The Problem with Elders President's Perspective


by Kevin Stone, President


Te FEBC believes in the position of elder within the local church. A member church in the FEBC is required to have a “leadership structure with a plurality of elders (or equiv- alent).” Many FEBC positions require elder qualification. Local church elders must rec-


ommend the folks who serve as volunteers. We believe elders are important, but we can’t take credit for the idea. Te early church saw elders as important, too. Luke tells how Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the new churches, committing them to the Lord with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23).


You can find the character profile of an elder in 1 Timothy 3


and Titus 1. Te Bible also gives us some idea of the job descrip- tion. For example, 1 Peter 5 says that elders are to “shepherd the flock,” looking out for the congregation’s interests and not for personal gain. James 5:14 says that elders should pray over the sick. In the book of Acts, the elders gathered numerous times to consider and decide important matters. Titus 1 tells us that an elder is an “overseer,” who should “give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”


In short, your church should have a group of men who


oversee the congregation, look out for the interests of the church, pray for people, consider and decide issues of policy and doctrine, give sound theological instruction, and rebuke those who reject it. Tey should guard the flock against division and against false teaching.


So what is the problem with elders? I have seen a growing trend across our Fellowship: We don’t


respect or trust the elders God has given us. In fact, even our el- ders are having trouble respecting themselves! I have heard more than once: “I don’t know more about the Bible than some of our other members; how can I make the hard decisions for them?”


Society is draining us of respect for others. We hear about


the crookedness and greed of politicians. Te sins of famous clergy members are paraded before us. We can’t trust any news outlet. Te education system is flawed. Who is leſt to respect or even trust?


On top of this, social media has convinced people that no particular voice is more important than another. You need no


actual experience or education to have an opinion — and opin- ions must be shared!


In this culture, we constantly question our elders. As soon


as they make a decision we don’t agree with, they must be wrong. We argue, complain, gossip and withhold our attendance or our giving to boycott their poor leadership.


Meanwhile, many elders wonder if they are capable of


making some of the difficult decisions that are placed upon their shoulders. Tey feel ill-equipped to face the demands of shep- herding a flock of fellow sinners.


But what about God's word: “… Tere is no authority except


from God …. Terefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judg- ment” (Rom.13:1-2)?


Men become elders due to multiple factors. Tey met the cri-


teria; they were willing and felt called by God to serve; and they were elected by the flock. Tere may be others with more experi- ence or more knowledge, but they were not placed in the position of elder. More to the point: God placed them in authority.


When someone resists the authority of the elders, it can of-


ten be traced back to the age old problem of Diotrephes in 3 John 9. He refused to submit to church leaders because he “likes to put himself first.” Tat’s not a very kind epitaph.


Elders, you are in your position because God wants you


there. Serve him faithfully under the guidelines of 1 Peter 5, and allow him to guide you when you are uncertain.


Laypeople, trust your elders, respect them, and allow them


to do the work they’ve been called to. Elders are not always right, but they are supposed to make


the difficult decisions. When we do not agree with their de- cisions, we can tell them as much, but we should never stir up dissension or try to undermine their leadership. When the duly elected leaders of your church are moving in a direction you sim- ply cannot support, it may be time for you to move on. Te fact that believers cannot agree on every issue is why there are so many churches to choose from.


Love your elders, and pray for them. Tey spend many diffi- cult hours volunteering to shepherd your flock.


Our new Ministries Coordinator, Rev. Gary Krehbiel, wants to get to know our churches as he begins his ministry of providing care. Let him know if your church is interested in a visit! Gary’s email is ministries@febcministries.org


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