiddler names the tune.” If the congregation is to pay the salary of those who work for the church then obviously the congregation has the right to name the tune. The ultimate earthly authority is in the hands of those who have the ability to stop payment and/or just walk out.

The student of church history will surely recognize that the major thing that led to the creation of the Catholic Church was the struggle over power. At first there was unchecked power among the elders of local churches, then the struggle for power over various regions and finally the position of Pope was established.

 2. The congregation selects the elders. The elder’s do not select the elders.

When Moses led the Children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, so many people came to him with their problems that he had to have help. If I were Moses I would have reasoned: I have been selected by God to lead this people. I know the problems better than any one else. I know the solution. I know the people. I know my weaknesses and my strengths. I know who I need. I know with whom I would be most compatible. I will do the selecting of the ones who will help me. But notice that Moses, an inspired man of God, had the people do the selecting. In Deuteronomy 1:13 Moses told the people to “Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes..."

The apostles in the New Testament faced a very similar situation but instead of yielding to their own desires they knew that the congregation would be much more willing to follow if they had a voice in the selection, so they said, “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" Acts 6:3. These two accounts give us inspired examples to follow in our selecting of elders, deacons, preachers and other members of the staff. It is interesting to note that although church discipline is to be administrated by the church Matthew 18:17, when the church is assembled 1 Corinthians 5:4, 5. Paul clearly states, “The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him.” 2 Corinthians 2:5-7 From this statement we might draw the conclusion that when the church performs an act it does not necessarily imply that every member takes part in that act, but rather the majority of the members do it. Thus it appears that a majority rule is a teaching of the scriptures.

3. In church discipline the congregation is the highest earthly authority. (See also Church Discipline)
Matthew 18:15-17 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Notice the unruly are not to be brought to the elders but to the church.

2 Corinthians 2:5-6 “The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him”. Notice the eldership is not even mentioned.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 “When you [the congregation] are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan...”

Joshua 7:25, 26 “Then all Israel stoned him...Then the LORD turned from his fierce anger.”

4. Even elders are to stand before the congregation when they have sinned. In the New Testiment the congregation is never commanded to be brought before the elders.

1 Timothy 5:19-20 “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those [elders] who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.”

5. The master’s teaching is that the elders are to be the servants of the church, not the bosses.

Matthew 20:25-28 “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’"

6. The Master’s teaching forbids the elders to become the bosses over the congregation. Evidently this problem was visible in the eldership of the early church. Notice what Peter told them: 1 Peter 5:1-4 “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” LORDING = control, LORD = master, ruler or boss. Here Peter plainly tells the elders of his day that they are not to be the rulers or bosses of the church. They are not to control it. The role of an elder is to serve the church, not to boss it.

7. The master teaches that the servant is not above the one he serves.

Matthew 10:24-25 "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for...the servant like his master”.

8. The elders’ attitudes should be the same As the attitude of The Good Shepherd. Philippians 2:3-8 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... Who... taking the very nature of a servant... became obedient...” Question: Who was Jesus the servant of and to whom was he obedient? Let’s notice the text that comes before this instruction. “Consider others better than yourselves”. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”. Thus we see that Jesus not only served God and obeyed Him but he also became the servant and obeyed others or mankind. This is the attitude the Good Shepherd had. This is the attitude that both members and elders should have for each other. The members are to obey the elders’ spiritual instructions and if the elders desire to have the attitude of Christ Jesus they will serve and obey the members.

THE CONGREGATION IS TO BE OVER THE ELDERS

1. Logic demands that the elders are answerable to congregation because the eldership could not even exist without the congregation.

2. Scripture teaches that the congregation is to choose its elders. The one who does the choosing is always over the one chosen.

3. In church discipline the congregation is the highest earthly authority.

4. Elders that sin are to be brought before the congregation.

5. The Master forbids the elders to be bosses of the congregation.

6. The Master specifically declares that the elders are the servants of the congregation and that no servant is above the ones he serves.

7. Scripture shows clearly that no one except Jesus should stand between the Christian and God.

8. Elders are to obey the members as the members are to obey the elders.

Therefore the congregation is over the elders.

THE WORK OF THE ELDER

SHEPHERDS:

1 Peter 5:1-4 “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away”. To understand the work of a shepherding elder we must first examine the work of a shepherd.

Shepherds in the East are much different than those of the West.

shepherds in the east:

I. RELATIONSHIP TO SHEEP: (Major difference)

1. In Judah sheep are largely kept for shearing. The sheep and shepherd often live together for many years therefore a very close bond is woven between them. The shepherd is closer to his sheep than most people are to their pets, the relationship is almost like the relationship of a father to his child. We might get a glimpse of the warm relationship that exists between the shepherd and his sheep when we read the story that Nathan told to David.

“There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.” 2 Samuel 12:1-3

The shepherd that has worked for years with a flock will easily lay down his live for them.

