The Role of the Pastor to Elders

The last two Wednesdays I have set the table for these coming weeks in writing about the Pastor/Teacher in the local church.  It seems in the New Testament there was always a "point man" in the church whether it was Paul, Timothy, or another who was seen to be the one who was leading, protecting, feeding, and caring for the local believers in that local church.  

Yet, anyone who knows me knows I also believe in plural leaders in the local church called Elders.  I will not write of why I believe that today (for I have dealt with that sufficiently in previous blogs), but God told them to "appoint elders in every city as I have commanded you -" (Titus 1:5) and Paul greeted "all the saints who are in Philippi, with the bishops (Pastors, elders, overseers) and deacons." (Philippians 1:1).

A leader who does not have accountability is a dictator.  God has never called a pastor to be so full of himself and His God-given authority in his own flesh to rule without accountability.  I am too much of a sinner to trust my decisions totally without the wisdom of other spiritual men.  These men are Biblically called Elders - those who share the responsibility of leading, protecting, feeding, and caring for the flock with the Pastor.

I Peter 5:3 warned about "being lords over those entrusted to you,..."  A person who has a sense of authority can always think more highly of himself than he should, but add that authority comes from God, and without proper boundaries, it can really be dangerous.

It is the Pastor God has called uniquely to a local place to lead that flock but with the guidance of other spiritual men affirming the ways of God.  Two heads are a monster, and so it is in the church.  Elders respect the role of the Pastor, but the Pastor also respects the role of the Elders.

This is why Alexander Strauch uses this term to describe the relation of the Pastor and Elders.  The Pastor is among equals with the Elders, but as unique to his call must also be the one who is more out-front leading.  And the Elders should expect that leadership from him.

I believe there should ultimately always be complete unity among the Elders (and I'm including the Pastor in this term).  If Jesus is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23), then the Head is never divided.  If the Elders will believe that principle, die to their own personal thoughts, plans, and wishes, and pray earnestly - then eventually they should be able to come to unity as revealed by the Spirit and the Word.  

Read this carefully....NO CHURCH will ever split if the leadership is in unity.  

What if a church does not have Elders?  Then they most likely are looking to Deacons to fulfill that role.  For every church has those who provide spiritual leadership.  But here are the problems with Deacons serving in the role of providing spiritual leadership to the church:  1. They are not called to do; 2.  They are called to serve the people;  3. There may be (and most likely will be) men serving as Deacons who are qualified to provide that leadership, but not all Deacons will;  4. If Deacons are doing the role of the Elder then the church is not getting the benefit of the office of a Deacon or deacons are so divided in their roles the church is not benefitting completely from either role; and lastly, 5. The Deacons who are not called to be Elders are frustrated and scared about being asked to do something they are not called and equipped to be.

So, if you are a member of a church with the Biblical structure of Elders, then thank God and earnestly pray for your Elders.  And then obey them (Hebrews 13:17) unless you can show Biblical reasons why their leadership is out of the standard of the Word of God.  If you can, then go to them privately to share your insights with them.  Do not take them on publically until you have met privately and even after a longer time of seeking God's will.  

If you are in a church without Elders and are being led by Deacons, then pray for God to lead them to this.  I believe it would be permissible for you to share with the Deacons your understanding of Elders, but you will never be the person who can force the men to see something.  God alone must show them the Biblical understanding of Elders and church structure.  Trying to force Elders on a church without God leading them will only lead to confusion in the church and frustration in you. 

May the Lord grant wisdom in all His churches and may we wait patiently for Him to carry out His full plans and purposes perfectly in His church.  I am still a work in progress, and so is every church I know.

Blessings;

David