Authority of Elders

By P-J Smyth

God First Church

Johannesburg, South Africa

Whilst elder authority has genuine ‘bite’, it is an authority exercised by mature men whose personal character and lifestyle are above reproach, and who feel a grave sense of responsibility and accountability before God and man.

Where does the elders' authority come from?

From God…or else we are in real trouble!

John Stott writes, ‘The New Testament never contemplates the grotesque situation in which the church commissions and authorises people to exercise a ministry for which they both lack the divine call and the divine equipment’ (John R W Stott, God’s New Society, IVP, 1971). All positions of authority derive authority from God (Rom. 13:1), especially leaders in the church. Jesus as head of the church appoints its leaders (Acts 20:28, Eph. 4:7-13). For example, Paul’s only defense for his authority and apostleship was that God had authorised him (Col. 1:1).

How is this authority recognised and established?

An elder is recognised and appointed when three different groups acknowledge eldership gifting and character on a man. The groups are apostles (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5), other elders (1 Tim. 4:14), and the local congregation.

How do the elders express this authority?

• By being convinced of their God-given authority to guard, guide and govern.
Acts 20:28 contains a helpful summary of how elders should express their God-given authority. First, they must engage with the truth that God Himself has made them overseers of a precious people whom God Himself has purchased with His own blood. Elders who marinade in this dynamic duo of truth will remain tender in their dealings with those who follow them. They will be strong in their sense of calling and authority to lead, but also humble, reverent and respectful in their serving of the church, as is appropriate to those who are looking after another man’s wife…the Bride of Christ!

• By governing themselves
They must give primary concern to governing themselves…even before governing the flock (Acts 20:28). Leadership of self precedes leadership of others; cleaning the inside of the cup precedes all externals (Matt. 23:25). Elders must ‘watch their lives and doctrine closely’ (1 Tim. 4:16). Leadership is not only about being skilled in doctrine, but also about exhibiting godly lives that reflect sound doctrine. Just as Jesus, the Living Word, lived amongst us, so a local flock should be able to witness godliness in their elders’ character.

• By guarding doctrine
Since God’s Word is our final authority, elders will express their authority by teaching and preaching the Bible, refuting heresy and protecting the church from false teachers (1 Tim. 3:15).

• By governing the flock
To govern the flock means to guide and guard the affairs of the church (1 Tim. 5:17). Therefore, elders set the vision and strategy, and pace and priorities of the local church. They will recognise and release the saints into ministry, appoint other deacons and leaders, and be responsible for the raising and spending of funds. In short, elders are responsible for all areas of church life, but must never slip into hyper-shepherding the individual lives of the people, always respecting each believer’s liberty and conscience in Christ.

How should people embrace this authority?

• With respect and obedience
Many Scriptures teach appropriate submission and obedience to leaders, for example Hebrews 13:17, ‘Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.’ This is not merely because of their self-sacrificing and challenging work, but because they will one day be called to account by God for how they have cared for the souls entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd Himself.

• With honour and generosity
‘The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages”’ (1 Tim. 5:17-18). The meaning of ‘double honour’ is not crystal clear but at least Paul’s point is that they need to be sincerely appreciated, supported, encouraged and rewarded.

• With participation not passivity
Submission does not imply passivity! Although not all lead and teach, every member is vital and must be vigilant that the affairs of the church are conducted in a Biblical manner. Any eldership that didn’t involve the participation of others in decision-making would be guilty of violating the principle of the priesthood of all believers.

Alexander Strauch summarises, ‘The eldership must always seek the counsel and mind of those they lead. No clergy-laity division exists between elders and congregation. Instead, there is a tightly knit, delicate, and reciprocal relationship. All are equal brethren. However, there are leaders and followers in a horizontal relationship…In the end, no ultimate cures, formulas, or constitutional procedures for decision-making will safeguard the church’s peace and unity. Only humble, wise, servant shepherds can lead the flock through decisions and conflict in love, peace, and unity. Both the elders and congregation play a vital role in this process, and neither should ever be down-played, overlooked, or elevated beyond the biblical design’ (Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership, Lewis & Roth Publishers, Colorado; Pg 362-364).