2. Sheep are seldom driven in Judah, but lead. They love playing follow the leader.

• This method gives the sheep freedom to go any where they want.
• This method leaves the shepherd vulnerable to the whims of the sheep.
• The only force the shepherd can exert is love.

Picture 100 sheep following a shepherd just because they love him.

Feel it. Imitate it elders, husbands, mothers, brothers and sisters.

3. STAFF = shepherd’s crook. The staff is used to lean on during the long wearisome days of watching over the flock; it is a help to the sheep that fall into crevices; it slows the sheep down as they go into the fold so that they can be inspected for cuts and bruises; it is used to thump on the ground to tell the grazing sheep that the shepherd is moving the flock slowly across the field. The staff is like the calming, soothing effect of a mother’s heartbeat on a child that is held near. God’s Holy Word is the elder’s staff.

4. Sheep know the shepherd's voice. They will never obey a stranger. Shepherds call out loudly from time to time to remind the sheep of his presence and gently guide them across the fields. When a stranger calls the sheep immediately raise their heads in alarm, if the call is given a second time the sheep will panic and stampede in the opposite direction.

William Barclay tells this story, “A goat-herdsman had descended into the valley and was mounting the slope of an opposite hill, when turning around he saw his goats had remained behind to devour a rich patch of scrub.  Lifting his voice, he spoke to the goats in a strange language. It was uncanny because there was nothing human about it. The words were animal sounds arranged in a kind of order. No sooner had he spoken than an answering bleat shivered over the herd, and one or two of the animals turned their heads in his direction. But they did not obey him. The goat-man then called one word, and gave a laughing kind of whinny. Immediately a goat with a bell round his nick stopped eating and leaving the herd, trotted down the hill, across the valley, and up the opposite slopes. The man, accompanied by this animal, walked on and disappeared around a large rock. Soon I observed a panic spreading along the herd. They forgot to eat. They looked up for their shepherd. He was not to be seen. They became conscious that their shepherd and the goat with the bell were no longer with them. From the distance come the strange laughing call of the shepherd, and at the sound the entire herd stampeded into the hollow and bounded up the hill after him.” (Barclay, The Gospel According to John, Volume 2, p. 65)

That’s the shepherd of the east.

God’s shepherding elders know their sheep intimately and the sheep know them as well.

II  THE SHEEPFOLD:  There are 2 types.

1. In every town there was what we might call stockyards.

• All sheep were put together in the community fold during winter nights.
• The fold was protected by a strong door, only one man had the key. He was the porter or watchman.
• In the morning the shepherd calls each sheep by name. His come to him, the others shy away.

     2. During warm weather sheep do not return to village folds.
         Sheepfolds on the hillside are...

• Circular walls of stones
• Brush roofs
• A Shepherd that lies across the doorway.

John 10:1-16 “‘I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.'  Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. [Safety and freedom] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

“‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”’

SHEPHERDS IN THE WEST:

The chain of command is the owner, the hired man, the snarling biting dog and the sheep. The care of the sheep can be marked by barbed wire fences. Western sheep have no freedom, but are ruled by fear and force much like the spiritual shepherds of Ezekiel’s time.

Ezekiel 34:1-10, 31

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.

"`Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them”’!

“You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.”

THE WORK OF THE ELDER

I Timothy 3:1 “If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.”

Note first that the primary purpose of an elder is to accomplish a task, i.e. to do a work (KJV). The literal translation should be, “If any stretches forward to overseer ship, a good work he is desirous.” (Berry) Not an office, title, but a job.

1 Peter 5:1-4 “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away”.

Since elders are shepherds, we should be able to make a comparison and see if the elder is a good shepherd. Let’s review what we have learned.

Good shepherds: Live with the flock; Love their flock; Know their flock, by name and details; Go before them; Are vulnerable to their whims; Feed them; Use the staff to... Slow them; Test them; Rescue them; Communicate with them; Are the door of the sheepfold; Separate sheep by their love. The sheep love freedom, love to follow, and love a loving master.

THE WORK OF SHEPHERDING IS NOT:

1. The primary emphasis of an elder’s work will not be decision making. Decisions of course must be made.

2. The primary emphasis of his work will not be the physical and financial care to the church. The elder’s time is too precious to be spent dealing personally with these matters. The elders are to encourage those who have been given this responsibility do the work.

3. God is not placing them in this position to be the boss of the church.

Acts 6:1-4 “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.’"

Some would point out:

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

It should be noted that this is the only verse in the Bible that even hints to the idea that the Lord’s church is to obey uninspired elders. The words here translated obey and submit mean to be convinced. Note the same word in Acts 21:14 “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord's will be done.’” NIV “Finding that he would not take our advice...” Knox.

Hebrews 13:17 literally translated would say, “Allow yourself to be PERSUADED by those who LEAD you... for they watch for your soul.”

