A Simple (But Significant) Point
In this brief essay, I want to make a simple point. But I believe that this point really matters. Churches should have elders.
Now if you’re relatively new to the Bible or the Christian faith, it may not immediately be clear what I’m saying, or why it’s important. You may not have a clear concept of what a church is, or ought to be, let alone what an elder is. So let me start by giving a quick biblical description of what an elder is.
What Are Elders?
An elder is an official role of church leadership. And the Bible tells us that a man should only be granted this official role if he has demonstrated a consistent soundness of Christlike character, as well as an aptitude for teaching and caring for souls (Titus 1:5-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-7). Elders are also sometimes called overseers and shepherds (or pastors). This is because elders have the responsibility to oversee the functioning and spiritual nurture of the church, just as a shepherd protects and provides for his sheep (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-2). And the precedent of the Bible is that each local church should have multiple elders who serve God’s people (Acts 20:17, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:5), rather than having the power and pressures of church leadership resting on one person.
When elders are rightly exercising their God-given leadership role, they will see themselves as servants of Christ and His church. They will aim to set an example for the people around them rather than manipulating or coercing the people under the care (1 Peter 5:3). Just as many ancient cultures were led by elders who were respected and trusted by the community, so the community of the local church should be led by men who are familiar, approachable, reliable, and respected.
Why Are Elders Beneficial?
There are several reasons why having multiple elders leading each of our churches is beneficial.
First, it demonstrates that we have a high view of Scripture. The precedent for church government laid down in the New Testament clearly indicates that there would be multiple elders in each local church. By adopting this practice, we honor God’s Word and encourage others to do the same.
Second, having multiple leaders is beneficial because it utilizes the giftings of these men. It’s possible to have one man in a pastoral role who has a lot of giftings, but he can’t do it all. The Bible refers to the church as a body which is made up of many parts. When you have multiple elders with different abilities and experiences, they can be much more effective at ministry together than any one of them would be alone.
Third, having multiple elders is beneficial because it further develops the spiritual depth and resilience of the church as a whole. When multiple elders are engaged in the spiritual care of God’s people, more people in the congregation will have meaningful mentorship from mature Christians involved in church leadership. Moreover, the culture of a church won’t swing like a pendulum every time there’s a new personality in the pulpit, and the congregation will continue to have steady leadership, even in the midst of pastoral transition.
Fourth, having multiple elders promotes accountability. In a bible-believing, Presbyterian church (“presbyter” is the Greek word for elder used in the Bible, so I’m speaking here about elder-led churches) – in Presbyterian churches, there are checks and balances. The elders need to reach some consensus to make decisions for their local churches. And other elders, from other regional churches, will ideally help provide oversight as well (as is modeled in Acts 15). These elders can provide extra accountability by reviewing local church records and evaluating the soundness of pastoral candidates in order to safeguard the Church’s peace and purity. In a Presbyterian system, these elders provide ethical, financial, and theological accountability in a way that wouldn’t exist in independent, non-denominational churches that are primarily led by the vision of one leader.
Fifth, having multiple elders will promote humility. No one man is elevated in the place of Jesus Christ as the “hero” of the church, or “the reason” that the church is doing well. Instead, having a body of elders reinforces the conviction that we rely on Christ alone as our head, and we need each other to effectively live the Christian life.
Is It Really That Simple?
My point is simple. Churches should be led by multiple godly elders. But I want to make sure that I don’t make a simple point overly simplistic. I am not claiming that a church will automatically be set up for stability and success just because they have a group of people lined up who are called “elders.” Individuals can fall into error, especially if they aren’t receiving real input from fellow elders. Presbyterian churches and denominations can even fall if the elders aren’t doing their job. The Bible calls elders to earnest, watchful, faithful work for the long-term health and vitality of the church (cf. Acts 20:28-32; 1 Peter 5:1-3). It isn’t enough just for church leadership to take the right form. It must also hold to the right faith, and carry out the right functions.
Likewise, I’m not claiming that every church that doesn’t have this form of church government is dysfunctional or apostate. But I just want to humbly affirm that form matters. Since God himself has advocated for it in the Scripture, we can know that having a plurality of elders leading our churches is wise and meaningful and good. So as we rely on Christ as the ultimate Leader and life source of the Church, let’s benefit from the instructions he has given us, and rightly value the role of elders in our local churches.
