Elders - And The Congregation --- (No. 2)
This article is a continuation of the one which appeared last week in the columns of the Gospel Guardian on the rule of elders.
I believe that truth on the issue of the rule of elders may be determined from 1 Peter 5:1-3. All other references will harmonize with whatever truth is established from these verses. In determining the truth the key word is "oversight" (v. 2) and the key phrases are "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." (v.3) When we learn the meaning and application of this word and these phrases we will have resolved the issue.
The participle phrases are used adverbially telling how elders are to exercise "oversight." Hence, the issue involves two questions: (1) WHAT are the elders to oversee? and (2) HOW are elders to oversee?
Concerning the former our text says they are to take the "oversight" of the "flock." The word "flock" is a figure used to identify the church. Hence, elders are to oversee the church. (Note, "which is among you," hence, local congregation.) The word "flock" and "church" are general in relation to matters to be overseen. Therefore, unless an exception can be shown, we must conclude that elders oversee all the affairs of the local church. In a former article I exposed the error in efforts that have been made to show an exception. No exception has been shown — there is none!
The affairs of the local church divide themselves into two realms: (1) things specifically authorized, and (2) thing generically authorized — sometimes called "matters of faith" and "matters of opinion" respectively. In this sense I use these terms and expressions in this article. The "oversight" of elders in these matters must be in harmony with God's will, respecting each.
In "matters of faith" there are no decisions to be made. Such is not an affair of the church. All decisions in this realm have been made by Christ, the legislator. Nevertheless, there is "oversight" for elders here. God's will respecting "matters of faith" determines the scope and nature of the elders' oversight in such matters. Such things cannot be altered in any measure. They can neither be added to nor diminished from, but must be contended for without compromise, regardless of the opinions and feelings of men. The duty of elders in such matters is clearly set forth in these words: "Holding fast the faithful word as he bath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9) Now, consider the meaning of the word "oversight" in the light of the above instructions.
The word "oversight" is from the Greek "episkopeo": "To look upon, inspect, oversee, look after, care for." (Thayer) Thus, in "matters of faith" elders exercise "oversight" as they "look upon," "inspect," "oversee," "look after," and "care for" the flock to see that they walk in "sound doctrine." They oversee and the congregation is overseen. There is an over and under relationship.
They "oversee" by warning, instructing, and exhorting. (Titus 1:9) While this ability and action is required of elders it is not peculiar to elders. However, in the light of the above and Heb. 13:17 it seems evident that their responsibility is special. It is the special phase of this responsibility that accounts for and maintains the over and under relationship in "matters of faith."
This is further evidenced by the fact that the church is called "the charge allotted to you." (v. 3, R.V.) The word "heritage" (K.J.) and "charge" (R.V.) are from the Greek "kleros" which means an assigned portion or lot (Young, Vine, and Thayer) In the final analysis the church belongs to God, but He has assigned to elders the primary responsibility of caring for it according to His will — hence, charge allotted to them.
In "matters of opinion" there are decisions to be made. All such decisions are within the scope of God's word. (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23; 2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17; 2 Jno. 9) Since elders "oversee" the church, and it is "the charge allotted" to them, they bear the primary responsibility for every decision. For this reason they have the final say in all such matters.
Concerning HOW elders are to oversee, our text says, "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." They are not to be lords in either matters of faith or opinion. While the church is a "charge allotted" to them, they should not entertain the thought that it is theirs to do with as they please. They must remember that the assignment was made by the Lord, and, therefore, the responsibility is to be discharged according to his will. This also means that they are not to use coercion, physical force, or anything akin to the tyranny which rulers of the world often employ in accomplishing their objectives. (Cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Matt. 20:25-28) Some, in an effort to protect the flock against what they judge to be error, will erect an "iron curtain" around the flock forbidding them to hear any side of any issue except their side. In whatever way this may be done, it is wrong! Such are "lording it over God's heritage." God gave every accountable man intelligence enough to decide every issue involving his soul's salvation for himself. Elders are to "oversee" in such matters according to Titus 1:9. If this fails, the individual alone is responsible.
Perhaps in "matters of opinion" the injunction not to be "lords" is most urgently needed. In the matter of making "judgment decisions" the temptation to act arbitrarily is perhaps stronger than anywhere else. Even though the church is a "charge allotted" to them, they are not to "care for" it arbitrarily. "Judgment decisions" are to be made after determining the sentiment, feelings, and opinions of those in the flock. Having determined the pulse of the congregation, this knowledge should be put with their superior wisdom (at least above average — by virtue of their qualifications) and then a decision should be made for the good of the whole. This does not demand submission on the part of the elders to the majority. It does demand due consideration be given to both the majority and the minority. In the final analysis the wisdom of the elders prevails. They, by virtue of their qualifications, will take far more into account than others in the congregation when it comes to making such decisions. Well qualified elders will not act arbitrarily. Neither will they act in submission to the majority for the majority's sake. The truth lies between the two extremes. It is the wisdom of the elders acting in the light of all that should be duly considered that makes for the proper "care" of the flock.
It is in the area of "judgment decisions" that the qualifications of elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11) show themselves to be so essential. Others in the congregation, lacking in the qualifications of elders but who have knowledge of and ability to teach the Scriptures, can carry out effectively the duty of Titus 1:9 as it relates to "matters of faith." But in "caring for" the "charge allotted" to them in "matters of opinion" the qualifications of elders are most urgently needed. In case of divided sentiment the — elders from experience in "ruling well their own house" will seek to unite the flock by taking time to point out the wiser course and explain why. He will deal with the flock in such matters as he has dealt with his own house. A careful study of the other qualifications of elders shows that such a person is well qualified to properly act in such matters. Yet, these qualifications are often overlooked or minimized.
The phrase "but being ensamples to the flock" has been greatly overworked. It does not refer to the whole of godly living. While elders, like everyone else in the flock, are to be examples of righteousness in all things before all men, this is not the verse to prove it. Here, elders are to be examples to the flock in one matter particularly. We cannot get more out of this verse than the Lord put in it. The adversative conjunction "but" identifies that in which they are to be examples. They are to be examples in the very antithesis of "being lords." The congregation needs this example in both matters of faith and opinion. Some members become "strikers" and "brawlers" in a discussion of "matters of faith." In "matters of opinion" some members are inconsiderate of the sentiments, feelings, and opinions of others, and sometimes make a scene when they cannot get their own way. A good example, set before them by the elders, in dealing with such matters would overcome a multitude of trouble. They need to see in demonstration kindness, sympathy, due consideration, and wisdom in handling such matters. No wonder those bearing the responsibility of "overseeing" the "charge allotted" to them are told "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
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