AUTHORITY: This Greek word can mean either to lead or to govern. (to encourage or to force), however, Luke 22:26 and 1 Peter 5:3 show us clearly that this Greek word cannot here, mean govern or force, therefore it means to lead or encourage.

1. Jesus showed that Christians would not exercise authority over other Christians.

2. Jesus showed that Christian leaders were to be servants not governors. Luke 22:26

3. Peter showed that elders MUST NOT “lord it over the flock.”

I Peter 5:3 We are to give the elders the benefit of the doubt. We are not to be stubborn when they are trying to direct us to live godly. We need, though, to remember that John the Baptist, Jesus and his apostles often, firmly, refused to submit to their leaders, even religious leaders, when they were ordering things contrary to God’s will. We need to remember that the elders are told to submit and obey the members. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21.  SUBMIT = subordinate or obey (Strong's Bible Dictionary). Here Paul shows us clearly that we are all to submit to each other. The elder is require to submit and obey the congregation just as the congregation is to submit and obey the elders. It is important to mention also 1 Corinthians 4:6-7, “Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’"

None of us have the authority to require things of others, in the church, which our master has not clearly required of us. The only authority an elder has over the congregation is to require them to obey God’s word.

Elders have authority over their work but their only authority over others comes strictly from a voluntary submission.

The old Roman empire was built with a pyramid type government. The Emperor on top, several advisors next then governors and finally the citizens. The Roman Catholic Church adopted this pyramid type of government with the Pope on top, followed by a few Cardinals, a large number of Bishops and then finally the members.

Many churches today are set up exactly the same with the Elders on the top of the pyramid then the preacher, the deacons and finally the members.

Jesus, however, plainly showed us that the pyramid type of government was not proper for his church.

Instead of a pyramid we need a flat triangle to represent Jesus’ will. The elders are not above the church but servants of the church. Elders and preachers are like the body guards of the President. They often go ahead of the church and lead the church but even in that capacity they are but servants. John the Baptist came before Jesus. He prepared the way for Jesus yet he carefully acknowledged that he was unworthy to untie Jesus’ sandals. In no way did John the Baptist have authority over Jesus. In this comparison we are not saying that elders are of less value then the other members but even though the elders may be wiser, have a leadership position and are required to oversee the members, they do not have authority over the members in areas where the Bible is silent.

NOTE: In the last illustration “E” stands for elders, “D” for deacons, “P” for preachers and “M” for members. Each member is responsible directly to Jesus in everything. Elders, deacons preachers and other ministers are the servants of the congregation.

THE WORK OF SHEPHERDING IS

THE MOST DIFFICULT WORK:

The word “Elder” means older, wiser, able to do the work which requires the greatest amount of skill.

THE WORK OF THE ELDER IS NOT
1. Making decisions 2. Physical & financial. 3. Being boss.

THE WORK OF THE ELDER IS knowing, praying, feeding, setting an example, leading, strengthening, healing, searching, bringing lost back, and watching over.

ELDERS

USE THE PROPER JOB TITLE: In many cases I am familiar with, the preacher does the elder’s work, the elders do the deacon’s work, the deacon’s do the members work and the members set around. If God has not blessed a person with the ability to shepherd His sheep but has blessed the individual with the ability to build buildings, pave parking lots, repair furniture, etc., there is no shame in refusing the eldership position and serving as a deacon. Don’t serve as an elder if you cannot lead God’s sheep!

START BY BEING A DEACON:
A congregation that has neither elders nor deacons should start with deacons. Luke 16:10-11 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”

DO THE WORK BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT: A man should not be appointed to a job he has not previously filled, i.e. a person should do the work of an elder before he is appointed to that position.

FULFILL THE JOB DESCRIPTION: The moral qualifications of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are important but fulfilling the “Job description” of an elder is vital. Let’s suppose you’re interviewing people to be mechanics in your new car dealership. Would you ask, “Do you go to church? Do you pray?” What would be your main concern? -- It is necessary to meet the moral qualifications listed in the Bible but it vital that the elder knows what the job is and is willing to do the work of an elder.

THE ELDER SHOULD NOT PUT EMPHASIS ON THE PHYSICAL: Acts 6:2 "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”

THE ELDER MUST GIVE HIS ATTENTION TO PRAYER: Acts 6:3, 4 “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

THE ELDER MUST TEACH: 2 Timothy 2:24 “...kind to everyone, able to teach.”
1Timothy 3:2-3 “Now the overseer must be... able to teach...” The only possible reason for this requirement is that the elder must teach. Notice Acts 6:3,4 mentioned just above, elders are to give their time to the ministry of the word. It is imposable for an elder to do his work if he cannot, will not or is not teaching God's book.

