In the Lord's church today there are some who are trying to restructure the church. Some want to change the mission, the message and the organization of the church. Some are constantly talking about the need for change. Certainly if there are things that are being taught and practiced that are contrary to God's Word, change is demanded. But, the cry today is not for that type of change. Some want to make changes in that which has God has bound and loosed (Matthew 16:19). No one has the right to make such changes.

One area that is being attacked that deserves our attention, is the place of elders in the local congregation. In the minds of some there is no need for elders. Others would say, yes, we need elders but they have no authority. On and on one could go with these misconceptions about elders. But, what does God say about the place of elders in the local congregation?

Elders are important because they are a part of God's plan for the church. In Philippians 1:1, Paul addresses "...the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons." Paul told Titus to "...ordain elders in every city..." (Titus 1:5). Elders are to appointed in every congregation "And when they had ordained them elders in every church..." (Acts 14:23). Elders are important because of the qualifications that must be met in order to serve as an elder. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-11 we have listed the God-ordained qualifications that each man must have to be appointed an elder.

Elders are important because of the importance of their work. Being a elder is not just a position, it is not an honorary position, it is not just a office to be held. It is a work of service. It is, as Paul stated in 1 Timothy 3:1, a good work. What is involved in that good work?

In 1 Peter 5:3, Peter said that elders are to be "...examples to the flock." In faith (2 Peter 1:5), in bible knowledge (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:18), in godly living (Titus 2:11-12), in faithfulness and loyalty to the truth (Hebrews 10:24-25; Jude 3), in love (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:19-21) it is the elders who are to be examples to all the flock.

Notice the words of the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:2, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." It is the elders who are the God-ordained leaders in the congregation. When they fail to lead or lead in the wrong direction, we know what will happen to the congregation. They must lead in the direction that God has stated in His Word.

When you read the words of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians elders in Acts 20:28-31, it is clear that elders to be doers. They are to take heed, oversee, feed, watch and remember. God has enjoined upon them great responsibilities. The eldership is to be an office of action. Notice the words in Titus 1:9, "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Men who serve as elders must be doers and demonstrators of God's Word.

When you look again at Titus 1:9, notice that Paul said that elders are to "...exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Elders are to be in the exhorting and encouraging business. We all from time to time to be encouraged and exhorted in the Lord's work. When the elders see one who is doing or teaching something that is harmful spiritually, it is the elders that step forward with exhortation and offering words of encouragement to change. We need to know that the elders, because of their love, will be there when needed, to exhort and to encourage.

In stating the qualifications for a man to serve as an elder, Paul stated in 1 Timothy 3:4-5 that he must be "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" Notice the words "ruleth" and "rule". In Hebrews 13:17 the writer said, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves..." Yes, it is the elders that are to rule. They do have authority.

"...for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account..." (Hebrews 13:17). As they watch for our souls they watch for dangers and problems that may creep in that will cause our souls to be lost. They will therefore, become stoppers of that which is false (Titus 1:9-11) and supporters of that which is faithful to God's word. As Paul warned the Ephesians elders of problems to come, he them told them, "Therefore watch..." (Acts 20:31). Yes, God-ordained elders are soul-watchers.

--Jerry Joseph