Why Today's Elders Do Not Describe the N.T. Description

After describing the "rule" of elders and the meaning and use of the Greek proistimi, this episode picks up on other terms used to support the institutional model of the elders. The term we start with, here, is the "steward" used in Titus 1:7. It is thought that sense a steward is a household manager responsible for directing servants, property, and managing the estate with its finances, shepherds do the same in the church. Yet, the same word is a perfect description that describes the overseer of individual souls, God's people over which he is given the charge of their care (1 Tim. 3:4-5).

Their care does include more than spiritual care, but the focus is on the individual needs of saints, not as an administrator of an organization. While the priority was on the spiritual needs, as shepherds, they were called to pray over the sick (James 5:14), and were team players in equipping saints for their work of service. So, rather than seizing the oversight of a congregation as acting administrators, they were interested in the development of every soul that causes the increase of the body.

The next words used to support the institutional role of elders are "submit" and "obey," which describe the responsibility of the membership to the "rule" of the elders. Once again, these are great words that are misapplied. Taking Hebrews 13:7 with verse 17, these men speak to saints the word of God with skill and persuade others to action. They do not order the saints into obedience because of some position of power, nor are they rulers in matters of judgment to which a membership is required to submit. The submission and obedience are the adherence to the word of God that is being spoken, not the judgment of men who make administrative decisions in an organization. Not only must saints obey and submit to their teaching, but they must submit to their oversight. These first-century leaders were overseers made by the Spirit (Acts 20:28), not elected church officers chosen by the people. This is altogether different. If we had such men directly aided by the Holy Spirit to teach us God's will and committed to a labor of love that demands the bulk of his time, would he not be a welcome member of our family who sits at our table to share our food? Would we not provide a sleeping chamber for his comfort? We would have a wonderful treasure and resource of knowledge and guidance! We not only do not have this today, but we are not given this gifted man to provide for our spiritual needs, today.