THE ELDER MUST GUARD THE CONGREGATION: He must know the scriptures so well that he can quickly spot and refute any doctrine that is contrary to the word of God. One important work of an elder is to give enough variety to the worship services that the members do not become confused between scripture and tradition. Hebrews 13:17 “...They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.”

THE ELDER MUST KNOW THE CONGREGATION: My personal belief is that the elders should set up office appointments to meet with the members and the members should be expected to meet with them at least every three months. At this appointment each member should be questioned on all spiritual aspects such as; 1. spiritual growth, 2. Bible reading, 3. Bible knowledge 4. prayer life, 5. relationship with mate, parents or children. 6. Do they have a job in the church, is it too difficult, is it challenging enough, do they need assistance? 7. How is their emotional health? 8. How is their physical and financial health? 9. Are they contributing as they should? 10. Do they have problems they need the members to pray about? 11. Do they need to be teamed up with people who can help with specific struggles?

The elder needs to spend time alone with each individual in prayer. Very few people will leave a church where their needs are being met and they are confident that they are loved.

THE ELDERS SHOULD PUT A PRIMARY EMPHASIS ON RESTORING THE FALLEN. “You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost,” Ezekiel 34:4.

THE ELDER SHOULD PUT A SECONDARY EMPHASIS ON BUILDING THE NUMBER OF THE FLOCK. Next to shepherding the flock that is already under his supervision, reaching the lost should be his daily concern. Making sure that all visitors are greeted enthusiastically by all the members, that the visitor’s name and address are secured and that the visitor is visited should be immediate concerns.

THE ELDER SHOULD BE CONSTANTLY GUIDING THE DEACONS: By observing the physical needs of the church, whether it is caring for a poor person or building classrooms, the elder should constantly be encouraging the deacons to take care of these physical matters.

THE ELDER SHOULD SET THE EXAMPLE OF FAITH, PURITY, PARENTING, GIVING, DEEP BIBLE STUDY, ATTENDANCE AND LOVE.
1 Peter 5:3 “...not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock”.

THE ELDER SHOULD BE CONSTANTLY GROWING: My opinion is that he should be required to attend conferences, workshops and training sessions that will help him fulfill his roll. The congregation should pay for these expenses.

THE ELDER SHOULD VISIT THE MISSION POINTS which are also under his oversight.

IF IT IS FEASIBLE THE ELDER SHOULD BE PAID FOR HIS EFFORTS. (1 Timothy 5:17)

ELDERS SHOULD NOT HIRE OR FIRE THE STAFF. We have already shown that Deuteronomy 1:13 and Acts 6:30 give us inspired examples for the congregation to follow in selecting new members of the staff. There is no where in the scriptures that gives elders the right to fire a Christian brother or sister. On the contrary Jesus plainly gave orders on how to deal with an erring member of the Lord’s body. He said, "If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over,” (Matthew 18:15).

It is interesting to me that the first two people that read this book (not the ones mentioned in the forward), made almost exactly the same observations. They both said, “The congregation is not spiritual enough nor does it have enough information to hire the staff.” I quickly thought about Moses leading that disorderly mob of slaves out of Egypt and that God directed him to have THEM do the selecting. I thought about the early church and how they were so immature. They were fighting among themselves but God directed the Apostles to require them to do the selecting. I asked myself, “If God could trust those congregations to do the selecting of the staff why couldn’t He trust congregations today? I also wondered why the congregation couldn’t become as well informed about the prospective staff as the elders.

The other observation that both of these men made was that it would not be right to tell the congregation about the sins of the staff. I thought of King Saul who used his own common sense and was rejected as king. For a study on objections of church discipline which will be posted soon.

Following a vicious split in the church where nearly one third of the congregation walked out, I had a conversation with one of the elders. He made the same comment, “It would not be right to tell the congregation about the sins of the staff. --Think of the damage that could be done.” I reminded him that they had experienced terrible damage already. The church was split. Reputations were smeared. Jobs were lost. At least one person said that he would never go back to church again and died shortly thereafter. I wondered how much damage could have been prevented if Jesus’ commandment had been obeyed.

In a loving congregation of the Lord’s people the natural thing is for us is to share our problems with each other. (Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”) The staff are the servants of the congregation and should not hesitate to share with them what ever the Lord lays on their heart. The “gag order” that many elderships place on the staff is contrary to the teaching of the scriptures.

If an elder truly fulfilled his job of knowing, loving and serving the members it would be difficult for most members to ever leave the congregation. We are all bound by love. If the congregation was truly loved and served they would automatically share the good news with their friends. This would be the evangelistic tool that would build the church.

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We Can Know . . .

There is a God in Heaven

Jesus Is God

We can know our understanding of the Bible is accurate. Bible Study

 There Is A Literal Heaven

The Way To Heaven

America's Providential Heritage

What Made America Great? Home page

What God says about Homosexuality

What Is Hell Like?

Yielding To The Master's Hands