God's way of doing things

 

I think at this point, we have seen enough to know that the responsibilities of an elder are many, and varied. And we can see there needs to be a difference between the secular way of organization and God's way of doing things. It's not a great idea to vote a man into church leadership because he is a likeable, agreeable fellow. And just because a man is a success at business doesn't mean that he is the best choice for the shepherd of a church. That's not God's way.

In the New Testament, the apostles (or their delegates, like Titus and Timothy) appointed elders for the churches based on careful discernment. Sometimes it was a crucial decision and they utilized not just prayer, but prayer and fasting.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23)

They gave careful consideration to the choice of church leaders, and they tried to discern which men met the biblical qualifications. In their case, it was the qualifications laid out by Paul in his letters. The people in the church were probably given the opportunity to commend certain men that they knew were godly and hard workers. 

Next week's study will include the qualifications of the elders, but for now, let's just agree with Paul that an elder must be a man of mature character, of godly faith, and "above reproach."  It's usually pretty obvious who these men are, since they are not just sitting around doing nothing! They are likely to already be shepherding and guiding those who need their help. It's a calling that they hear from the Holy Spirit - the church simply recognizes that, when it asks them to be leaders.

Most churches look for men who are already helping with the work of oversight -- perhaps they are serving on a committee and using their experience to help others. The church looks for men who are already shepherding -- perhaps they are teaching a class or mentoring young believers. There should be a desire to be an elder:

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (I Timothy 3:1)

In other words, he shouldn't have to be wheedled and cajoled into it. Many churches use a process of questionnaires and interviews before the other elders or deacons approve him. Some even post the candidate's name in their bulletin, and if anyone has concerns they can reach out to the pastor or elders. There are all kinds of terms of service; in some churches the elders are reinstated each year, and in others they serve for several years. It's good for a church body to realize the immense responsibility of the elders, and allow them some time off or "down time" before coming back on board to serve again.

Each church congregation is different, but they all should have this goal: to make certain that godly, qualified men are serving as overseers and leaders. They can help them by praying for them, paying for leadership and Bible courses to prepare them, by and by showing them love and compassion as they try to serve the church. God's way of doing things is that the church is led by a group of godly men who shepherd His flock under His headship. 

The church will be strong and resist the pressures of the secular world and the sinful culture around it, when the leaders are godly and strong, faithful and true.