The Divine Organization Of The Church -- No. VIII.
In the last two articles of this series attention was given to the qualifications of elders. A sincere effort was made to set forth these qualifications as given by Inspiration, and to interpret them in the light of both scripture and reason. This seems both proper and necessary, since in the selecting of elders congregations are often unaware of these qualifications, consider them unimportant, or else too high to be attained. In discussing them soberly, and in the light of divine instruction, we have tried to show that they are reasonable, and indispensable to the proper functioning of that high office.
To those who have studied the subject carefully, or observed with any degree of accuracy the history of the church in recent years it is evident that one of the great hindrances to the cause of Christ is a lack of qualified elders. Some of our brethren will even take the position that such are not and cannot be found today, in the absence of Divine Intervention or miraculous endowments. Such a theory is based on the assumption that these qualifications if incorporated in one individual would make of him a perfect man; and since no man can be wholly perfect, none can qualify. This is equivalent to affirming that if a man could be found who possessed the qualifications of a Christian he would be a perfect man, and because of the fact that none of us can be perfect there are no Christians today. Surely there are men or can be men capable of being elders now as well as there are men or can be men who are capable of being Christians now. If men can follow the Word of God and thereby be Christians, can we not by the same rule have men who are qualified to be elders? If not, is the Word of God lacking, or has the Lord taught something that is impossible to obey? Elders are made by obedience to the Word of God the same as Christians are made by obedience to the Word of God.
To take the position that all the qualifications must be held in perfection before a man could be appointed to the eldership would be unreasonable and unscriptural. All followers of Christ, elders included, are commanded to "grow." (1 Pet. :1, 2; 2 Pet. 3:18). If an elder is already perfect, by what stretch of the imagination can he be expected to "grow?" The Apostle Peter was himself an elder (1 Pet. 5:1), but even he was not perfect. Paul "withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." (Gal. 2:11).
God gave to us a perfect pattern for a perfect church, but there is not to be found, even on the pages of the New Testament, an example of a perfect congregation of the Lord's church, much less in the present time. God also gave us a perfect pattern for a perfect Christian, and one of these cannot be found, even in the New Testament. Would any today be so proud — so conceited as to claim that he is a "perfect" Christian and thus lack the humility required to be one? God gave us a perfect pattern for a perfect elder, but there is not, and has never been a perfect elder! Since there are no perfect churches and no perfect Christians, shall we close down the churches, hang a wreath and black crepe on every meeting-house door, and all cease trying to be Christians? If not, then why argue that we should have no elders short of perfection?
I firmly believe that an elder should be an outstanding Christian man — the very "cream of the crop," so to speak, because of the fearful responsibilities which are his, the honorable position he occupies, and the irreparable injuries to the church and to the souls of men which so often result from his failure to measure up to God's standard. I believe too, that since God has specified the qualifications for elders He intends for them to be respected. I do not, however, expect the elders who are over me to be perfect in this world, and neither should you!
Shortage Of Elders
Because of the position they occupy in the kingdom of Christ; because they are leaders, shepherds, overseers, "ensamples" to the "flock," elders must have all of the qualifications outlined by Inspiration, to a degree more noticeable, perhaps, than other Christians. This does not imply, however, that all Christians are not required to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith" they are called. But if a man does not possess these qualifications he is not qualified to be an elder. There is a difference, however, in saying that they must have all the qualifications and in saying that they must have them to a perfect degree. The qualifications listed for the eldership are precisely the same as those listed for a Christian, with but two exceptions: (1) Not a novice and (2) A family man — Husband of one wife; ruling well his own house, having children who believe. Of elders, much can and ought to be expected, but unless one has reached a state of perfection himself, it comes with poor grace to criticize an elder for not being perfect. The Lord taught a very great lesson in Matt. 7:1-5 which is apropos here: When criticizing the elders and demanding perfection of them it would be well to remember the "mote" and the "beam."
As we study this important subject, many things suggest themselves to our mind. There are so many things that need desperately to be studied, and which, unfortunately, have been sadly neglected! The reader, of course, is aware that many are the churches throughout the land which have no elders. But did you ever stop to wonder why? The answer generally given is: "We don't have men qualified." Do they mean that they do not have any family men who have been members of the church long enough? Most of these churches count among their membership several family men who have been members most of their lives. I have heard in so many different places, "We intend to have elders just as soon as the proper material can be prepared." It is true that elders should be trained and prepared, but what plans are being followed and what effort is being made to prepare men for this office? Many young men look forward anxiously to becoming preachers, but seldom are they found desiring to become and be qualified elders. Special courses are given in schools to prepare men to preach, but I know of no school preparing men to be elders. Do you? Many congregations give encouragement and help in preparing preachers, but not elders. In fact, in most places, if anything is given it is discouragement rather than encouragement.
In most of the places where I have been, members aplenty are found berating the elders, and too often it is in the presence of young men. They talk it around the dinner table and in the living room. They talk it until the young men get the idea they want no part with such a group of reprobates as the elders are pictured to be. If an elder does his duty, is unyielding in his opposition to all forms of worldliness and strives to keep the flock clean and in line, he is abused; if he doesn't do his duty he isn't "worth his salt" and should be "put out." Is it any wonder that men do not "desire the office of a bishop?" It is such a thankless job! The question is when are we going to start encouraging and making preparation to properly fit and prepare men to be elders? And when are we going to recognize our obligation to these men, and to faithfully discharge toward them the sacred duties imposed upon us by the God of heaven?
The church in many places have training classes to teach young men to speak in public — to teach or preach. Why not have training classes to teach men to be elders; and when they have become such to honor and obey them as directed by the Holy Spirit?
There is today, a serious shortage of qualified elders, and the church itself, or rather those who compose it are largely responsible for the shortage. We need to give more serious thought, and more careful study to this important phase of "Church Organization."