A Case of Failed Leadership   Part # 2

     Paul exhorts Timothy to preach the Word and rebuke error regardless of the fact that people seem to prefer fables over the truth of the gospel (1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:14 and Titus 1:14). The sad fact is that Christians are ever learning but never understanding. Concern for righteousness is overlooked and this demonstrates that the average church member is not disciplined to study and seek out God's Word. The Bible claims “A wise man will hear and increase in learning...” (Prov.13:16).
     People worry about their finances, health issues, and what they will have for dinner but generally not about the condition of their souls. As economic times become more difficult some suddenly realize that their knowledge and understanding of God is incomplete, but who is responsible for this dilemma?
     A troubling topic came to surface in a group discussion recently. The topic contained two major issues which are related to each other. The questions seem to be: (1) Why are we not being taught the Word of God?  (2) Where does the authority rest in the Lord's church? Stated another way, is the minister the authority in the congregation or do the elders determine what is studied?
     The enormous responsibility of feeding the flock and watching out for the souls of members belongs to the elders (Acts 20:28; 1^st Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17). When members are taught the Word of God, the answer to both of the above questions is obvious. The elders must take charge as the “church is the pillar and ground of truth.” It is the elders who must take responsibility according to Scripture. 
     The function of the elders is to endorse the Bible and teach and edify with Scripture. Elders must be skilled in teaching so as to convict false teachers and refute those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9:-10). In Psalm 78:72 we have a reference to the wholesome, enriching life of a true overseer of God's elect: “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” The most stern rebukes in the Bible are found in the Old Testament and were directed to ungodly shepherds (Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34).
    What makes it possible for some preachers to assume the authority which places their importance above the eldership that God ordained (Acts 14:23)? Ironically, elders are responsible for this faulty exalted view and can even fall into this elevated structure of importance. Both types of egos are signs of having an incorrect perspective regarding one's place in God's family (Gal. 5:22-26).
     Some preachers believe they are God's special gift to the church. They have a unique gift of knowledge because they possess a college (or in some cases a simple mail order degree) in Bible. These preachers stand before the assembly, quote a Scripture, and publicly demonstrate to the rest of us how authoritative they are. The average eldership is directly responsible for the independent popularity of the preacher..

1. The eldership is spiritually ignorant and this leads to sin and spiritual bondage.

2. Many live shallow lives and they reflect years of compromise and worldly emphasis.

3. It is within the eldership's own power to let the Lord dominate or give place to the devil (Acts 5:3-5).

4. Some are double minded (James 1:8).

5. Some suffer from indifference (Phil. 2:13).

6. Others just simply do not handle the Scriptures properly (2^nd Tim. 2:15).

7. They fail to “prove all things” (1^st Thess. 5:21).

8. Because of the lack of education, they are not able to give a proper answer to those who inquire about the gospel (1^st Peter 3:15).

9. And of course this means they are not able to teach others (Heb. 5:12).

10. A failure in leadership often results in lack of church discipline, allowing some to spoil Christian fellowship (2^nd Tim. 4:2).

11. Many modern elders just don't know the Bible, Old or New Testament and much of what they think they know is home spun hearsay.

12. And finally, I fear that at least some don't understand what Christianity is all about.

     By default it seems when a member of the congregation has a question they go to the preacher for an explanation because the eldership has trained the congregation to do so. It is imperative that the eldership return to being the authority in the congregation and not delegate that duty to the preacher.
     This is a call for the eldership to rise to a new level or righteous living and biblical knowledge. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves, do not merely look out for your own personal interest but also for the interest of others" (Phil. 2:3-4).
    As an elder, one must be able to make sound judgment and this requires study, learning, and teaching. An elder's strength should be the ability to listen while others give opinions, then give the correct response with clarity and wisdom.
  “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power, and love, and discipline (2^nd Tim. 1:7).
To be continued..................
Home