When a Man is Ready to be an Elder
Leadership in the church is a fascinating subject as it
affects so many lives and families. Churches will often prosper or struggle as
they reflect the quality of care they receive from their shepherds. Many groups
have embraced the Biblical teaching of leadership by elders, a subject to which
a considerable amount of attention has been devoted in past issues of ESN. As
time brings changes, elders move away or are called home to the Lord, churches
grow in size, the question is heard: “How can new elders be found; when is a
brother ready to be an elder?
To answer these questions, there are a number of things to consider. Certainly
there are the basic guidelines provided in the Scriptures. Then there are some
things which seem to be implied but not stated in the Bible; things we might
call wise but not specified. Finally, there are local issues which may reflect
strong traditions of any particular congregation; things which may be changed
but which must at least be considered.
Basic Guidelines As to the first, Scripture indicates a work of God in making
elders (Acts 20:28 KJV), a work in the heart and life of the individual as to
desire and qualifications for eldership (I Tim 3:1-7), and a work in the people
of the local assembly as they discern this good work taking place in the life
and actions of a brother (I Thess 5:12). If any of these is lacking, it is safe
to say that problems will likely follow. No amount of desire and popularity can
substitute for a genuine work of God in the heart, and any true work of the Holy
Spirit must be lived out in the practical conduct of a leader for God. If these
things are present, they will be seen or recognized (at least informally) by the
people, and hopefully in a tangible way by the entire church.
Implied Principles With regard to things implied but not specified, it may help
to mention a few. An elder will be a working part of a close brotherhood, and
should be a team player, neither dominating nor receding into silent
uninvolvement. He ought to share the vision of the current elder group for the
work they have done thus far. And he should have some convictions about time
commitment to the local work. Opportunities to be absent, even in the service of
the Lord may abound, but shepherds must spend a substantial share of their time
among the sheep.
Local Issues As to local issues, there are considerations, traditions and
scruples which may apply only in the particular local situation, but are very
important to the people of the church. For example, in a retirement community of
older believers, the “younger” men aged 50 – 60 may be expected to yield the
place of leadership to those who are over 70. Some groups insist that an elder
must be married, based on a particular interpretation of I Tim 3:2. And some
would add to that the need for the elder to have children based on the same
verse. Some hold that the preaching of the Word must be done by the elders
themselves; others enjoy different measures of delegation of this task.
Need For More Elders Important as all the various concerns may be, it is
critical not to lose sight of the goal: the church needs an adequate supply of
qualified, capable elders who have a heart for the Lord and the people, and this
need must not go unmet on account of non-biblical technicalities! God has
supplied the basics, and the believers would do well to go back and review them
carefully. Has there been an ongoing work of God in the life of the brother in
question? Does he have the desire to lead as an elder? Does his life display a
reasonable degree of compliance with the qualifications set down in the Word?
Does he have credibility and integrity among the people of the church? If the
answer to these questions is yes, then serious consideration should be given to
making a simple public affirmation of what seems to be already well in progress!
Two related questions come to mind at this point. Are there things an assembly
might be doing to ensure a good supply of elders for the future, and how can we
protect the elders we have from “burnout?” In looking toward the future, it is
not a bad idea to have some sort of an “elders – in – training” program. This
can be as informal as older men working with younger men, or in a larger church,
there can be some specific guidelines by which ongoing preparation and
discipleship are matters of accountability among the existing elders.
The three great discipling relation-\ships in Scripture (Moses and Joshua, Paul
and Timothy, and the Lord Jesus and His disciples) can serve as models for this.
Additionally, it should be remembered that Paul hints that those who have served
well as deacons, procure a good standing (or “step”), implying the step up to
more significant spiritual responsibilities in the work of the church (I Tim.
3:13). Those who excel as deacons or leaders in small groups, are heading in a
good direction for increased spiritual leadership among God’s flock.
Protection of Elders As to the protection of those elders who are already
functioning, there are endless creative ideas which can encourage the leaders
among us. Before suggesting any though, let’s take note of one that is spelled
out clearly in the Word. Those who lead should be able to do their work with joy
and not with grief (Heb 13:17). Working among thankful, cooperative people will
go a long way toward resting the spirit of any servant of the Lord! Beyond that,
here are a few other ideas: If the number of elders can be increased to a number
greater than the bare minimum, why not rotate responsibilities with an
occasional month to “rest” from extra meetings and visits.
How long has it been since the elders and their wives were treated to a night
out at a restaurant for relaxing and renewing friendships by the people of the
church? Why not make up teams to visit families of the assembly with one elder
and one deacon (or younger man) in each team to help keep nights out to a
reasonable number. Where Sunday teaching workload is heavy, why not an
occasional panel of elders with written questions submitted in advance?
One may wonder at such suggestions in an article about when a brother is ready
to be an elder. But they go together! Ask a congregation whose people have
gotten the idea that doing the work of an elder is a dirty job of late night
meetings, neglected family and stomach ulcers! Or the group whose elders have
come to believe they are merely the puppets of a powerful administrative boss.
No, these are not the pictures of elder work given in the NT. Instead think of a
flock of contented sheep, giving constant thanks to God for supplying them with
wonderful caring shepherds. Yes, they’re human, and yes, they sometimes could
have done it better, but overall “Where would we be without their tireless,
loving help?” Happy is that assembly whose younger men look forward to the day
when they are numbered with the team of godly, older men called elders!