WHEN THERE ARE NO ELDERS (3)

The Dangers of Having No Elders (1)

Victor M. Eskew

 

            We have seen that there were times in the first century when churches existed with no elders.  This situation is not the best.  Churches without elders are lacking.  They are not mature.  Titus was left in Crete to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city…” (Tit. 1:5). 

            When a church does not have elders, spiritual men within the congregation will have to step up and guide the affairs of the church until elders can be appointed.  These men need to be faithful and moral.  Too, they need to have the right mindset as to why they desire to lead the church.  If good men fail to lead the congregation when it doesn’t have elders, there are many dangers that can arise in the local congregation.  Let’s give some serious consideration to some of these dangers.

            First, power struggles often develop within the leadership.  Leadership involves authority and control.  Some individuals long for it.  Others are corrupted by it once it is in their possession.  There are many who will fight for authority in a church with no elders:  strong personality types, the rich, long-term family members, men pushed by controlling women, and men who cannot be leaders in other institutions.  When opinions are not the same among them, they struggle.  When solutions to problems are not the same, they struggle.  When they want the congregation to go in different directions, they struggle.  These struggles often develop into heated conversations in meetings.  Bad feelings and separation develop within the leadership.  The division often leaks out into the congregation.  The congregation can divide from within.  Sometimes, there is a physical division that comes to pass.  Church growth comes to a halt.  Respect for the church is diminished in the community.  Precious souls are lost in the struggle for power.

            The longing for power has long plagued mankind.  We see individuals being desirous of positions of authority numerous times in Scripture.  In Numbers 12:1-2, we read of Miriam and Aaron rising up against their brother Moses.  “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married:  for he had married an Ethiopian woman.  And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses?  hath he not spoken by us?  And the Lord heard it.”  In the New Testament, we read of James and John approaching Jesus about positions of power in His kingdom.  “And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.  And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?  They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory” (Mark 10:35-37).  Diotrephes another examples of one who yearned for power.  His desire to have the preeminence as revealed in 3 John 9. 

            Fortunately, Jesus confronted the situation involving James and John.  Their request stirred up the other apostles when they learned of it (Mark 10:41).  It was at that time, that Jesus taught about the need for individuals to be ministers and servants.  “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them.  “But so shall it not be among you:  but whosever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  and whosoever of you will be chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:42-44).  Jesus’ words:  “But so shall it not be among you,” ring out loud and clear.  In opposition to those who are lords and those who are great, Jesus places those who are ministers and servants.  He concludes the discussion using Himself as an example.  “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  Jesus makes it clear that men who lead and who desire power are in leadership positions for the wrong reason.  Leadership, Jesus proclaims, is about ministry and service.

            Second, churches that have men leading them often wind up with one man really in charge.  He runs the meetings.  He makes the “suggestions” about various aspects of the work.  He poses the solutions to the problems.  He usually announces all the decisions to the congregation.  The other men are present during the meetings, but they are simply “Yes Men.”  They simply affirm exactly what the dominate leader desires. 

            There are many reasons why this man dominates and rules.  His personality is very strong.  He is in a high position in a corporation.  He is wealthy and gives a lot of money to the church.  He has been an elder in the past.  He is one who intimidates others.  Whatever the reason, everyone bows down to him, even if they disagree with him.  They are weak.  They do not want to create a stir.  They do not really desire the burdens of being a leader.  Unfortunately, the church is referred to as “brother so-and-so’s church.”  The members will say it.  Too, the community confesses it as well.  It is lamentable when a church becomes more associated with a man than it is to Christ.  Jesus shed His blood to purchase the church.  Only He should be lifted up.

            Third, there are some churches that do not have elders that are ruled by a single family.  The family has been associated with the congregation for decades most of the time.  There is often a patriarch or a matriarch who is still attending the services.  The children and grandchildren are also members of the congregation.  This family will let others know that this is “our church.”  They, then, boast of the historical figures from their family who sacrificed to make the church what it is today.  Their heritage, they believe, gives the sole right of decision-making in the congregation.  This family will make certain the men’s meeting is filled with enough of their family to cause any votes taken to be advantageous to their wants and wishes.  This type of leadership situation is deplorable.  Only family members and close friends of the family make up the congregation.  Outsiders will stay for a while, but when they are ostracized when it comes to decisions for the church, they go elsewhere where they believe they can fit in and make a difference.

            In this article, we have seen three problems that can develop in churches with no elders.  Power struggles, one-man rule, and single-family rule are situations that can develop.  In order for them not to rise up within the church, the men must have the mind of Christ.  They must be individuals who have put the Christians graces into their lives.  They must be men who understand the dangers of power.  Too, they must long to be servant-leaders like their Savior Jesus Christ.