Get It Right

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” [1 Timothy 5.17-18]

Paul speaks of elders both here and in 1 Timothy 3. It would appear from the context of Paul's reference to this office that it is the equivalent of what many churches today call their pastor. Whatever the title, the position is one of leadership.

Although not clearly stated, it would also appear that by the plural form of the word "elder" used that the role was not singular in its office. There could apparently be more than one elder. Obviously, the budget of the local gathering of believers would dictate then how many elders could be supported.

Unlike deacons, elders are responsible for preaching and teaching.

What we don't see here is who appoints elders. We see how they are selected, but not who actually 'makes the call' and decides then to put them on the payroll. Because the character requirements for being an elder are obvious to the people, it would make sense that a democratic process by the people could effectively select them. However, because of the spiritual advancement of one aspiring to be an elder, it would not make sense to utilize a democratic selection process because the people would obviously be 'less spiritual' than the 'more spiritual' leader they are selecting and the process could potentially be tainted. How does a minimally spiritual person accurately determine who is a highly spiritual person (key word here is "accurately") capable of leadership?

In light of the question just posed then, it would appear necessary that elders are appointed by at least their peers and possibly by a higher office (apostle?).

Church government is a tricky deal. By its very nature, it is important to get it right!

Father, help believers today to give proper consideration of church government. We need to get it right and the world needs to see us get it right!