The Church and Its Elders
Michael E. Grooms

The apostle Paul stated in 1 Timothy 3:1 that if a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. The bishopric referred to here is that of an elder, as may be demonstrated by a comparison of verses 17 and 28 of Acts 20. Indeed the office of an elder is a work of importance unparalleled in the world, for it bears a weight of responsibility that has eternal significance. The Hebrew writer admonishes: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17). Here we find a command of God which unequivocally designates the office of the elder as one of rule and authority. By the same token, this verse admonishes Christians to submit to this authority and “obey them that have the rule over you.” The following observations from this verse will serve well to ensure that a church is pleasing to God concerning the matter of its response to the authority of its elders.

      Christians are told to obey their elders. To obey implies that one has received a command or instruction. Elders are to “feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28) which involves the teaching of the word of God. The word of God contains commands for His people. The elders of a local church bear the responsibility of seeing to it that the members of that church know and obey God’s commands. There are times when the elders of a church must make a decision concerning a matter based on biblical principles. The church should support its elders in these matters and comply with their decisions. Elders are not free to make arbitrary decisions or establish laws that are outside the realm of biblical authority.

      Christians are told to submit to their elders. The Greek word translated “submit” here is hupeikô which means to surrender, or to yield to authority. Paul addressed the elders from Ephesus in Acts 20:28. He told them that the Holy Ghost had made them “overseers” (KJV) or “bishops” (ASV) over the church there. The Holy Ghost gave the qualifications for elders found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, thus the one who meets these qualifications serves in this capacity with authority ordained by the Holy Ghost. The authority is in the office. As long as a man serves in this capacity as authorized by the word of God, he bears an authority to which the child of God must submit. This is not an option! To resist the God-given authority of the eldership is to resist the authority of God! All Christians have a personal interest in submitting to the authority of elders, because “they watch for your souls” (Heb. 13:17).

      Christians are to respond to their elders in such a way that the elders may shepherd them with joy, and not grief. Far too often the long, prayerful hours that are spent by elders are received with ingratitude by the church members. Decisions that are made with tears for the good of the church are met with criticism and rebellion by those who do not know all the details that influenced the decision. Such rebellion is sin. It is true that elders will be accountable for the welfare of the church. It is also true that members will be held accountable for whether they obeyed God’s command to obey and submit to their elders. Elders are to be held in honor. Paul said in 1 Tim. 5:17: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.”