We are excited about our leadership class that has been in session on Wednesday nights this quarter. The number of men who have chosen to attend has exceeded our expected number and the discussions have been excellent. While the purpose of the class is to discuss the biblical requirements and characteristics of church leaders, the teachers of the class (Steve, James Meadows, and the elders) also recount actual experiences with church leaders and leadership. The lessons include qualifications, elder-preacher relations, elder-deacon relations, elder-church relations, church discipline, receiving criticism, among others. We have discussed programs that have been successful, and matters that have not gone as well as we might have hoped.
The importance of elders is intimated in Titus 1:5-9, as Paul tells Titus to “set in order the things that are lacking.” A congregation that does not have elders needs them to be in accord with God’s design. While it would be wrong to appoint men to the task who are unqualified, every congregation should develop men for this important work. We are to remember that elders are merely men. Even if a man possesses all of the biblical qualifications, he would not even come close to perfect. Men who are qualified will still struggle with all the imperfections common to man.
However, these guidelines listed by Paul are divinely ordained. As such, they are not mere suggestions. In other words, those who do not meet the qualifications should not be appointed to serve. We do not know better than God, and do not have the right to make an “executive” decision and appoint a man who we “believe” would serve well despite his lack of qualifications. God is the “executive” and has the final say in who should serve in this important work.
Please continue to pray for the leadership of the congregation, that the Lord may bless us with good, qualified and capable men willing to serve.
For the elders, Tony Williams