The Development of Elders in New Testament Period

Posted by Chris on January 7, 2007 under Sermons

Ancient Backgrounds

1. Old Testament Elders
   • Exodus 3:15-17 – The elders of Israel join Moses in petitioning Pharaoh
   • Community leaders, honored men. Experienced, recognized for wisdom, examples.
   • They preserved the traditions, the way of life; they interpreted the law; they were judges – settled disputes; they assigned discipline.
   • Numbers 11:15-17 – Seventy of the elders are chosen to help Moses share the burden of leadership. They share in the Holy Spirit given to Moses.
   • Numbers 22:3-5 – Even non-Israelite cultures have elders (Midian).
   • Towns and communities had elders (Deuteronomy 19:11-13). They governed and judged. This is still typical in non-western cultures. (Africa, Asia, Middle East)
   • In the period of the Kingdom, the elders become advisors of the king (1 Kings 12). Elders are distinct from priests and prophets. In 2 Samuel 5, the elders of Israel anoint David king. They affirm the transfer of leadership from Saul to David.
   • The elders of Israel are not always good leaders (Ezekiel 34). Here the term shepherd is used which was a common metaphorical term for leadership in Israel
   • In the post-exilic period, the elders are involved in rebuilding Israel’s society and the temple. They become an important institution along with the priests.
   • In the time of Christ, the elders are part of the complex layering of cultural leadership that also includes the priests and the scribes.
2. Influence from other Cultures:
   • Overseer (English) or Bishop (Greek).
     1. Greek secular term, largely non-religious.
     2. Construction foreman, a manager, an administrator.

Jesus and Leadership

1. Jesus does not establish offices or ranks of power and authority.
2. He redefines what power and authority in the community of disciples is all about.
3. The mark of leadership is service. This would apply to the “titles” and “offices” already current in the culture.
4. Jesus does set apart apostles. An apostle is not an office as much as it is a designation of function (a messenger). Apostles become important leaders in the early church because of their eyewitness testimony to the work of God in Jesus Christ. (Acts 1).

First-Century Eldership

1. The participation of the whole church in the church’s ministries. (Little emphasis on offices).
   1. 1 Corinthians does not list the offices of elders and deacons, but list a variety of ministries within the body, the church with the focus on the participation of the whole church.
      1. Note the description in 1 Corinthians: “to each is the Spirit given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7); i.e., each is involved in the vital ministry.
      2. Among the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 are “forms of assistance, forms of leadership” (NRSV; cf. NIV “those able to help others, those with gifts of administration”). Leadership is merely one of the many gifts exercised in the New Testament.
      3. In the body of Christ, every member is indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:22).
   2. Compare the list in Romans 12:1-8 as another indication that the whole community is involved in ministry.
   3. Note the many obligations incumbent on all. One of the most important words (but seldom noticed) is the word “one another,” which indicates the mutuality of all ministries (cf. Romans 12:10, 16; 15:7, 14; 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11).
      1. “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
      2. “Be servants of one another” (Galatians 5:13).
      3. “Comfort one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
   4. Discussion: How does the focus on the body and the “one another” passages provide the framework for our understanding of leadership? What is the place of leadership in such an egalitarian setting?
2. We now see how leadership developed in this setting: function preceded title. [Like surnames – they used to refer to profession].
   1. In 1 Corinthians 16:15-16, Paul mentions the household of Stephanas, the first fruits of Achaia, and he instructs the church to “be subject to them because of their work.”
      1. Their role is associated with seniority.
      2. Although Paul does not mention their office, he mentions their “ministry,” and he asks the church to be submissive to them.
      3. Leadership apparently involves a task performed and the recognition by the church.
   2. In Paul’s earliest letter, 1 Thessalonians, he assumes that the whole church has responsibility for building up the congregation …
   3. but he mentions a specific group with special responsibilities in 5:12-13. In a letter written to the whole church, he instructs members, “Respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”
      1. We note the verbs indicating the role of the congregation: “respect” (v. 12) and “esteem” (v. 13 NRSV) the leaders. One cannot have leadership without the community’s acknowledgment of those who lead. Discussion: We might ask what the group thinks those verbs mean in actual practice. We probably know instances where communities refuse to accept leadership of any kind. We may know of communities were “respect” and “esteem” were made difficult because of the quality of leadership.
         • “Those who labor among you” is likely a word for evangelistic labor (Paul commonly uses “labor” for his evangelistic work).
         • “Those who are over you” refers to a role in leadership. Cf. Romans 12:8, where the word involves both leadership and charitable work. [A form of this word is used to describe Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2.]. The word was also commonly used for the functions of a head of household. It can also have the meaning “preside.”
         • “Those who admonish you” indicates that this group takes the lead in admonishing wayward Christians.
      2. Discussion: What does it mean that function precedes office? How would this principle be used in our own situation?
      3. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 indicates that, although the church is in some respects egalitarian, leadership is always necessary.
      4. Discussion: Describe the challenges of this new kind of (dialectical) leadership where leaders emerge to do what others are also doing. What are the pitfalls? What are the benefits? What is the definition of an office? What is the relationship between function and office? I suggest: An office is a function that one does regularly and is acknowledged in that role by others. Try other definitions.
3. In Philippians, Paul writes “to the saints in Christ Jesus with the bishops and deacons.”
   1. Here he speaks with titles/nouns: function has become an office.
   2. One might ask about the implications of the fact that he writes specifically to the whole church, including bishops and deacons; i.e., he does not write only to the leaders.

