Truth Magazine

By James W. Yates

This is a perplexing question that should be addressed by a number of congregations. It is a difficult one for many reasons. Major decisions must be considered and made – decisions that affect the lives of each of the members in different ways and by varying degrees. I have personally been involved when two churches faced this problem. One determined to ignore the inevitable, remained at its long-time location, and has continued to decline in numbers, contributions, abilities to preach the gospel to others, and in its spirituality. This mature congregation had more opportunities for doing the Lord’s work than most. They had the resources and abilities within to accomplish any reasonable work. The talent was there; but for selfish reasons on the part of a few, the advantages that were evident and present were lost – perhaps never to be regained.

The second congregation accepted the challenge of changing locations, and is now one of the more able congregations in this large metropolitan area. It is a church that God has blessed almost beyond belief and, certainly, greater than those who made the decision to move could anticipate at the time. It is this decision that we want to address in this article.

The congregation had been functioning since the early 1950s, having served a rapidly growing section of the city acceptably. It was a church that had been scripturally organized with elders, deacons, and full-time local preachers from its beginning. They grew rapidly in numbers and were evangelistically minded in supporting gospel preachers in many areas of the country as well as overseas. In the mid-1950s, they faced the important decision that all churches of that period faced in regard to institutionalism and respect for authority or lack thereof. They made the scriptural decision, and 100 of their members withdrew from the fellowship. They were wounded, but were not defeated. Growth continued, and their work in evangelism continue.. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, this church was additionally distressed, which was caused by hobbyism; however, the core became well-taught in the nature and work of the church with respect to obeying God’s will and by doing his work in his ways. In the mid-1960’s, membership increased again. Then, the inflation of that period began in earnest. This residential community began to change and change rapidly. Single-family residential properties became too expensive for the younger families and vacant land too expensive to develop with residential developments. Our younger members moved or were transferred by their employers; they were not replaced. The membership declined drastically in a short period, with the average age of its members increasing significantly. The Bible classes became difficult to plan. Some age brackets were few in number, so classes that were designed for a level of learning had to be eliminated and/or mixed with others which caused a wide range of age and maturity levels in a single class. The influx of immigrants in the area also caused significant changes. Heathen religions were introduced in the community for the first time. A number of special efforts were attempted to attract new members and converts. A second preacher was added and supported. Special classes and door-to-door contacts were attempted. Multifamily residential properties were worked extensively; however, the results were not acceptable or productive. It was time for the major decision. Do we stay and possibly decline to the point we eventually die; or do we relocate?

The manner in which we addressed the question is not necessarily the only way it can be successfully accomplished, but it is one way.

The four elders and two preachers spent several weeks confidentially discussing the matter in detail. We attempted to anticipate every conceivable problem, advantage and disadvantage of such a move. In the main, we were concerned about the “people problems.” We took a map of the area and located the physical complications that each member would have. We had some members who could not drive at night and others with similar problems, so plans had to be made to accommodate these individuals. We then broadened the consideration by bringing the deacons into the decision-making process.

At this point, we did not have a single negative opinion, which is probably slightly unusual. I would judge that in most churches you will not have complete agreement at this point. After all, there are now 15 men (plus their wives) actively involved. The problems were openly discussed and concluded one by one. Some of them were:

1. The membership; physical limitations themselves; distance to the proposed new location; the problems and suggested methods of curing them; how far is too far to travel?

2. The physical makeup of the proposed new neighborhood; developments that existed and their nature; most likely future development of vacant land.

3. The disposal of the existing building (a major consideration) and a realistic value of it.

4. Preliminary physical needs of the new location, including the size of the site and the building and a,rough estimate of its cost.

5. The alternatives for those who might not want to move to the new location. There was another nearby congregation that had been weakened in much the same manner as we. It was a desirable place to worship, and our move would result in two stronger congregations rather than two weaker ones.

