It is extremely difficult for Americans to intentionally give up "control." As does Dollywood Christians like to believe we practice "servant leadership."
Luke told Theophilus "A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves." Do we believe that? No. We do not apply what we intellectually understand.
Paul told the Christians in Galatia: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Power is a great attraction for many and some people enjoy being able to exert authority over others. Christians often fail to comprehend the real meaning of power and authority in the kingdom and confuse it with authority in the world. The centurion's authority is typical of authority in the world: "For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." This is not the kind of authority given to elders in the church.
If the bible is so clear regarding the nature of kingdom authority then why is it that so many churches have authoritarian elders? And why is it that many newly appointed elders feel that their opinions have suddenly become superior to others in the church by virtue of their appointment to a leadership position? They are ignorant of the bible; they are ignorant of the flock; they fear losing control; they fear false teaching; they fail to appreciate what others are doing.
Elders are servants who hold a special office of leadership in the church and because of this, an attitude of submission and deference toward them should exist within the congregation. That is difficult. In the corporate world when an individual is promoted to a leadership or management position they are often required to transfer so they will be leading/managing people other than their use-to-be peers. It is difficult to go from peer to leader/manager for both the peer and the leader/manager.
The author of Hebrews told his/her readers: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. …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."
Christians are obligated to listen to the advice of their leaders. Elders are to lead by persuading and convincing others to follow them.
Leadership requires that the elders give the church a sense of direction. It is foolish for the elders to call the church together and ask them to make an uninformed decision about missions' strategy for example. The meeting would result in the pooling of ignorance. Kind of describes our bible classes and on occasion the Men's Meeting itself. Communication is job one.
The majority are not and will never be the measure of what is right. Not everyone can be satisfied on all occasions and those who find themselves out of step with a consensus of the church should defer to the wishes of the majority, making every decision unanimous.
When a man ceases to be qualified he is no longer an elder stubbornly remaining in the position not withstanding. Elders are not temporary nor does the bible support recertification. As with the Constitution, without bible support elders are elders until they resign, or become unqualified.
If elders are keeping watch over the souls of the members of the congregation and will have to give an account does their responsibility and accountability extend past their term in office? As with the constitution without a bible example there is no term limit.
I believe you were an elder at one time. Did you know the congregation was afraid of you, didn't trust you and wanted to maintain control over you in case the eldership went to your head? Our elders will know. They were in on the discussion and heard the concerns.
John Jenkins
865-803-8179 cell
Gatlinburg, TN
Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/
''Facebook is like an endless cocktail party where everyone shows up at a different time and slaps a yellow Post-it note on the refrigerator."
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