Congregational Duties to Elders

Introduction

Text: Hb. 13:17.
Certain mutual responsibilities and reciprocal commitments are implied in the various works of the elder. These need to be understood and agreed on. For example:
1. Rule <-> submit.
2. Lead <-> follow.
3. Set example <-> imitate.
4. Teach <-> learn.
Those on whose behalf elders "watch" are themselves accountable.
1. It is a serious mistake to disregard warnings that the Lord has graciously provided for us. Cf. 2 Chron. 36:15,16; Mt. 23:37-39.
2. We are responsible for heeding those who warn us. Cf. Ezek. 3:19; 33:9.
We can properly relate ourselves to our elders by:

I. SUBMITTING TO THEM

Hb. 13:17 is an important passage.
1. "Obey" = peitho = to allow one's self to be persuaded, yield to. Cf. Lk. 16:31; Ac. 5:36,37; Jas. 3:3.
  Cf. Jn. 3:36.
2. "Be submissive" = hupeiko = to cease fighting, give way under, yield.
3. Contrast the "submissiveness" of sheep with the "self-will" of goats.
When one identifies with a congregation, he places himself under the oversight of its elders.
1. As a part of the body, he agrees to work cooperatively for the good of the whole body - Rom. 12:4,5.
2. He agrees to defer to the good judgment of qualified elders, men who have the proven ability to make wise decisions - Hb. 13:17.
3. In what areas do we submit? Consider the following as examples or illustrations:
  1. The use of talent requested.
  2. Participation in work assigned.
  3. Attendance at appointed assemblies.
Two extremes must be avoided. A balance must be maintained between:
1. No submission. "It's-none-of-the-elders'-business-what-I-do" rebelliousness, selective obedience.
2. Blind submission. "It's-the-elders'-responsibility" indifference, etc. No Christian can justify participation in sin by assuming the elders alone will answer for it. Cf. Ac. 5:29.
True submissiveness is willing (Philem. 14) and respectful (1 Tim. 3:4).
Men with scriptural qualifications will be individuals who engender such loving obedience and will rarely have to demand compliance with their leadership. Cf. 2 Thess. 3:9.
Shepherdless sheep are in danger -- it is a blessing, not a curse, to have godly men to whom we may submit in the Lord's work.
Scriptural submissiveness within the flock is conducive to the joy of the shepherds and the profit of all -
Hb. 13:17.

II. EXHORTING THEM

There is a difference between rebellious murmurings and substantiated charges of wrongdoing.
1. Unfounded charges and idle rumors against elders are prevalent, perhaps because the corrective work of elders provokes retaliatory accusations.
2. One must often consider the source and disregard unverifiable allegations - 1 Tim. 5:19,20. Cf. Jd. 8-10.
Still, when an elder has truly erred, his brethren must exhort him -- respectfully. Cf. 1 Tim. 5:1 (cf. Lev. 19:32).
If necessary, disciplinary action must be taken.

III. HELPING THEM

How can an individual Christian assist those who watch for his soul?
1. Prayer.
2. Patience and allowance for growth.
3. Restraint from gossip.
4. Encouragement.
5. Support and endorsement.
6. Input, feedback, and open communication.
The simple maintenance of peace is a great help to elders - 1 Thess. 5:13. Cf. Eph. 4:3; Col. 3:15.

IV. JUDGING THEM FAIRLY

When judgments must be made regarding someone else's conduct, we are commanded to be fair and just
-- nowhere is this any more important than in the judgments we make about the performance of our elders.
Cf. Mt. 7:2-5; Jn. 7:24.
We are often inclined to evaluate the job our elders are doing by a much harsher standard than we judge ourselves by.
Here are some questions to ask ourselves when we feel the urge to criticize our elders:
1. Considering the job I am doing as a member of the congregation, would it be hypocritical of me to criticize the job someone else is doing as a leader of the congregation?
2. If all the members of the congregation related themselves to the elders as I do, how difficult would the work of the elders be?
3. Am I a part of the solution or a part of the problem?
4. Am I anything more than an armchair critic, a Monday-morning quarterback?
5. Do I know what I am talking about? How many of the facts do I have? Is what I know about the situation enough to make a responsible judgment, or are there aspects of the problem that I may be unaware of that would significantly alter my judgment if I knew about them?
6. Am I aware how much easier hindsight is than foresight? Do I understand how much more difficult it is to make wise judgments in the midst of stressful, complicated, and rapidly-developing circumstances than it is to say, after the fact, what should have been done?
7. What price have I paid to see this problem from the perspective of an elder, to understand the matter within his frame of reference, and to empathize with his situation? How far have I walked in my elders' shoes?
8. Are my criticisms of my elders truly fair and just?

V. RECOMPENSING THEM

At the very least, elders deserve the admiration and expressed appreciation of their brethren.
Sometimes, financial support is also in order - 1 Tim. 5:17,18; 1 Pt. 5:2. Cf. 1 Cor. 9:1-14.
1. Time spent "in the word and doctrine" is in addition to the normal work of oversight/shepherding.
2. "Double honor" = another kind of honor, not twice as much of the usual honor.
3. Despite unfounded objections, there is a real need today for full-time, paid elders.
4. Such would go far toward diminishing evangelist rule, as well as add to the effectiveness of the oversight.

VI. USING THEM

By asking for elders' help, prayers, etc. - Jas. 5:14,15.
1. Too often, elders are the last to know of situations needing their involvement.
2. Preachers, as well as others, need to learn to ask: Have you talked with the elders about this?
By imitating them - Hb. 13:7. Cf. 1 Cor. 11:1.
1. Men unfit to be imitated ought not to be appointed. Cf. Mt. 15:14.
2. Great results would come from more time spent imitating elders and less spent criticizing.
By seeking their company and counsel, learning from them, utilizing their potential to the full advantage intended by the Lord.

VII. RESPECTING THEM

By recognizing them - 1 Thess. 5:12.
1. "Recognize" or "know" (KJV, ASV) = oida = acknowledge; have due regard for; take an interest in.
2. Such requires closeness of association, not distant aloofness. Our children, too, need closeness to elders in the church.
By esteeming them "very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Thess. 5:13).
1. Attitudes of cynicism, skepticism, and hypercriticism toward the eldership in general (and individual elders in particular) need to be replaced with a wholesome honor.
2. Untold good can be done by elders who have their brethren's love, trust, and respect.

Conclusion

The relationship between a congregation and its elders is impressive indeed. It was designed by God.
May we properly value the importance, beauty, and wisdom of the true government of the Lord's body -
Phil. 1:1.

Gary Henry
WordPoints