Eldership

When great authority has been given to any person it increases opportunities for service, temptations for self-exaltation and conse- quences for failure. Possession of authority brings grave responsibility. No greater responsibility rests on any man today than that which comes from the authority granted elders in the Lord’s church. Hence, we have the Spirit’s commendation, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor,” and his warning, “Take heed therefore to yourselves . . . for I know this . . . of your ownselves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” Elders are called upon to feed, to rule, to take the oversight of, and to watch in behalf of the souls of God’s people, knowing that they must give an account for this stewardship. The very seriousness of such responsibility should impress all with the gravity of the task. Elders should be keenly alert to the possibility of failure and diligently guard against the de- velopment of any defection. Two focal points to watch are: first, an indifference toward their God-given responsibilities as shepherds of the church, and second, a misuse of the position of honor and authority to which they have been elevated. Indifference can stifle the growth of the church and hinder the spread of the gospel; abuse of power can create a despotic monster which will seek to dominate and enslave the consciences and the lives of those who are subjected. – Bob F. Owen