Note on Resources: The material above is adapted from a six-part series written by Dr. James W. Thompson. [Part Two: A New Kind of Leadership.] The material is available through the Church Relations Department of Abilene Christian University.

Power and Authority

Posted by Chris on under Sermons

Introduction to the selection of additional elders: We are starting this year at West-Ark in prayer and reflection asking God to give us wisdom to recognize additional elders. We will begin taking up nominations for elders during a period from January 28th through February 4th. Following this we will enter into a period in mid February in which the church may affirm those with the widest nominations. Lord willing, we will have additional elders on March 4. The details of this process will be published in written form for all to review. What we ask of every member during the next two months is to be prayerful and reflective. Let this congregation be the instrument through which God calls out men who are gifted and qualified to shepherd the flock. If we enter into this time with faith and trust and God this will be one of the most encouraging moments in our story.
During the sermons on Sunday morning and the presentations on Sunday evening I will offer studies aimed at reflecting on the biblical teachings about church leadership. We begin with the foundational teachings of our Lord about Power and Authority in the Church Family …

Typical Models of Power and Authority

1. Executive. [The CEO] Defined by ultimate authority. Success is critical. This power is given to the leader to execute action.
2. Representational. Power that is accountable to the people, or more accurately – the majority. The nature of this type of power and authority is for you and me to give power to others so that our interests will be considered. New congress sworn in and started legislation this week. No doubt, some of us feel well represented, and some do not.
3. Positional. The office or rank is what defines power. Giving attention to the office/rank and the chain of command or order of succession is what makes this model work. [Jim Nicholson is 15th in line for the presidency. He is Secretary for Veterans Affairs. Nicholson may be a fine person, but the path to president simply comes with the office.] This type of power has always been the most fun for me. Does a Field Marshall outrank a Commodore? I had a U.S. Military rank and insignia poster my father gave me on the wall of my room as a young man and I had it memorized. Positional power is the simplest model. It isn’t as messy or confusing as the others. Everybody is expected to know their place and respect the structure.

Which Model is Best for God’s Family? To answer this let’s read Mark 10:35-45

Which Model is Best for God’s Family [observations]

1. Jesus does not assume the authority to give rank – those seats at his left and right are positional power. Jesus will not assign ranks. That’s not what he does with his power.
   • James and John want Jesus to respond to their interests. They are appealing to a sort of representational power. “We want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
   • Jesus asks them: “What do you want me to do for you?”

   Jesus hears that there’s an argument among all the disciples when they hear that James and John are jockeying for power. Some of the others had dibs on the second level of command. Others didn’t like the way they were lobbying Jesus. It was unfair that they should try to sell themselves like that. It may not have been that they thought James and John too ambitious, they just wish they had thought of it first! But while they are arguing over who gets to ride shotgun, Jesus turns this into a teachable moment. We need to pay attention to this …

2. Jesus says that the rulers of the Gentiles “lord it over” their people. Ultimate authority and autocratic power was the norm in many of the pagan cultures. Rome had a military, positional power structure. The emperor was given the title of “first-citizen” and “magnificent.”
3. Jesus says “Not so with you.” Notice this! Jesus departs from the ways of the world. He sets aside aspirations and expectations of other power structures. Executive, positional, even representational power structures are not appropriate. In God’s family there is a different type of power and authority.
   • The first and greatest is the servant of all.
   • This is the model of power and authority that the Son of Man modeled. He did not come to be served, but to serve. And it is a sacrificial service, not just PR.
   • Read Mark 10:46-52. Notice that Jesus asks Bartimaeus the same question he asked James and John. “What do you want me to do for you?” The Sons of Thunder asked Jesus to “Lord it Over” them and to help them “Lord It Over” others. Bartimaeus asks for mercy. He wants to see. He seeks the Son of Man who serves others.

This new model of power and authority that Jesus is teaching us is on display vividly in John 13.