After the elders, deacons and preachers had given the matter confidential but thorough consideration, the idea was presented to the entire membership with special efforts being made to have as many of the members present as possible. This meeting was well-planned but open and fair, and the results of the investigations that had been made were detailed. We suggested a period of time for the membership to discuss the matter among themselves and to ask any questions of the leadership. At this point, we had a few negative responses – perhaps as many as five or six individuals. Some pursued the matter to the ultimate extreme of their influences which resulted in their gaining a small number to support their cause which resulted in some unpleasantness.

However, the decision was made to proceed and to expedite the move as soon as reasonably possible. We placed the existing properties on the real estate market and drew preliminary building plans, obtained a new site and made ready to move when the older plant was sold. Financing was arranged with a local bank; but to keep the burden of cost at manageable levels, we would not start construction until the older property sold. It required approximately 14 months to sell the old building.

During this period of consideration by the membership, one of the deacons and one of the preachers had a change of mind (prompted by other matters, but taking advantage of the pending move); they began to meet separately, causing a division. We learned we had some among us with festering concerns that no one knew of prior to the interest caused by the actions of these individuals.

It is unrealistic to assume 100 percent will agree on the matter, and those who oppose must be given every consideration. Their reasons must be heard and considered fairly. Then, after meaningful consideration of each member, a decision must be made. Don’t let a very small minority – at times totally unreasonable – depress a positive decision that will keep the Lord’s work moving forward. Provide adequate alternatives for those who do not wish to be a part of the new work, or perhaps cannot be a part.

The division was discouraging and caused many heartaches. Repentance has not to this day been forthcoming. Souls will be lost as a result. The remaining number totaled approximately 70 people. We determined to press on to the accomplishing of our goals. We obtained permission from a local school district to use one of their cafeterias until we could get the new building redesigned to accommodate the actual selected site, obtain final financing, and actually construct the new facilities. We were in the school building almost two years with actual construction time being nine months in duration.

Four years had been required from the time the thought of such a move was made until we occupied the new facility. Four years of hard work, many hours of heartache, problems surfacing that were totally unknown prior to the move, and having to meet in adequate but unfunctional facilities for a longer period than we originally estimated – yet, a period that resulted in the firming up of the remaining core group into a hard and more effective working unit. That core group moved into the new facilities in November 1982. The membership doubled in the first year and has continued to grow at a reasonable rate until this good day. We are at peace, happy and have now completed all construction, and some expansion. We are now “out of debt” and using our resources to support gospel preaching. That original core continues to work together well, and we have added some of the best and most able members. Our largest problem, at present, is in utilizing to a maximum effective degree all of the talent we have within the congregation.

Yes, we strongly recommend that churches who are located in changing communities which have resulted in declining locations to do as we did – move and do the will of the Lord. There will be a few of your members who will not want to move for every type reason including being committed to the brick and mortar, instead of the Lord. There are some who do not want to attend other nearby congregations which could serve them well and who needed their help and influence. It was impractical for a few due to distance and health, but the large majority of these wished us well. Those who did move have been blessed beyond measure. It is a tough decision, but one we recommend if the circumstances demand it. There is nothing sadder than seeing a former, live, working congregation becomc-an “old folks home keeping house for the Lord” when you have an opportunity to use your abilities and resources to a better service in his cause.

We believe the Lord will bless your efforts as he has promised, if you will set aside all selfishness and put him and his cause in their rightful place. He blessed us, blessed the work, and made us all realize that his promises are true. We need to believe them and become working servants. You can expect some unplanned and unknown problems; but we know you will be as happy as we are that we made the dccision to move. The Lord will bless you for keeping his work alive and productive.

A Resume In Making The Decision:

1. What is the realistic future of the existing location?

2. What is the realistic future of the existing neighborhood?

3. The location of each member in relation to:

a. The present building.

b. The proposed site.

4. The availability of other churches, if any, in the area that could be strengthened by the acceptance of some of your members who would rather transfer than move.

