Membership Matters - Loving Your Leaders
In our last few studies we’ve spent much time considering the attitudes required to maintain God-honouring relationships with one another in the church. Healthy church life requires that we as individuals are growing in the faith and exhibiting the fruit of the spirit. Nowhere is the fruit of the Spirit better displayed practically then through our relationships with one another. Within these relationships we are continually challenged to love one another, to exercise gentleness, meekness, forgiveness and every other spiritual grace. Our relationships are often the proving grounds for the genuineness of our faith (John 13:35; 1 John 4:20).In this study we are going to continue thinking about relationships in the church. But this time we will consider the church member’s relationship to the leaders in the church.
Ephesians 4:7-16 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." 9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
This passage indicates that some of the spoil from Christ’s victory over sin and death is the distribution of spiritual gifts to believers. Although we are all united in Christ (Eph 4:4-6), we have received a diversity of gifts (v7-8).[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. According to verse 11, Christ has gifted men for certain offices within the church. What are these offices?Q. According to verse 12, what is the task of these gifted men?[/su_box]We know that some of the gifts which Christ gave to the church have since ceased. Namely, the miraculous gifts. These gifts were foundational for the church and affirmed the authority claimed by the Apostles. The legacy of these miracle working men remains today. The fact that the authority of these men was publicly affirmed and established by God through their miracle-working ministry is what lends authority to the scriptures which they wrote and which we hold in our hands today.However, not all of the offices mentioned in Ephesians 4 have ceased to operate. Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers continue to function within the church. Their primary task is to teach and minister the word which has been authenticated by the miraculous ministries of the Apostles (Acts 2:42). God’s design for the church is that each congregation be lead by men whom he has gifted for these offices (1 Thess 5:12-13).So, within your local church you have elders (pastors, overseers, shepherds). These men are gifted by God in the areas of teaching and managing. They should possess the godly character described in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim 3,Titus 1)
God’s Design for Leadership
Remarkably, many churches are either ignorant of or indifferent to God’s design for church leadership. Throughout the New Testament we consistently see that God has chosen for each congregation of believers to be led by a plurality of godly elders. He has not designed the church to be run by a single pastor or by the majority rule of the congregation.
Titus 1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. Paul left Titus in Crete for a reason, what was it?[/su_box]
Acts 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What does this verse tell us about the type of leadership that Paul and Barnabas appointed in every church?[/su_box]
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. Who did James instruct this readers to call for when they needed prayer?[/su_box]Consistently throughout the New Testament we see the leadership of each individual congregation referred to as a plurality of elders (1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:17; Acts 11:30; 15:2-4; 21:18). In the opening greeting of his epistle to the Philippians, Paul refers to the “overseers and deacons” at the church of Philippi (Phil. 1:2). In Acts 20:28, Paul warned the elders of the church of Ephesus, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which God has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28). The writer of Hebrews called his readers to obey and submit to the “leaders” who kept watch over their souls (Heb. 13:17). In each of these passages the word of leaders is used in the plural. The bottom line is that the concept of a one-pastor congregation is foreign to the New Testament.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]Can you think of some disadvantages or even dangers of having only one man lead a church?[/su_box]This however does not mean that we cannot recognize a “lead pastor” or “teaching pastor” within the plurality of elders. Within any plurality of elders there will be a diversity of strengths and degrees of giftedness. One elder may exercise gifts that function primarily behind-the-scenes while another may be the lead Pastor who teaches and preaches publicly.This idea of a first among equals is not foreign to scripture. In fact, we see it prominently among the Apostles themselves. Peter was in no way spiritually superior to James or John, yet he consistently functions as the spokesman or chief speaker among them. Paul and Barnabas were co-equals, yet between the two of them, Paul was recognized as the chief spokesman. James seems to have functioned as the leader of the church in Jerusalem. These men were all equal as Apostles, yet differed in function. The same is true within a plurality of elders in the church.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. In this passage Paul indicates that elders should be counted as worthy of honour by the congregation. He says that this applies especially to certain elders. What role do these particular elders play in the church?[/su_box]So is there a leader among the elders? Can one be recognized as the “lead pastor”? Certainly. God gifts certain elders with a greater ability to study, teach, preach, discern and lead. This pastor or elder is often referred to as the “teaching pastor”.
The Wisdom of a Plurality of Elders
The Bible has much to say about the wisdom of a plurality of counsellors (Prov. 11:14). The combined wisdom, discernment and spiritual insights of multiple elders is a tremendous benefit to any congregation. Differing personalities and strengths within the eldership ensure that decisions are considered from many different angles and that they are not made with selfish intent. A plurality of elders also helps to promote accountability as each elder is accountable to the others.A godly eldership has a commitment to study, pray and seek the will of God together until they can arrive at a consensus on any given question. In this way, the unity and harmony that the Lord desires for the church at large, starts with those individuals he has appointed to lead it.
