The main crux of this article deals with Elders in the Lord's church, and whether they have all authority in matters of the church under the headship of Christ (including the collection money), just some authority, or, no authority. By "under the headship of Christ" it is meant that the Elders have NO authority to add to, or subtract from, God's word. However, I will submit to you in this article that the Elders are the one's to whom God has given all authority concerning how a congregation is to carry out His will. This includes both the spiritual and physical aspects of oversight.
Within the Lord's church, we hear, talk, and know alot about the need for elders, and how it is God's will to have a plurality of elders in each congregation. Those who have been involved in men's meetings can appreciate God's wisdom in this area. Unfortunatly, it seems we stop here and refrain from discussing, or studying, how much authority an eldership is granted by the head of the church - Jesus Christ. It is my earnest desire that in this study we will understand God's will in this matter, and therby complete our understanding of the eldership and it's role in the congregation.
Some in the brotherhood believe, and teach others to believe, that the elders are to rule only by example. They say the elders have no authority in matters of judgement or opinion (expediency). Some of these bretheren are very scholarly and have impressive credentials, ever learning but unable to come to a full knowledge of the truth. I believe that with a good dose of humility, some common sence, and God's word, we can come to the truth.
First let's define some terms, look at some words in the Greek, and even how one of them was used in Greek writings outside of the Bible.
1) The term "elder", as used in reference to an office holder, interchanges with the word "bishop" in the
New Testament. Note Titus 1:5 & 7. In verse 5 we have the Greek "presbuteros" for elders and in verse
7 the word "episkopos" for bishop. The context demands that they are the same "person(s)". See also
Acts 20:17, 28.
Tts 1:5, 7 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting,and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
7) For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to
wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
The word for elder (presbuteros) lends itself to the idea of one who is mature in age and spiritual growth.
The word for bishop (episkopos) concerns itself to one who officiates as an overseer. Thayer says this word refers to one who is an "overseer, guardian, or superintendent".
Another word we find associated with the office of an elder is that of "shepherd / pastor" coming from a
verb form of the Greek word "poimaino". Strong says this Greek word means 'to feed, to tend a flock,
keep sheep, or, to rule, govern".
So we can deduce that an elder in the Lord's church is an older, spiritually sound man (presbuteros), who
is to oversee the affairs of the church (episkopos), with a care for each individual member of the
congregation (poimaino).
2) Now, let's look a little closer at the word "episkopos" and see if we can define the parameters of an elder's authority. Again, I want to emphasize that this is all in the context of the elders complete
submission to Jesus (1Pet 5:3a "Neither as being lords over God's heritage").
The word "episkopos" is used in the classical Greek such as some of Homer's writings with the idea or
reference to the Greek gods, ship's captains, and merchants (business owners). Some other Greek
writings (4th & 5th centuries BC) find it's usage in reference to state officials and officers of societies. All of these references suggest a position of complete authority. This evidence, along with it's usage in the new testament as an overseer, lends strong support to the idea of the elders of a local congregation having all authority pertaining to the implementation of God's will for the local church.
The Lord's church is not a democracy, it is a theocracy, a kingdom with Christ as King. That said, we can see from his word (Acts 20:28, Heb 13:7,17 below) that his plan is for the elders to take the complete oversight of each local congregation.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Hbr 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hbr 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
Can you imagine the chaos if each decision by the elders had to be voted on? What use would they be? What purpose would all those qualifications in 1Tim 3 and Titus 1 serve? Or, if they had oversight of everything but the congregation's finances, what "decisions" could they really make? Can you see the elders suggest a sermon on the evils of mixed swimming while whoever is in charge of finance gives money to the youth group to go to a community pool? There is no limit to the abuses that could take place. Resisting the authority of the eldership is resistance to God's perfect plan for his church. As Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, so we must all submit to his will, which includes qualified men having the complete oversight of each local congregation of his church.
Let's take a look at the list of relevant scriptures (KJV w/ some NKJV notes) pertaining to this lesson (bold emphasis mine MJS): Act 11:29 - 30 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the
brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30)Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Here we have an example of the collection being distributed by the elders.
Act 20:17, 27 - 29 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28)Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made
you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the
flock.
30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
"Feed" here carries with it the thought of shepherding. Actually the NKJV has the verb form of the word shepherd here. Keep in mind how the shepherd had the complete oversite, & responsibility, of the care of the flock.
1Ti 3:1 - 7 This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7) Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
A few thoughts I would like to bring out here:
Vs 3 "greedy of filthy lucre" is rendered "not greedy for money" in NKJV.
Vs 5 equates ruling the elders household to ruling the church.
If an elder isn't responsible for all aspects of the congregation (including the finances), then why such stringent requirements having to do with ruling his own household? Why the requirements of not being greedy (see also Tts 1:7)?
1Ti 5:17 - 20 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.
19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Just as with any of our brothers and sisters, we should not gossip and accuse our elders without approaching them with witnesses. If an elder is found to be at fault, then they should repent and be restored just as any other Christian.
Tts 1:5 - 9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting,and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6) If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7) For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to
wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8) But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to
exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Here I would just highlight "steward of God" and ask "Does a steward have any control or authority over that which he is a steward of?" Of course he does. Also note the reference to money again in vs7.
Hbr 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.
Hbr 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
Here in Hebrews we find two revealing verses concerning the authority of the Elders.
Please note:
"rule" in both verses / (Strongs Ref #2233) renders: to lead, command, govern, judge.
"obey" in verse 17 / (Strong's Ref #3982) renders: agree, comply, trust, yeild.
And "submit" / (Strong's Ref #5226) is to yeild or surrender.
In all sincerity, honesty, and humility, I would ask, why all of these scriptures on ruling, obeying and submitting, if the elders have no authority?
1Pe 5:1 - 4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but
willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3) Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Here we have another relevant verse for your reflection along with all the other evidence put forth in this article.
Let me close with a few thoughts and words. As an elder myself, I am deeply humbled, as well as sobered, by the responsibilities of being an elder in the Lord's church. However, I have faith in God's perfect plan, and that plan includes qualified men (note: a plurality - "men") serving as overseers of his flock. If the elder's, and the congregation, each do their part in accordance with Hebrews 13:17, then the congregation will be strong, and able to carry out God's will for his church. May we all take our place in serving the King of king's until his return.
Michael J Sullivan 12/09/2002