Articles
Elders in Every Church: Sometimes Not the Case
Elders in every church is God’s plan (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Unfortunately, many churches do not have them. Why not? What is the problem?
Sometimes churches, or at least some in them, do not really want elders. Perhaps elderships in the past have been ineffective or even abusive (1 Peter 5:3), leading some to question the arrangement. Perhaps the preacher or some young men or some bossy women are afraid of losing their ability to get their way about things.
Sometimes the problem is that churches do not understand the qualifications. It is possible to make them so stringent that it is practically impossible for anyone to meet them. We dare not ignore any qualification; each one has a purpose. It is surely a mistake to simply appoint “the best we’ve got.” But neither can we expect every candidate to be ideal, having every single quality to the fullest degree.
Sometimes the problem is that qualified men are not willing to take on the responsibility or are too busy with other things. Shepherding the flock of God is a tremendous weight. Properly done, it takes a great deal of thought and effort. At times, it can be emotionally draining. Men who love business or pleasure or ease more than they love souls are not interested.
Experience says that the most common reason churches do not have elders is because they cannot find a plurality of qualified men among them. If that condition persists, it is a sad commentary on our Christianity! Two things can help greatly.
First, men need to start thinking about this work early in life. Overseers do not spring up overnight. Their qualifications require not only years of character development but a great deal of growth as students and teachers of God’s word as well. And much attention to family. If more men would give thought to the work of shepherding while in their thirties, twenties, and even teens, more would be ready when the time comes.
Second, let’s give encouragement. Everyone can help here. Churches: make opportunities for men to learn and develop as teachers. Be patient with them. Be supportive. You older folks: keep before the younger ones a consistent example of godliness. Wives: no one can be a greater encouragement or discouragement than you. Everyone: commend growth and progress when you see it. Brethren who are thankful for and honor their overseers do much to promote a desire to serve (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