The Role of Elders
The primary responsibility of an elder is to serve as a manager and caretaker of the church (1 Tim. 3:5). Elders are to teach, preach and rule; and the congregation is to recognize and honour those who do so faithfully. The growing church member will have no problem with this command since an appreciation for the word of God naturally lends itself to a love and appreciation for those who faithfully teach it.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]Why do you appreciate the labour which elders exert in the study and teaching of the word of God?[/su_box]
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What do our leaders do for our soul?[/su_box]Those who lead the church are to watch over the souls of the people. This is done through the ministry of the word of God. Teaching preaching, encouraging, warning, correcting, refuting and even rebuking are involved in the shepherding ministry. In the end, those whom God has charged with this work will be required to give an account to Him of their faithfulness in carrying it out.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]What are some practical ways in which elders protect the congregation?[/su_box][su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. Look again at Hebrews 13:17. Considering the fact that our leaders are watching out for our souls and will one day give an account to God, how should we respond to them?[/su_box]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. List the position and responsibilities that elders have in the church.[/su_box]The elder’s oversight of a congregation involves authority to manage, guide, rule, teach, preach, encourage, and protect (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 4:4; 1 Tim 5:17; 1 Thess 5:12; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9). The Lord requires that these elders maintain a life of exemplary Christian character so that the church can not only submit to their leadership with confidence but also safely follow the example of their faith (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Pet 5:3).The Bible uses words like “submit” and obey” when speaking of our relationship to our leaders. In our culture, these words carry many negative connotations. After all, are elders dictators to whom we are forced to submit? Do they as leaders demand submission and obedience? Are they authoritarian in their leadership? Not at all. Whereas the Bible instructs church members to submit to church leadership, it also instructs those leaders not to be domineering over the church or to lead for personal gain (1 Peter 5:3). These leaders are to be gentle, humble, patient, self-controlled and holy. So that when these leaders are everything that God wants them to be, it is a welcomed joy to submit to their leadership and to follow their example.
The Character of Elders
We find the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
1 Timothy 3:2-7 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. List the seven qualifications mentioned in verse 2.[/su_box][su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. List the qualifications found in verse 3.[/su_box]
Titus 1:6-8 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. List the qualifications found in verse 6.Q. List the qualifications found in verse 7.Q. List the qualifications found in verse 8.Q. List the qualifications found in verse 9.[/su_box]According to these passages, an elder must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate (sober), self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not violent, gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money and greed, a good manager of his own household, one who has his children under control with dignity, not a new convert, one who has a good reputation outside the church, sensible, able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it, above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, loving what is good, just, and holy.Elders should live in such a way that they cannot be accused of anything sinful. This is what is meant by being above reproach. The leader should be blamless in his marital life, social life, business life and spiritual life. He should be an exemplary model of all that God wishes for every believer. For this reason, the qualifications seen above are almost exclusively character qualities and not talents or skills (with the exception of teaching and managing).[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]How should the fact that elders possess the character qualities listed above make it easy to submit to or obey their leadership?[/su_box]
Our Relationship to the Elders
Read the following verses and summarize in your own words what attitude we should have towards our elders and how we should respond to them.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.1 Timothy 5:19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
The scriptures often use shepherding as an analogy for the role of the elders (1 Peter 5:2; Eph 4:11). Like shepherds who care for sheep, elders are to feed, guide, lead, correct and protect the church. They are required to meet a high standard of qualification and are charged with a tremendous weight of responsibility. One which they will give an account to God for in the end. As church members we are to love, respect, support, encourage, pray for, submit to and even obey our leaders as they lead us according to God’s will as revealed in the scriptures.
How You Can Encourage Your Elders
God has high qualifications for elders. Yet, elders are not unapproachable, spiritual giants. They are regular men who have been called by God to bear heavy spiritual burdens – and they do it for our sake. It is to everyone’s benefit that the elders faithfully carry out the task that God has given them. Consider the following ways that you can help encourage your elders to carry out the task that God has given to them.
1. Pray for them Regularly
The Apostle Paul regularly asked the churches to pray for him. If a leader of his calibre was in need of prayer, how much the more do you think your elders need you to pray!If you would like an easy outline of how you can pray for your Pastor, consider both the responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in this study. Pray that God would enable your Pastor to faithfully carry out all that He has called him to and to remain qualified to do so.