5. The resources available for the new plant/facilities.

6. The reasonable value of the older facilities and net amount anticipated from their sale and “when.

7. Where would you move and its advantages?

Know, You Will Have:

1. Members bound to brick and mortar, not the Lord’s cause (although they may not realize this). Those who move to be near the present building.

2. Members who do not want to make changes, any change.

3. Health problems; problems of some in getting to and from services.

4. Members who will use this period to bring up all types of problems not previously known. It is a period of unsettlement and may be longer than you originally thought.

The Results:

1. Will be positive beyond your expectations.

2. Will produce a solid core of enthusiastic members who will be as filled with zeal as when originally baptized.

3. You can expect a solid initial growth period which is exciting and zeal-producing.

4. Those that are active in the move and construction phases will be satisfied beyond anything you can imagine, which spills over in the whole church.

5. It is a period of joy, satisfaction, and rededicating oneself to being active in the Lord’s work.

6. If your decision is right and if the leadership does their homework, God will bless your efforts; and, by faith, the accomplishments will be beyond your most optimistic expectations. You cannot “out give” the Lord!

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, pp. 16-18
January 5, 1989

By Fred Pollock

Scripture Basis

All relationships in Christ are to be developed and directed by the Word of God. Too often we focus only on Scriptures which deal with a specific relationship. We neglect the “first and great commandment” and the “second like it” (Matt. 22:37-40). Christ gave us a corollary for the second which men call the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12).

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 22:37-40, NKJV).

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 7:12).

Paul expanded the teaching in Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Using these comprehensive teachings with Scriptures which are specific to the church-preacher relationship we can find a beautiful pattern of the way our Lord would have preachers and other Christians interact in reciprocal edification:

Elders & Others Give: Preachers Give:

Love Love

Interest Interest

Understanding Understanding

Support Support

Which Yields:

Zeal

Fruits of Righteousness

Glory to God

This model has scores of Scriptures to support it. As a prime example, read the entire epistle to the saints in Philippi. I believe that if all Christians would use this passage daily the results in church-preacher relationships would be amazing. This is no less true, of course, for all our relationships as members of the body of our Lord.

For Elders and Others Who Support Preachers

At the foundation of any good relationship is mutual respect. We should see the dignity and beauty in the work of preachers as God sees it: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace” (Rom. 10:15a, NKJV).

God has not made any of us, elders or others, “bosses” over the ones who preach. Paul teaches that preachers have the right to be supported from fruits of the labor of other Christians. It seems that many brethren think that financial support should be minimal, not taking into account the special demands made upon a preacher and his family nor many other factors that relate to his work which involve expenses not incurred by other Christians. Two things will help us carry out God’s will in this matter. First, as Peter instructs husbands concerning their wives, we should diligently seek understanding of the preacher’s needs (1 Pet. 3:7). This understanding would come as a surprise to many who have never stopped to consider how different is the preacher’s situation from their own. Second, we should form our judgments in this matter according to the great principles of love and “the other’s interest” as given in the references cited earlier. If it should happen that the preacher’s family can enjoy more of this life’s goods than can my family, find happiness in their blessings and thank our Father for what we have.

Although preachers are supported by others, we are not taught that they are to be “bossed” as may be our lot in secular jobs. The preacher is governed by the Word of God, not by my words. He is supported by the Lord’s vineyard, not with “my” money. He responds to my needs as the Word instructs him, not according to my whims and dictates. I have the same obligation to serve him as he has to serve me, but usually in a different area of need. He will finally be judged by the same Judge who will judge me, according to the same Word.

When we develop love, interest and understanding, we will have no trouble applying all the great teachings referred to in the beginning of this article. In short, when we have love for God and have in us the love he has for others, we will render the support for preachers that will yield the best they can give in zeal, fruits of righteousness, and glory to God. It is a beautiful thing when our love for them shows in our appreciation for their work, in our concern for their spiritual welfare, in our understanding of their need for encouragement, and in our generous provision for their financial security. It is sad to see the Lord’s cause hindered, when it is, by failure to render to hard-working servants their God-given rights.

