Honoring Church Leadership

Sure enough, we camped out in 1 Timothy 5 this week for about 40 minutes.  Specifically the focus was on verses 17-20 and honoring the church leaders was the topic.  Several important points came out that we can look at today.  First, a plurality of elders.  Any mention of leaders (elders, overseers, bishops) is always in the plural.  Even generic instructions when establishing a new body has a plurality (Acts 14:23), and when speaking of a fellowship already in existence where supplies are being distributed the gifts are given to "the elders" (Acts 11:30).  In each instance where the office is being discussed there is a plurality given.  Only the requirements for qualification are given in the singular, and then because the qualifications are those to be met by each individual that is to serve as part of the plurality.  So then how many make up the plurality?  Ah, and here we can get into trouble.  Elders means more than one, and that is as far as we can go.  We are not told any specific number, so making a requirement of three, seven, twelve or any other number mandatory could bring disastrous results because there may not be enough men who meet all the qualifications in the body to fill the number mandated by the church policy.  In that case concessions would have to be made regarding biblical instructions (men not meeting qualifications for eldership, women installed, etc.).  If the best practice is to follow what the Scriptures say, then there must be more than one elder and each man must meet all the biblical qualifications for the office.  The local church is not to be headed by a single man with all authority.  Such a model is not biblical and therefore is a problem waiting to surface in the body.

Second, the position of elder is a position of honor by its very nature.  Men serving as elders have a spiritual calling for leadership.  They have demonstrated the character and conviction necessary to take on the task of handling the Word, leading the church body, and caring for the spiritual condition of each and every member of the local church.  It is not for the faint of heart, for the weak in moral standing, for those light in theological understanding, nor for those who cannot handle conflict well.  In short the majority of church membership do not belong in the position of elder.  It is almost as if the prospective candidate desires very much the position, but never feels quite qualified to serve in that position, yet he is nominated, vetted, approved and encouraged by his peers and feels such a conviction by the Holy Spirit that he accepts the noble and solemn path placed before him.  And in following, the one handling the Word is worthy of double honor which does include monetary compensation for service.  The two examples given in support for this appear in 1 Timothy 5:18 where reward for work and wages are specifically given in support textually.

Finally, elders are to be protected.  Perhaps the greatest disservice a body of believers does to their leadership is in this area.  How many say, if even under their breath or just in their heart: "The elders don't really do that much.  They meet once a week in the conference room all by themselves, drink coffee and talk about how the church is doing, like anyone couldn't do that."  Have we not read the qualifications necessary to serve in such a position?  Can we not see the passion for every member of the body that causes the men of God serving as elders to cry out to God on their behalf?  Can we not think of the spiritual warfare conducted on a regular basis undertaken by such men to maintain personal integrity and gospel fidelity in the church through handling day-to-day issues and discussions, teaching, etc.?  How many of us are in the practice of praying for the deacons and elders that are serving the body?  How may of us would want our children to take a similar position?  "Dad doesn't really do that much, just go off 'to work' every day and then tell us what to do when he comes home, like anyone couldn't do that.  I don't need to pray for him or support him, what's the big deal?"  It breaks my heart to think my children would think that little of me; likewise it breaks my heart to think that anyone in my local fellowship would think so little of the leadership in the church.

Verses 19 and 20 finish the thought with instruction not to entertain (or receive) an accusation against an elder unless it comes from two or three eyewitnesses.  We must be diligent here.  If the enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy kingdom work then we must assume accusations will come against the elders and that most of those accusations will be false.  We must not even entertain talk about elders coming from one mouth.  Saying something like, "Let me stop you right there, by continuing down this line (by yourself) you are in violation of 1 Timothy 5:19 and I will not hear it.  If you have another eyewitness or two and are committed to the common testimony of misconduct then come together and present your case.  Otherwise do not attempt to spread this to me or anyone else, the Word of God demands it of you and I will hold you to it, for my part."  Me must honor the membership of the church by not receiving an accusation or gossip about another member, and we must not entertain such accusations against the eldership all the more.

My final written note about the sermon this week: "The membership should be joyful about giving honor to the men whom God has put in a place of leadership and service to the body through working to equip, teach and impart sound doctrine."  May we all be challenged to consider carefully how we honor our leadership and commit to praying for these men whom God has installed for service.