a tapestry of thoughts and aphorisms from my journey
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Elders or not...
Here's a question for all you scholars out there: What is your take on Biblical eldership? Some friends and I recently hashed this around, as we usually do, discussing the various ways to interpret the NT's suggestion for local church leadership/pastoral role.
I personally like the idea of a "board" of elders of which the lead pastor is an equal member of. I do not think the church should be set up as a dictatorship (pastor led/dominated) nor a body with several "houses" for checks and balances (i.e. Staff, Deacons, Personel Team). A group of elders who are trusted by the people should prayerfully make the major decisions for the direction of the church.
I agree with Billy, could not have put it any better myself. To clarify my personal position, Elders are 'called' staff. That doesn't mean paid necessarily, but they are called, they are staff, and they serve in ministry for as vocation. No one else puts their livelihood on the line and subjects themselves to the kinds of scrutiny and pitfalls and harsh realities that a called minister of the gospel and his family are exposed to. Paul was an elder and all these things listed yet he had to work to support himself beyond what the early church could provide though it is clear that the church as it grew was supposed to be able to sustain the elders so that they may be fully devoted to the work of the ministry and not have their energies divided.
Hi Jason!!!! Hopefully you remember me...after all, I did volunteer weekly at ARBC for a while when you were there...... How's the family? How's life? I wanted you guys to know I'm getting married, but it's the same day as Megan Johnson's wedding, so I'm guessing you can't go to mine, but I want to send you an invitations anyway. How can I get your snail-mail address??
3 comments:
I personally like the idea of a "board" of elders of which the lead pastor is an equal member of. I do not think the church should be set up as a dictatorship (pastor led/dominated) nor a body with several "houses" for checks and balances (i.e. Staff, Deacons, Personel Team). A group of elders who are trusted by the people should prayerfully make the major decisions for the direction of the church.
I agree with Billy, could not have put it any better myself. To clarify my personal position, Elders are 'called' staff. That doesn't mean paid necessarily, but they are called, they are staff, and they serve in ministry for as vocation. No one else puts their livelihood on the line and subjects themselves to the kinds of scrutiny and pitfalls and harsh realities that a called minister of the gospel and his family are exposed to. Paul was an elder and all these things listed yet he had to work to support himself beyond what the early church could provide though it is clear that the church as it grew was supposed to be able to sustain the elders so that they may be fully devoted to the work of the ministry and not have their energies divided.
Hi Jason!!!!
Hopefully you remember me...after all, I did volunteer weekly at ARBC for a while when you were there...... How's the family? How's life?
I wanted you guys to know I'm getting married, but it's the same day as Megan Johnson's wedding, so I'm guessing you can't go to mine, but I want to send you an invitations anyway. How can I get your snail-mail address??
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