When the will of our Lord is known and practiced we will honor his messengers as we should and cause them to say with Paul, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received . . . a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Phil. 4:17-20, NKJV). And so say I, “Amen.”

For Preachers

The preacher who applies the Word in his life and work will not seek nor accept honor which is reserved for God, as in religious titles (Matt. 23:6-10).

The Lord’s preacher will not only be diligent in his work, study and family responsibilities but will be seen as diligent. This is mentioned because preachers often work best with a flexible schedule compared to the rigid “time clock” demands of many other kinds of work. Wisdom dictates that they and their wives avoid the appearance of a leisurely life which they almost certainly do not have.

Since his financial support will usually be known by other Christians, special care to avoid “conspicuous consumption” is required. While he has no greater responsibility than others for responsible and sacrificial use of God’s blessings, it is important to consider the feelings of others who have less to spend or who think they have less. (Other Christians who are unusually well blessed materially should practice the same constraints.)

The preacher who is financially supported will normally be able to devote more time to personal teaching and visiting than the Christian in secular employment. His work and that of his wife cannot fulfill the responsibility of other Christians to do their own spiritual work; but by cheerfully and ungrudgingly giving personal service to others, preachers can enhance their influence for good. I recently heard of a wise and mature preacher who advised younger men that “they won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. ” This seems to be a good observation to help preachers decide how much effort to put into study (vital!) versus how much to put into private encouragement, exhortation and teaching.

A summation statement in Paul’s instructions to Timothy takes into account virtually everything a preacher should be as he lives and works among others in the Kingdom: ” – – be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. . Meditate on these things: give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both youfself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:12-16, NKJV).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, pp. 3-4
January 5, 1989

By Willard A. Jones

Those of us who are functioning as elders, deacons, Bible class teachers and song leaders must realize despite what our age might be, that we are rapidly passing from the scene of action and one day will need to be replaced. We should all be motivated to instill in those younger than ourselves the desire to serve the church as elders, deacons, Bible class teachers and song leaders. We must be willing to teach them and help them to be all they can be in the service of God. Let’s try to accomplish this without envy and strife and not be desirous of vain glory (Gal. 5:26). The apostle Paul said, in Philippians 2:34, “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” We should not feel threatened by the ability of others, we should rejoice because of it.

The church is more important than any of us and our love for it should be paramount in our lives. We have to look ahead to the time when we cannot carry on our work or we have passed from this life. God’s way is men helping one another to render acceptable service to him. Satan’s way is one of envy and strife and lack of love for one another. One ugly act can destroy a lifetime of our own labor and the labor of others.

When it should come to a time of transition and the duties we perform are given to another, let us help to make it as smooth as possible and assist in any way we can that God’s church will continue to be the glorious church he intended it to be, when it is presented to him not having spot, or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Eph. 5:27). Let us not be one of those spots, wrinkles or blemishes; for if we are we will not be in heaven. The apostle Paul said it well in 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Eldership

Serving as an elder in the Lord’s church is an awesome responsibility. The effects of what you do or do not do are very sobering when we think seriously about our service. The Lord has made us stewards over his heritage and one day we must give account of our stewardship. We must realize that what we are doing now will determine what the Lord’s church will be twenty years from now.

As one song we sing says, “There is much to do, there is work on every hand.” Our job or duty is to motivate others to work and to lead that work. When Jesus walked among men he saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (were distressed) and were scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd. “Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:36-37). There were those who were to lead God’s people in that day who were failing to fulfill their responsibilities (Matt. 23:1-8). Some shepherds are failing today.

Shepherds are responsible for leading, feeding and even protecting God’s heritage from false teachers. Serving as an elder is to be the number one priority in our lives. If we do not have time to plan and carry out the work of the congregation because of the precedence of other interests, what we are doing or not doing is a disservice to the church and to the cause of Christ. We can become an impediment to the church and, as such, we should resign. A church without leadership and no plans for spiritual and numerical growth soon will find itself just “keeping house.” Where there is no vision, the people perish (cast off restraint, Prov. 29:18).

