Subscription Lists
The Way
by Kevin Pauley
(And if you…) are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness, an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having in the law the full expression of knowledge and truth-- you then, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach, "You must not steal"--do you steal? You who say, "You must not commit adultery"--do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob their temples? - Romans 2:19-22 HCSB
The calling of church elder makes some strenuous ethical demands:[1] honesty and fairness to those with whom we debate; an ability to tolerate prolonged uncertainty over serious and emotionally charged issues; the strength of character to change our beliefs, and to follow the teachings of the Scriptures rather than our emotional leanings;[2] and an independence of mind that bucks the tendency to follow the current theological or moral fashion.[3]
Respect for those we teach requires that we avoid non-rational persuasion. Cajoling, deriding, or otherwise demeaning manipulation to force capitulation is sinful.[4] Elders must not only teach, but demonstrate that we can have profound disagreements, even over fundamental theology, without lapsing from reasonableness. Respect will also drive a good elder to expose the structure of his arguments as perspicuously as possible, and encourage, not impede its criticism.
A desire to be understood and to let argument and evidence alone carry should cause us to be characterized by clarity, simplicity of style and an avoidance of overly-technical language.[5] We should abstain from formal, literary or logical structures when ordinary language would be adequate. An overly complex and obscure style is probably an attempt to veil real gaps in our theology. A pretentious style may demonstrate a need to covertly work to disarm critical appraisal, and to usurp the authority of Scriptures by making ourselves look like deep thinkers or sages.
Elders are the custodians of good language and thought within the church. Therefore, we should oppose language or concepts that arrest or confuse the congregation’s thinking.[6] Slipshod and imprecise language can cause us to lose the ability to discern between what is reasonable and unreasonable; what is moral and immoral. Further, it can impoverish our spiritual and day to day experiences by denying the words needed to share them with others.
However, beauty and precision of language must not gain such weight that it leads us into allowing the imaginative presentation to take precedence over truth. Poetic vision must not supersede prophetic mimicry of God.[7] If God’s truth is fearsome, then so must our presentation. If God’s voice is quiet and comforting, then we dare not trumpet a clarion call.[8]
Finally, an elder must be possessed of and encourage an unfailing sense of their fallibility.[9] An elder should never aspire to the role of expert or authority[10] because to be identified as such would minimize the critically attentive role we seek to instill in our congregants.
[2] Proverbs 3:5; 1 Corinthians 1:25; 2:5
[6] Ephesians 5:6; 1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Peter 2:15
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.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Way" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.