by Steve Hale
Nothing in this world blesses a church more than to have sensible, balanced, biblical Christian men to serve in the eldership. I sincerely believe we are thus blessed here at the Mt. Juliet church of Christ. Notl-iing in this world curses and hinders the church more than dictatorial, domineering, and apathetic men in the eldership.
it is terribly unfortunate some churches of Christ have adopted a policy of running every minute detail by an eldership in the work of the church. I fear some elders and entire elderships sincerely believe this work is purely administrative, and encompasses a yes or no in various judgments in a local work.
No elder has the authority to say no when Jesus says yes! Jesus has all authority ( Matthew 28:18). No elder has the authority to say yes when Jesus says no!
Elders do not and should not have supreme authority in any congregation. This belongs only to the Lord Jesus ( Ephesians 1:22, 23). Elders do have delegated authority given to them by King Jesus. Assuming these men have met the qualifications of the Holy Spirit (I Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5- 9), they are to set proper examples ( I Peter 5:3), exercise oversight ( I Peter 5:2), tend the flock ( I Peter 5:2), while always being in harmony with the will of God ( I Peter 5:2).
The apostles led the infant Jerusalem church. The work got so big, they quickly realized "it is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables" ( Acts 6:2). Thus, seven men, full of the Holy Spirit and faith were appointed to take care of the widows among the Grecian Jews ( Acts 6:3). The apostles dedicated themselves to "prayer and in the ministry of the word" ( Acts 6:4). The text does not say the apostles had their thumbs on these men. It does not say the apostles took over his job with every detail of it did not suit them. They delegated the authority to these men!
Churches will not grow unless we learn this lesson of delegation! Elders have no business doing the work of deacons, or other delegated brethren. They need to shepherd, oversee, pray, study, exhort, rebuke, and concentrate on brethren. The first concern of ancient shepherds was the sheep, not the pen in which the sheep were kept!
I believe there are three and only three instances in which a member of the church needs to go to an elder to authorize a certain matter:
1. When an activity is conducted in the name of the congregation.
2. When church property is utilized (this might fall to someone the elders have delegated to take care of the matter).
3. When church funds are used for a certain function (this again might fall to the delegated authority of a deacon or individual put in charge of a certain area).
I never have (and never will) ask an elder if I could study with a certain individual. I have never asked an elder if I could have brethren over to the house for fellowship. I have never asked an elder if I could preach a Bible sermon on Sunday or during a gospel meeting. If the Lord authorizes something brethren, get on with it! All an elder had better say in that regard is thank you or God bless you ( Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; Titus 1:9)!
To hinder brethren from good works is "lording it over the charge allotted to you," ( I Peter 3:3) and such an elder should be rebuked ( I Timothy 5:19-20). Such a man, with a continuous spirit as this, becomes disqualified and should be removed.
Praise God, we have elders that want to delegate! They are appreciative of wonderful, hardworking brethren! Let's march!