What
is the greatest need among assemblies today? A variety of answers might be given
to that question, but certainly one of them would be the subject of leadership,
its form and quality.
We
seem to be clear as to the form of leadership required by the New Testament.
Plurality is the key word -- plurality of elders. We rightly condemn all substitutes
in form. One man doing most of the preaching or having the final word in decisions
affecting the church is a violation of scriptural principles -- a departure
in form. But if, to our credit, we have not permitted substitutes in form, can
the same be honestly said about quality?
True
elders are at a premium today. Many assemblies do not have functioning elders.
There are those who could, with more sacrifice, do the work but they will not;
they have other priorities. Then there are those who are called elders but are
disqualified by the quality control standards given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus
1. Few men are to be found who are both willing and able. This is very serious.
Scores of assemblies are experiencing spiritual decline because of the lack
of qualified leaders.
Common
Excuses
Whenever
we are convicted about something, our first instinct is to rationalize. "No
one could be expected to satisfy all those requirements," we say. Why not? Did
the apostles appoint men who did not meet their own standards? That is to accuse
them of hypocrisy.
"Well,"
someone else says, "in those days, things were a little different; business
was not so demanding. It was easier to devote yourself to the things of the
Lord." How so? Are we saying the Scriptures were written for first century Christians
only?
Is
it really true that the two passages to which we have referred are too exacting?
Do you not think that a normal Christian ought to strive after these qualities?
We believe that is why an elder must have them. He is to be an example to the
flock, a model for them. They are called to imitate such leaders (1 Peter 5:3; Heb. 13:7).
"An
elder must be . . ." Is that as demanding as it sounds? Yes, it is! How
would you respond if someone said to you, "I know it says we 'must be
born again,' but, failing that, surely God will be pleased if we do the best
we can." Or suppose another said that, in spite of our Lord's clear statement
that "the Son of Man must be lifted up," they thought the cross was not
a necessity; God could have found some other way? Dare we downplay the strength
of that same word "must" in Timothy and Titus?
Seeking
a Way Out
Even
if the leaders of a local congregation excuse their inability to function, they
will soon sense that they cannot handle the situation in which they find themselves.
Various expedients are then adopted. A present fad is to change the form. "We
are too busy; we will call in a man to do this work. We will still hold to the
plurality of elders, of course . . ."
Another
way out of the dilemma is for current leaders to become more rigid and autocratic.
It is easier and less costly to rule by edict rather than example. But either
of these methods or any others lacking in scriptural warrant is doomed to failure.
The trouble is, they seem to provide an immediate and practical solution. But,
in the long term, the whole church leaves adherence to the principles of the
New Testament behind, and expediency becomes the rule rather than obedience.
What "works" wins every argument and decides every question.
Is
there a more excellent way? We believe so. The writer has witnessed the spiritual
reviving that takes place when what he now recommends is put in place.
A
Biblical Approach
The
first step is confession. It is not enough to make general statements of inadequacy.
"I'm not worthy to be an elder; I am sure I do not measure up; I've got so much
to learn myself . . . ," etc. Be specific. Look honestly at the qualities expected
of an elder. Some of those qualifications have to do with one's personal life:
"temperate, prudent, respectable, not addicted to wine . . ." Others encompass
his domestic life: "the husband of one wife . . . hospitable . . . manages his
own household well . . . children under control . . ." Still others deal with
inter-personal relationships: "not pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious." Business
relationships are also concerned: "above reproach, free from the love of money
. . . " One has to do with maturity: "not a new convert."
It
is not a question of perfection, but the standards are high. A man might lose
his temper in a situation. The question is, does he often do so? One of his
five children might have special problems and be difficult to handle. What about
the other four? We must remember God does not judge people by isolated incidents
of failure or sin but does it seem to be a pattern? Is the elder-to-be characteristically
at fault in any of these important areas?
How
about his ability to teach? You are right if you say he does not have to be
a gifted Bible teacher, but can he handle the Word appropriately and helpfully
in public and/or in private? Do people seek his help in the area of understanding
and applying scriptural principles to their daily lives? Where present leaders
find there is failure, they need to admit it -- first before God, then to their
peers and, if need be, before the assembly. But no precipitous action should
be taken without careful consultation.
In
some cases, each member of the present oversight may discover they are not qualified
to serve. They should be prepared to act as interim leaders until the Lord raises
up or sends to the assembly those more qualified. But, the important thing is,
there should be no pretense that they are elders. It would be better to be honest
and drop the title rather than carry on with a spiritual sham.
The
whole assembly should then be made aware of the stand these men have taken and
urged to join them in earnest and persistent prayer that the Lord would provide
for this need in His flock. Such a step calls for great humility; but will leave
room for God to work; and the congregation will be taught that the Head of the
Church is still responsive to the needs of His Body when its members genuinely
cry to Him. This spirit of self-humility and dependence upon the Lord is most
healthful for the church, and when the Lord provides (either by strengthening
and enabling some of the present leaders to overcome their deficiencies or by
bringing in experienced help from the outside) then the congregation at large
will see this to be the work of the Lord and thereby be encouraged to respect
and submit to the elders the Lord has provided.
Let
us not lower God's standards to accommodate our present condition. Rather let
us give them their full force and humble ourselves before God, asking for His
mercy and grace. The Word of God then guarantees that true renewal will take
place.
"Humble
yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in
due time" (1 Peter 5:6).