… and appoint elders …
Summary: Elders were generally selected from those who had the most experience and wisdom. The reason for having elders is to help the body of Christ listen to her Lord.
Back in the Good Ol’ Days,™ when men were men and women were women*, elders were really elders. Yep, they were generally older than everybody else.
Appointing elders that were older than most made a lot of sense. Elders that are older have more life experience than those who are younger. Not all elders were older, of course. Timothy was considered an elder who was younger (See 1 Timothy 4:12). However, choosing elders from the older members was common practice.
Aside from the wisdom age offers, elders tend to have fewer competing interests. Their families are older, too. Their kids are grown. They may have fewer conflicting interests. Biologically, the body is tamer as we get older. It is easier to think rationally and be objective.
Not everyone who is older qualifies as an elder, of course. Some people, no matter how old they get, insist on making the same mistakes over and over again. Others have struggles in life that overshadow any work they might do for the church. However, given the range of challenges a person faces during one’s lifetime, age favors wisdom, and experience favors knowledge.
The real criteria for being an elder follows in Paul’s letter. Most of them have almost nothing to do with age, so being an older elder is not a hard and fast rule. It is more of a guideline.
As an aside, the word “elder” is not used universally in all translations. Some translations substitute “leader,” “church leader,” “congregational leader,” or “spiritual leader.” Others use words like “priest,” “pastor,” or “presbyter.”
I mention this for two reasons. The first is to convey an idea of what it means to be an elder. Today, different denominations have different definitions of what an elder is and does. Some have more responsibility than others. The second reason is to illustrate that there is not a universal agreement on the meaning of the Greek word presbyteros that Paul used in his letter.
If we look at the structure of the early church, Paul went to the Gentiles and preached the Good News that Jesus Christ had died to provide reconciliation between God and man (2 Corinthians 5: 18). As we know from our own contemporary experience, not everyone comes to know the Lord at the same time. Those who Paul met first would hear God’s Word from him. Those who joined later would learn from those who had known Paul directly. Later, as the churches grew in number and size, there was a need for another level of leadership.
Exodus 18: 13-26 describes the situation Moses found himself in when he led the Israelites through the desert. The people needed someone to answer questions and decide conflicts. The text explains:
“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.” (Exodus 18:21-22)
The difference between Moses’ situation and Paul’s situation is Jesus. Jesus is the head of his church. As such, he imparts a direct link between Himself and His people. This link is the Holy Spirit (John 14: 26). Jesus says, “ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
The primary function of the elders then is to listen to the Spirit of truth. Why do we need elders? Because some people listen better than others.
Application: As you grow in your faith, practice listening to the Spirit of truth.
Food for Thought: Is being appointed an elder an honor or a burden?
*Please don’t be offended! This is a tongue-in-cheek expression remembered from childhood. It challenges the audience to compare ourselves with fictional, larger-than-life heroes of books and film. It is meant to be funny.
I think being an elder is an honor and a serious responsibility at the same time. So, it is a bit of both. 1 Timothy 5: 17 tells us that good elders are worthy of “double honor.” The qualifications to be an elder in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 show the serious nature of their role. It is an honorable position that carries heavy responsibility.
Thank you, Rich.
Well said. I am thankful for all of those who take on the responsibility and carry it in an honorable way.
My answer would be,..it depends upon which church the elder attends,..
Let’s face it dealing with other peoples problems isn’t an easy task even for the most gifted saint,..some elders would just rather vote you out of the church than fix the problem,..
Then there is the attitude involved in being an elder,..if your being burdened by tasks and other relationship situations the elder could be drug down quite a bit and could become burnt out,..
If the elder is in it to receiving the honor for the things he does instead of God then that could be a real big problematic burden to carry not only for himself but for the church too,..we are to follow Jesus not the elders that just want to glorify themselves.
I am sure it would be an honor to serve as an elder but even then it would be a burden to me,..so maybe I am not the guy for the position,..
John,
You make a very important point. It does depend on the church. The church that follows the Word and the Lord will find that they are provided with godly elders.
Is being appointed an elder an honor or a burden?
Elders are appointed by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, their service to the church, like all actions empowered by God, in service to God, are an honor, and a pleasure, not a burden.
1 Timothy 5:17, The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Peter 4:1-4, To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Ron
Thank you! The 1 Peter 4:1-4 quote is telling. Peter feels obligated to point out what they should not be doing. Being an elder is a blessing for the right person, the one appointed by God as you mention. I think it is also, like being a teacher, a danger for the wrong person.
Jeff,
As you and John say, wrong church, wrong person, spells problems. Thats why Paul wrote to Titus.
Hopefully, the elders feel the burden serve the body with honor…
…and joy.
Nice point, Rob!
Service in the Lord is a kind of test. If we are in the Lord, there is joy in doing what we have been tasked with. If we are not, then it feels like a burden.