The Servant Model (Read John 13:1-17)

1. Jesus loves his followers. (v. 1).
2. He knows that the Father gave him power over EVERYTHING (v. 3). God the Father has placed all things under the authority of Jesus. He is co-equal with God. He has come from God and will return to God. Jesus has been given the power and authority to legitimately lord it over anyone and anything.
3. So, what does Jesus do with this awesome power? He gets up from his place of prominence. He takes off his good jacket. He wraps a towel around his waist and takes a bowl of water and washes the stinky, dirty feet of his disciples. It’s a slave’s job. It is menial work. Jesus uses his awesome God-given power to do the work of a servant (v. 4)!!
   • Have you ever noticed anxiety when someone of high rank does work that seems to be beneath them? People get excited and try to find another to do the work.
   • This is how Peter responds to Jesus: Jesus isn’t acting presidential. He’s not acting like an officer and a gentleman. He is showing weakness and taking up a role beneath his station. It is unbecoming.
   • According to Jesus, this sort of thinking is the problem with the world. Until his disciples understand loving, sacrificial, servant leadership they will not understand what the power and authority of the Father are really about.

Let’s apply this to our church family … Do You Understand What Jesus Is Teaching Us?

1. If our Lord served and led in humble ways, why do we think it should be different with us? (vv. 14, 16)
2. Christ set an example that we should follow in all things — especially church leadership (v. 15) – No servant is greater than his master. And there is no authority or power in the church higher than Christ. Not elders, or ministers, or deacons, or any other title, rank or office we can imagine. It doesn’t matter how long we have been a part of a congregation or how much we’ve contributed. It doesn’t matter how much we know. Christ is Lord.
3. Speaking of knowledge: If we know these things, we will be blessed if we do them. (v. 17). We have got to put this teaching of Christ into practice. It isn’t just a nice sentiment that we can give lip service to. We are all servants of one another. If you want rank, then we’re all just a bunch of grunts – some of us have been grunting a little longer and they can teach us a little something.

What are we looking for in leaders? Who is being led? What are being led to? What is it that need leading? We are being led to be like Christ, just as Christ was like the Father.

I remember receiving some G. I. Joe toys when I was a very, very young. In those days I didn’t know anything about rank and file. My dad gave me a small military style footlocker to put those toys in. He had put my name on it Army style. It said: “General Chris Benjamin.” I asked him “What’s a General?” He said, “That’s the highest rank in the Army.” I asked, “Are you a General?” He chuckled, “No, I’m just a Sergeant.” I said back to him, “Well, that’s what I want to be, too. I want to be just like you.” In my innocent view of power and authority I could care less about Generals, Captains, Sergeants, or CEO’s, Presidents, and Kings. I just wanted to be like my father.

That’s a good model for leadership in the church family: Let’s just be like our Father. Let’s just be like His Son, Jesus Christ.

Not so With You – [Mark 10] We can make the same mistake that James and John did. Misconceptions about power and authority.

We might think of CEO’s of managers of an institution. We might think that the goal is profit/success. (But God has won the victory.) Executive power.

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Morning Sermon, 7 January 2007

The Next Time You Say, ‘It’s Not Fair!’

Posted by David on January 4, 2007 under Bulletin Articles

When frustration overwhelms you, when negative emotions consume you, force yourself to take a moment to remember Him to whom you look for salvation. Remember the One who is your pathway to God. Remember the One who is your door from blinding darkness to guiding light.

From the day He was born, He never slept on a pillow-top mattress. He never lived in a house with running hot and cold water. He never took a hot shower. He never turned on a light switch. He never had a kitchen with a microwave oven, a toaster oven, a mixer, or a refrigerator. He never once rode in a car, or on a bicycle, or in or on a truck, or on a bus, or in a train or airplane. He never spoke on a phone, or sent an e-mail, or received an e-mail, or mailed a letter, or read a newspaper, or watched T.V.

He never saw a hall, read a typeset book, took a “course,” or examined a library. He never shot a gun, cast a reel, put a model together, saw a movie, read a comic, went to a rodeo, or played a video game.

One of our vacations might finance Him for His adult lifetime. The money we often spend in “downtime activities” would likely take care of His whole life needs for months. Though He walked miles every month, he never owned a pair of boots. His life was simple — eat what you can get when it is available; walk a lot; sleep where you can when you can; talk to those who will listen; pray a lot as you honor God for His blessings.

As simple as His life was, some things have never changed. Relationships are still difficult. Injustices still hurt. Expectations still collapse. People still hurt you. Rejection is still hard to take. Being misunderstood still grieves you inwardly. Evil still exists. Bad things still happen to good people. Frustration and disappointment can still destroy us. It is easier to be a pessimist who gives up than a person of faith who makes a difference. Progress still must be measured in persons, not nations.

The next time you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself, think of Him. Doing without Him would mean losing life’s focus and meaning. Your life is changed, not because of what He had, but because of who He is. Your life will change others for good, not because of what you have, but because of who you are. Dare to let His image become your image!

The fact that He died for us will never be fair, not even in the final judgment!