THE NEED FOR AN ELDERSHIP IN
EVERY CHURCH 

 



 

What is the most pressing need of any congregation? A better meeting place? Better trained Bible teachers? A faithful Gospel preacher? Perhaps more money to support more work for the Lord. What if you were able to supply one or all of these. If you could do one thing for the church where you worship, what would it be? 

 

Though most of these are pressing needs, there is a need far greater than any and all of them, that is, a qualified, faithful, godly eldership in every congregation! With a faithful eldership, the needs of the church will be taken care of. [Men who are not scripturally qualified cannot be faithful elders until they become qualified (1 Tim. 3:1:7; Titus 1:5-11)]. 

 

Jesus did not intend to leave His church to be a formless, leaderless group of unguided people. God intended the church to be the ekklesia — the “called out.” His church is to be a thoroughly ordered body of people, not a chaotic, self-willed sect. The church of Christ is made up of people who are obedient to God’s will — the Faith, the Gospel. 

 

Elders are the “key” men in the church. Their function is to oversee/superintend. That is, they have been given the charge to see to it that what is done, is done correctly/rightly. They will integrate and harmonize the work of evangelists, deacons, teachers, members — the entire membership. A strong, faithful eldership in every congregation is one of the surest ways to stand before the Lord one day and hear him say, “well done thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23). On the other hand, an unqualified eldership is a sure way to fail in God’s work. Such a congregation cannot be what it’s supposed to be with an unqualified eldership. 

 

Why do not more churches have qualified overseers? Several questions much first be answered. How many churches really want godly elders? How many Christians really want elders? Would the average church’s membership tolerate real New Testament shepherds? It is sad, but many Christians are in such a state that it is doubtful they would tolerate someone scripturally watching for their souls. How many are willing to submit their spiritual welfare to the care and keeping of the elders (pastors, shepherds, overseers) of the church? 

 

ELDERS ARE NOT OPTIONAL

Congregations must realize that elderships are not optional. We do not have the liberty to have elders or not have elders. We do not have the option of forming another system to oversee the flock on a permanent basis (such as the general men’s business meeting). The men’s business meetings are attended by the faithful and unfaithful, the novice and experienced, the learned and the unlearned. Such meetings are sometimes characterized by friction, strife and division. They are many times dominated by a small minority or sometimes a single individual who can maneuver and manipulate others to vote the way he desires. The work of the Lord is not carried on by popular (majority) vote! Nor is it carried on by minority vote! Nothing will ever work successfully when everyone is in charge, yet no one is in charge! 

 

However, in the absense of qualified men to be elders, the word of God compells each congregation to carry on the business of the church. Decisions have to be made and things have to be done in the work of the Lord. Therefore, it is obvious that the mature, faithful male members carry on the work of the Lord. Concentration must be given to obtaining a qualified eldership as quickly as possible. The only alternative would be to disband as the Lord’s church. We must not let the devil have his way. Let’s march on in following our Master to our heavenly reward. 

 

Every congregation should want and desire elders because it is the will of God! Paul said to Titus, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5). It is obvious the congregations in Crete did not have elders. As Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23), Titus was to do the same. No other individuals have the obligation or responsibility of those who are elders. A congregation will never be fully organized until the will of God is carried out in this area. The number one reason why every congregation should have elders is that it is the will of God.