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by Kevin Pauley
For you yourselves know how you must imitate us: we were not irresponsible among you; we did not eat anyone's bread free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It is not that we don't have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. - 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 HCSB
A good elder’s leadership is to be characterized by humble service rather than arrogant domination. A good elder will “lead from the front”; s/he will lead by example.[1]
Obviously, this means that the elders are responsible to carefully imitate the Master; His mindset, His passion, and His mission.[2]
Elders must maintain awareness of their own sinful proclivities and set a hedge about themselves so as to not bring reproach to Hashem. This is partially done through mutual honesty and confession amongst the elders.[3]
The eldership must not be seen to be a divisive element in the church. They cannot be cantankerous and belligerent, arguing over trivialities at the expense of wholesome conversation.[4]
We believe that the example of both the Old and New Covenant demonstrates the need for a plurality of elders. This is done to maintain accountability but also to better spread the considerable load of responsibility involved in ministry. As you read through the New Covenant, notice that there were several elders and several deacons at each of the churches.[5]
Though we believe the Bible endorses having a plurality of elders, the New Covenant seems to indicate that one elder in particular is to act as the primary leader of the church. Today, we generally refer to that elder as “pastor” though that is not actually the name of the person’s office but their spiritual gift. For example:
· Timothy pastored Ephesus.[6]
· Titus led the church in Crete.[7]
· James was in Jerusalem.[8]
On the other hand, the argument that elders can only come from the ordained pastoral staff is completely fatuous. The elders of Israel were obviously chosen from among the general population. In a congregation the size of Israel, the need for elders who were in charge of “thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens” implied that there were thousands of them. If Israel’s population at this time numbered around 10 million, that would imply that there were at least 10,000 leaders of a thousand! To argue that only ordained, pastoral staff can be elders is tantamount to saying that only ordained, pastoral staff can have character and be discerning! Foolishness![9]
If an arrogant pastor will admit the Scriptural mandate for a council of elders, yet wants to claim that he is first among equals – a Moses if you will – he would have no Scriptural basis for Moses and the elders spoke as one.[10]
[1] 2 Thessalonians 3:7,9; 1 Peter 5:1-3
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 2:5
[3] Matthew 7:4-5; Luke 6:41-42; Acts 20:28; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6-10
[4] Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:14-16; 23-25; 1 Peter 3:15-16
[5] Numbers 11:16-17; Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5
[6] 1 & 2Timothy
[8] Acts 12:17; 15:13 cp Galatians 2:12
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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