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Attitudes in Appointing Elders

by David Hartsell

On their first missionary journey Paul and Barnabas helped to establish and build several churches throughout Asia-Minor. One of the most important things they did was to appoint “elders” in those congregations. (Acts 14:20-23) This helped give stability to those groups. God’s plan for leadership in local congregations is through Biblically qualified men who He calls “elders.” Other names for these leaders are pastors, bishops, and shepherds. They are not lawmakers but are to see that The Lord’s will is carried out. So good shepherds feed the church they oversee. They feed Christians by teaching them God’s word and insisting that they walk in its doctrines.
(Acts 20:28) Every church’s goal is to eventually appoint elders – the sooner the better. However, certain attitudes must guide us in this job.

We have the authority only to appoint those who meet God’s qualifications. (I Tim.3:1-8) Men often think differently from The Lord. There are wrong reasons to make one a pastor. Some feel like a particular Christian is so good and faithful that they deserve the position as an award. “He has earned this honor!”  Other brethren think they will help a friend get appointed as a favor based mostly upon their friendship. And then there are those who think a man should be made an elder because of the “goodness of his family.” The person may be a fine Christian who fulfills many of the characteristics of a pastor. However, God wants him to “reasonably” fill them all. He cannot be perfect but he can be qualified. We must do our best to carefully appoint those who possess the qualities of a bishop that God has revealed.

In the appointment process we must be willing to yield in judgment issues. Any group of people must find a way to coexist peacefully. God has given us the secret. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (Phil.2:3) Don’t let the “appointment process” become “us against them.” Realize that others might be able to see certain things more objectively. Also, they may be privy to some things that are not widely known. Be open to that possibility and be willing to give in on matters of judgment. Paul wouldn’t budge an inch on Godly principles. (Gal.2:3-5) Yet, he showed his willingness to acquiesce in judgment issues by circumcising Timothy so that he might reach some of his Jewish brethren more easily with the gospel. (Acts 16:1-3)

If you know of certain Bible reasons why someone should not serve as an elder, speak up. Being quiet on matters of principle in the name of “peace,” is not acceptable. (Acts 4:27) However, if you can help appoint, not perfect men, but qualified ones by yielding your personal opinions, you can be a great help to God’s Kingdom.

Other Articles by David Hartsell
Influence: The Potential for Good or Evil
Effects of no Church Discipline
Jesus: The Way Out of Confusion