These are very complex times in which to be an elder! Providing leadership for most local congregations is a challenging task! The following does NOT suggest there are no joys in being an elder. It is presented for two reasons. (1) It is presented to invite members of the congregation to think. Make your expectations and demands “doable” by facing reality. Consider some simple examples. For elders, in any way to “discipline” any man or woman (no matter what the act) who is not “a member” or who “has withdrawn membership” can open the eldership to a civil suit that, under the right circumstances, can subject all the congregational leadership to significant damages. Would you care to decide the thorny issue of who is and is not a “member”? Should only “members” be included in the directory or in mailouts? Should “membership” include more than attendance? Or, if the elders or anyone on the congregation’s staff provides “advice” considered counseling, and the “advice” causes “damage” to the person or persons, again the “offending party” (in the appropriate circumstances) can be sued. Would you care to decide if this possibility should be insured or how much insurance should be carried? Some “simple matters” are not nearly as simple as people in the congregation think!

(2) It is presented to challenge those who would be elders to have realistic expectations. Being an elder does not mean a person “can do anything he wants in any way he wishes.” The objective must be realistic! The purpose must be realistic! The method or means must be legal! Because a congregation is a church does not mean it can ignore the law. The time demands on the volunteer leaders are too great to be unnecessarily spent in IRS hearings or in courtrooms.

American congregations exist in a complex society. Besides following godly values, besides determining and adopting godly principles, besides letting Jesus Christ teach us how to live for God, building codes must be followed, appropriate permits must be obtained, and applicable laws must be embraced. Gone are the days when people can do as they think is best because “we are a church.” In this current society, being a church can be a disadvantage. Many people do not regard any “organized religion” as a good thing in a community—which in itself provides us another challenge we must meet and meet well.

Consider ten challenges elders must face in the current American society that extend beyond the complexities of the spiritual challenges of being Christian.

1. The reality of a multi-cultural society
2. The reality of multi-generational desires
3. The reality of the consumer mentality
4. The reality of ignorance of scripture and questioning any authority
5. The reality of diverse expectations
6. The reality of economic stress
7. The reality of a critical society
8. The reality of expecting elders to intuitively know members’ needs
9. The reality of the negative image many Christians have toward elders
10. The reality of determining who are and are not members

Again, these ten things do not begin to deal with the doctrinal disagreements or the divisions that exist in our “back to the Bible” movement.

If you are inclined to discount the validity of the ten things mentioned, consider just our multi-cultural society. What language will be the congregation’s dominant language? Will translation be allowed? Can there be a sign language ministry? What customs will prevail? Can there be exceptions? How should differing marriage relationships be counseled? How should differing parent-child relationships be addressed? How should perceived spiritual developmental needs be addressed? How should we go about providing classes for adults and children? What classes should be taught? What security should be provided? How should security be provided? How are the importance of cultural values interpreted? How do we recognize differing expressions of respect and dignity? How do we understand what is offensive?

Do you realize that we have a Caucasian and a Laotian congregation meeting in the facilities? Is that what we should do—share facilities? Can there be two elderships and one facility? Do you realize we built the Hispanic building and in a large way support that ministry? Is that an independent outreach or a part of this congregation? Is that what we should do—provide separate facilities? In all of this, what does God want?

Do you understand that we have Laotian members, Hispanic members, African-American members, Native American members, and Caucasian members (and likely more) in one assembly on Sunday mornings? It is NOT, “We will deal with that need when it happens”—it (thank God!) is happening!

What are the joys of being an elder? The joy of witnessing spiritual growth in a person. The joy of seeing such generosity. The joy of seeing differing groups of Christians pursuing peace in Christ. The joy of seeing believers quietly meeting needs. The joy of seeing Christians volunteer. The joy of being a part of God’s work in a truly special way. The joy of being encouraged by some incredible people totally devoted to God. The joy of being part of a very unselfish group. The joy of witnessing the incredible happen. The joy of seeing someone deep in need gratefully rising above that need—and then helping others. The joy of serving God in a very unique way. The joy of being part of something far bigger and more important than you are. The joy of seeing God working in so many ways at once. You should listen to your elders describe the joys!

Discussion Questions

1. How would you explain that these are complex times to help provide leadership for a congregation?

2. Being an elder is a volunteer work. What does an elder do that requires time other than meeting in a class or worship assembly? Most elders work in full-time jobs. From what does the volunteer time come? Who makes the time sacrifices for a man to be a responsible elder?

3. Consider the ten suggested challenges to congregational leadership in our society. What do you consider to be among the most complex non-spiritual challenge to providing congregational leadership in today’s society?

4. How should Christians in a congregation encourage qualified men to be elders? How do Christians discourage qualified men from considering being an elder? (Private thought question: how do you encourage or discourage qualified men who consider being elders?)

5. Share with each other the joys of serving a congregation as an elder.

Link to Teacher's Guide Lesson 3

Copyright © 2009, 2010
David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ

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