Confessions of an Elder

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. 2 Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, 3 not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.

1 Peter 5: 1-2

One of the characteristics of a great church is the quality of its leadership. God’s design for his church is for it to be shepherded by Elders. The advice set forth above by Peter to the church’s elders rings in my ears. In the kingdom of God, authority is stood on its head. If you want to be “great” in the kingdom, then you become the servant to many. It is antithetical to the way of the world, where people climb over one another to achieve the top position of the pinnacle of power. Even the apostles argued over “Who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom?” Jesus told them in Mark 10: 42-45:
"You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

In his church, Jesus says “it shall not be so among you”. Whenever I hear of churches that are struggling, it is almost always because of a lack of spiritual oversight. When an eldership cannot work together, Satan has a field day with the body of believers. Most who serve in this capacity have no formal training or experience in pastoral care. I can attest to the fact that there are times when the demands of believers can be overwhelming. If an elder tries to solve all the problems using only one’s talents and abilities, burnout rapidly occurs. It is only by looking to the resources of the Great Shepherd and allowing his Holy Spirit to intervene in the lives of members that an elder can ever hope to shepherd a flock. Unfortunately, when burnout occurs cynicism follows. I have to constantly remind myself that Jesus never treated anyone with cynicism. Instead, even with those who did not comprehend his message, the Lord’s response was always truth wrapped in love and compassion. Nothing is more repugnant than an elder who believes that his office imbues him with authority. The only authority an elder can possess is to follow Jesus and to try to respond as he would. It is calling that is worthy of honor, but it can never be sought for shameful gain.

A common trait among all the men with whom I serve as an Elder, is that none of us feel worthy to serve in this capacity. It is an awesome responsibility that weighs heavy at times. No matter how much you do, there are never enough hours in the day. Leading by example can be difficult when you allow the struggles of your own life to interfere with one's spiritual life. This battle can only be overcome by prayer and a focus upon the revealed word of God. Over the years we have been very blessed at the McKnight Road Church of Christ to have elders who have truly been spiritually minded leaders. I give thanks for each and everyone of my fellow elders and solicit your prayers on our behalf and for those whom we serve. I am also praying that God will raise up additonal elders throughout his kingdom who will be like those whom Peter describes in 1 Peter 5.