There is no one, universal church
polity in the Bible. Different churches operate in different ways. As long as churches
do not violate Scripture, are effective, and meet congregational approval, I’m
sure there is merit to them.
However, in recent times, elder rule
has become the “new wave” among churches that, at one time, were more
pastor-led and congregationally approved. I have heard lectures on the reasons
for the change, and in my spirit, I have some sincere concerns—especially with
the reasoning.
Let me say that I am not seeking
more authority in my church. Our church is well structured, I believe, both
scripturally and practically.
That said, here are five reasons
why I cannot support elder rule.
1. Elders being appointed lay volunteers is not
in Scripture. The office of elder, bishop, and pastor is the same office in the
New Testament. In Acts 20:28, Paul says, "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all
the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [bishops], to
shepherd [feed] the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” The
new role of lay elder seems very much like the old deacon role still found in
some churches today.
2. Lay people are not always equipped to deal
with the myriad problems in the church. Even pastors trained and called to
ministry sometimes succumb to pride and control. Once given power, it can be
difficult to manage that power in the heart.
Historically, we find that like
deacon rule, many would-be elders may seek the office in order to have a
measure of power in the church. Some will be asked to serve based on their
affluence or influence, rather than their walk with God.
3. Lay people have their weekly jobs. It’s
difficult to be up to speed with the daily challenges of a church if you do not
live with it every day. This may result in the pastor having a great deal of
influence over the elders, who then have influence over the church body. The
pastor becomes the authoritarian through the elders. This centralizes the power
to a few, and decentralization of power is often a reason given to have elders.
4. The reason often given for adopting elder
rule is that too much power in one person (the pastor) can lead to corruption
or dictatorship. Using this reasoning every college should have two or three
presidents, every business several CEOs, every family multiple dads. There is,
after all, a chance of corruption in any position of leadership. The church, it
seems, is unjustly targeted for the sins of a few, and is the only institution called
upon to have multiple heads.
5. Biblically, the pastor is the leader of the
church. Paul wrote letters to Timothy and Titus, pastors of the New Testament.
The seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation were written to “angels
or messengers” – the pastors of the churches. Churches need to call a pastor
trustworthy and continue to trust him as he leads.
Of course, there must be checks
and balances in every church and the pastor should welcome them. However, the
pastor will always be the one who must answer to God and the people for the health
of the church. If he is going to have the weight of responsibility, he needs to
be given the authority to carry out these responsibilities.
What do you think?