Leadership in the Church of Christ:
THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH (Part 4)
In this article I want to address a few more questions about the eldership of the church. Let me say that I appreciate your response to these articles and look forward to opening the Word of God to give you more answers, but I challenge you to study some of these things on your own as well.
Who appoints the church leaders? Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each of the churches they founded (Acts 14:23). Paul told Titus to appoint elders in every town in Crete (Titus 1:5) and seems to give the same charge to Timothy in Ephesus (I Timothy 3:15). In all these cases, the churches were young, probably small, and new church plantings. Nevertheless, the ministers did the appointing of church leaders. It is interesting to note that in Jerusalem the elders seem to lead in conjunction with the apostles (Acts 15:6-23, 16:4, 21:18), just as the Jewish elders had a ruling function when they met as the Sanhedrin. Paul referred to "the elders who direct the affairs of the church" (I Timothy 5:17). Therefore, it would seem that the elders should have some say in which new church leaders are chosen and appointed by the minister.
What does it mean to "direct" the church (I Timothy 5:17)? The Greek word used in this text is proistemi which literally means "to stand before." This word is used to say that elders and deacons should "manage" their own households (I Timothy 3:4-5, 12), which should be done with self-sacrificial love. The NIV translates this word "leadership" when it appears in Romans 12:8. I believe this reveals that the elders serve out in front of the congregation and, therefore, should be known, seen, and accessible.
What is the extent of the authority of the elders? The extent and limits of the eldership is not spelled out in the New Testament, but it is clear that they do have authority. Members are told, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden" (Hebrews 13:17). "Respect those...who are over you" (I Thessalonians 5:12). "The elders…are worthy of double honor" (I Timothy 5:17). It is clear that their authority is limited to the church and NOT personal affairs. However, as your shepherd they can seek you when you wander away or appear to be lost.
How should we handle an elder that needs to be removed? Because elders have a leadership position, they sometimes become the object of a disgruntled person's anger. For that reason, Paul told Timothy, "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses" (I Timothy 5:19). But if the accusation is true, it must be dealt with publicly: "Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning" (I Timothy 5:20). It is my opinion that the elders can be removed by the congregation if there is a vote of no confidence based on these accusations. Keep studying! Have a great week!