Subscription Lists

Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, "Amen, Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. They read the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. - Nehemiah 8:6-8 HCSB

[1] Paul told Timothy that an elder should be worthy of double honor, particularly those that are good at preaching and teaching. The first thing this tells us is that not all elders have to teach or preach. However, even if they don’t all personally preach, they are responsible for all preaching and teaching that takes place among the church family.[2] Secondly, it tells us that elders who are skilled teachers should be considered particularly valuable in Hashem’s church.

The ability to teach, regardless of whether it is used day to day, is a requirement among the eldership. It is one of a few characteristics that separates them from the diaconate.[3] They are responsible to gather the people together in order to lead them in holy worship and the study of the Scriptures.[4] During these times, the elders should take it upon themselves to carefully explain the meaning of the Scriptures to the people and help them find practical applications.[5]

Obviously, personal study of the Scriptures must be a primary concern of a good elder. Elders should be constantly striving to sharpen their knowledge and skills – the better to serve the Lord.[6]

As those responsible for the spiritual direction and health of the church, they should be keenly aware of and passionate about the defense of good biblical doctrine. The elders may gather in council as a “beit din” and rule on matters of doctrine.

In order to do this, they must not only possess sufficient knowledge but also the requisite moral courage to refute those who contradict sound doctrine and righteous behavior.[7]There are times when a person should be silenced in the church, but it is only when they are teaching false doctrine and leading people from the Scriptures, not when they choose to disagree with the elders’ fancy.[8]

Because of this critical role, they are exposed to more criticism than most people and must be protected from frivolous accusations. Therefore, we do not accept accusations against an elder of the church without at least two witnesses or solid corroborating evidence. This does not mean that they are beyond discipline, however. Those against whom fault may be found are to be firmly disciplined as an example to all for with God there is no favoritism.[9]

[1] Study of an old man in profile by Rembrandt van Rijn

[2] Ezra 7:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:27

[3] 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9

[4] Nehemiah 8:1-7

[5] Nehemiah 8:8

[6] Jeremiah 3:15; Psalm 78:71-72; Acts 6:4; Titus 1:9; 1 Peter 3:15-16

[7] Acts 15:2,6; Titus 1:7-9; Acts 20:29-31; Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; ude 1:3-4

[8] Psalm 101:4-8; Proverbs 10:31-32; Titus 1:10-11; 1 Peter 2:1

[9] 1 Timothy 1:19-20; 5:17-20; 3 John 1:9-11

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Moralism