Elders have a grave responsibility in the oversight of souls entrusted to their care. But those
souls also have some responsibilities, which are sometimes not emphasized sufficiently. Consider
the following things a congregation owes to its elders:
Obedience. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in
behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with
grief: for this were unprofitable for you,” (Hebrews 13:17). Members of the congregation must
obey its elders. Not just when they agree with them, but especially when they do not. That’s what
obedience is. Following elders only when we agree with them is not obedience, it is convenience.
The sheep cannot do as they please, yet pretend they are obeying the shepherd. Just as we are in
obedience to the good Shepherd, we must follow and submit to our elders.
Honor. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those
who labor in the word and in teaching,” (1 Timothy 5:17). It’s one thing to obey the elders, but
quite another to respect and speak highly of them. It’s entirely possible to follow along, and never
make any disruption for elders, yet refuse to honor them. This ought never to be. Elders are in a
position of obedience and respect, and we must never fail to do so. We give them honor and praise
by supporting the local work, participating and engaging heartily, and mentioning to others the
positive aspects of the eldership as a whole.
The Benefit of the Doubt. “Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth
of two or three witnesses,” (1 Timothy 5:19). There are those who criticize elders and do not
hesitate to accuse them of mistakes, incompetence or worse. We must not accept or receive such
accusations, unless properly substantiated. We should give elders the benefit of the doubt. Because
of the nature of their work, there will be many times of vulnerability, where elders might be
criticized by people who do not know all of the facts, or who have some personal axe to grind or
grudge against them. Those who give a listening ear to accusations from such people, are in grave
violation of the Scriptures.
Encouragement. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works,
(Hebrews 10:24). “Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for
edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear,” (Ephesians 4:29). Elders,
like everyone else, need constant encouragement. Their task is full of disappointments and
potentially-discouraging observations. When was the last time you sent them a note of
appreciation, or stopped in the foyer to tell them how much you really appreciate their work? I
remind you that we are not in the church alone. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters, to
whom we have a great responsibility, and this certainly applies to our spiritual leaders.
Exhortation. “Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father,” (1 Timothy 5:1). To
“exhort” is to strongly urge or admonish someone to pursue a righteous path, grow spiritually, or
apply a Biblical truth. The word in the original Greek means to “call to one’s side,” It’s a form of
care and fellowship aimed at building up the church, moving believers closer to God, strengthening
faith, and warning against sin. It provides both comfort and strong counsel. All of us need
exhortation, especially leaders. Remember that Satan is most interested in discouraging or
destroying spiritual leaders. Don’t just leave elders “out on a limb” by themselves, but let them
know that theirs is an important and Scriptural course, and that you are with them in their work.
Exhort them not to be sidelined or distracted. Exhort them to follow our Lord.
The work of “eldering” is a very challenging responsibility. “The elders therefore among
you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a
partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising
the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God.., (1 Peter 5:1-2). But
this challenging and important work is only possible to accomplish when congregations do their
part in supporting the eldership.