2. Love their Families
Serving in a church is often a balancing act for the Pastor. Elders must manage their households well, love their wives and children and lead them spiritually while also striving to lead, love and manage the church. A faithful Pastor will never allow his family to suffer for the sake of the church. As church members, we can make sure that our Pastor never feels this way by purposefully loving and caring for his family.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]A Pastor/elder should never feel as if he has to protect his family from the church.Why do you think the Pastor’s family can sometimes become the target of criticism or animosity? What can we do to prevent this?[/su_box]
3. Grow Personally
Your Pastor’s chief concern is care for your soul. Without fail, those who need the most attention (and sometimes cause the most grief) are those who are not growing spiritually. With growth comes independence and so, the growing church member does not need to rely upon his Pastor for everything. Instead, he feeds himself spiritually throughout the week by reading his Bible, listening to preaching and availing himself to the abundant resources for spiritual growth that are available to us today. It is a wonderful help and encouragement to your Pastor to see you taking spiritual initiative and growing in the faith.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]What are you doing to aid your own spiritual growth during the week?[/su_box]
4. Serve in the Ministry
The fourth chapter of Ephesians indicates that the pastor-teacher’s role is to help mature the saints so that they can do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12). With genuine spiritual growth also comes the desire and ability to come alongside the elders and serve with them in the ministry. This helps to alleviate some of the burden that is upon their shoulders. The Apostle Paul was continually praising those whom he called “fellow labourers”.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]What are some areas in which you desire to serve in the ministry?[/su_box]
5. Handle Disagreements Biblically
What happens if you disagree with your elders? Maybe you have a problem with the way something was taught or how a situation in the church was dealt with. So what do you do? Like all Biblical conflict, this should be dealt with first by approaching him with your concerns privately (see our study on Forgiveness for some guidelines on when to approach and when not to).It is always unbiblical and sinful to undermine the reputation of others by spreading or entertaining the spread of gossip. The Bible addresses the case of Elders specifically in 1 Timothy 5:19: Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.Because your elders teach and preach with authority, you may feel as if they are unapproachable or inaccessible. Nothing could be further from the truth. You should always feel free to express your concerns with your elders.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]How might you handle a situation where someone comes to you and attempts to gossip about or undermine the authority of your church leaders?[/su_box]
6. Forgive Patiently
It should come as no surprise to you that your elders are not perfect. At times they will make mistakes. Maybe in the way they teach, how they handle a situation or even how they react to you.Part of being a church member is having a mutual love for one another. This love causes us to bear with one another patiently and to freely offer forgiveness. This should even extend to your elders. In other words, all the principles of forgiveness that we learned in a previous study apply to our relationship with our leaders.
7. Encourage Sincerely
We’ve learned throughout these studies that believers should be exercising Christ-like atittudes towards one another. This includes encouragement. Just like your other fellow-believers, your Pastor benefits from your encouragement. You can encourage your Pastor by sincerely expressing your thankfulness for him and his ministry.If you have benefited from your Pastor’s teaching, example or ministry, let him know. This is not for the purpose of flattery or mere complimenting but for the purpose of encouraging his faithfulness in what God has called him to do.[su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]What are some practical ways that church members can seek to encourage their Pastor and elders?[/su_box]God, in His wisdom, has designed the church to be governed by a plurality of elders. These men are to possess exemplary Christian character and are charged with the spiritual oversight of the church. Among these elders you will find your pastor-teacher who labours in teaching and preaching the word of God for your spiritual benefit.These men care for your soul. To become a church member then is to recognize the spiritual leadership which God has placed in the church with a willingness to submit to their teaching and authority. If you do not feel that you could place yourself under the spiritual authority of the church or love its leaders, then first, you should examine your heart to ensure that you are not harbouring attitudes of pride or rebellion. Secondly, you should consider whether or not you are committed to God’s design for church leadership. Lastly, if you can say without a doubt that the first two are not true, you may need to consider that that particular church is just not for you.One thing is sure, if you cannot sincerely love and submit to its leaders, then you should not go forward with joining the church.[su_box title="Review!" style="soft" box_color="#FF4D2C"]1. Who are the the elders in your Church?2. If elders are all equals, how can we still recognize a "lead Pastor"?3. Why is their wisdom in having a plurality of elders versus one man leading the church?4. What are some of the different aspects involved in the elder's ministry of shepherding? (pg 5)5. Why does our society dislike terms like "submit" and "obey"? How do the qualifications for elders make the idea of submitting and obeying easier?6. What are some ways that you can encourage your elders?7. What do you appreciate about the ministry of the elders?8. If you have a disagreement with the elders concering the direction of the church, the handling of a situation or their teaching, what do you think is the best way to handle it?9. Elders should not lead the church out of a love for money, but it is appropriate for elders to be paid for their ministry. What are some advantages of supporting a Pastor financially?[/su_box]