Fortunately for me I have always been able to draw on the strength and encouragement of the men with whom I have been privileged to serve. Without it, I might have become discouraged and resigned long ago. At present, I feel very strongly about the work we are trying to accomplish. It just seems that there is so much to do and there is so little time left to do it.

While I am still mentally and physically able to serve as an elder I hope to instill within others the desire one day to serve as an elder realizing the need is great. I agree with Dorval McClister who wrote in his tract, “Shepherd Staffs” (p. 3): “There is something seriously lacking in a local congregation which does not produce men who are qualified to serve as elders.” The proper program of work being done in the local congregation should in time produce Bible class teachers, song leaders, deacons, elders, and preachers of the gospel. From the time an eldership exists, those men should be aware that one day they will have to be replaced due to death or physical or mental handicap. The elder himself, realizing his physical limitations, should act accordingly.

An elder is expected to meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 and continue them in his fife. If he does not continue to possess these qualifications, he has disqualified himself from serving. He would no longer be an ensample (example) to the flock he is leading (1 Pet. 5:3). The shepherds of olden time went before the flock to lead them to good pasture and good water; they were concerned for the safety of the sheepfold. To maintain the confidence of the flock of God we must take heed unto ourselves (Acts 20:28). If we say and do not, we become modern day Pharisees (Matt. 23:3). One who no longer meets the qualifications can be asked to resign. This unenviable chore would be the task of the other elders. Hopefully the individual would resign voluntarily. We shepherds of God’s flock need to remember that we have a Chief Shepherd to whom we must give an accounting (1 Pet. 5:4).

An elder who has lost his wife by death is no longer the husband of one wife and no longer qualified. One elder cannot serve alone; there must be a plurality of elders in a congregation (Tit. 1:5).

An elder’s family can be a source of embarrassment both to him and to the church if they are walking disorderly. This being the case he should resign. The church following his leadership expects to see his teaching reflected in the lives of his family.

A loss of confidence in our leadership will hurt. In the Old Testament (Deut. 34:9) after the death of Moses, Joshua became Israel’s leader. The Scripture says he was “full of the Spirit of wisdom” and also that the children of Israel “hearkened unto him. ” May God give us such future leaders and we pray that the. church (God’s Israel today) will hearken unto them.

Deacons

Their qualifications should suggest to the elders that here are the men you can count on to help with any problem or any work in which the church is to involve itself. The work of a deacon is not defined in the New Testament as explicitly as that of the elders. Without any assignment, many of them wonder what their role in the church is to be.

A deacon should cheerfully carry out the work given to him by the elders. Deacons generally are younger men than the elders, have younger families and perhaps are involved in more activities. If a deacon does not have the time to serve, he should resign.

My own personal concept of the deacon’s work would be similar to that of the seven men appointed to be over the daily ministrations to the widows in Acts 6:1-5. A deacon should continually from his visits among the saints of the congregation know the physical needs of those he visits. He should report his findings to the elders that the needs will be met. I believe that the lack of food, medicine, clothing and shelter can affect our spirituality, especially if we think nobody cares. I would suggest,that any deacon who is not making this a part of his work should do so. I know that the elders he works with will appreciate it.

Deacons need to maintain both the personal and the family qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. If these change the deacon should resign.

Bible Class Teachers

Bible class teachers have a great responsibility in the Lord’s church. They have the responsibility to lead others to Christ and the continued responsibility to teach them how to please God in their life (Matt. 28:18-20). The apostle Paul reprimanded the Jews for their lives were not in harmony with their teaching (Rom. 2:17-24). If we find that our lifestyle conflicts with what we teach and we are unable to harmonize the two, we should resign.

Teachers who do not have or will not take the time to prayerfully prepare for their assigned classes should either repent or resign. This all important task deserves our best efforts. Most of your students come to class expecting something from you. You should be prepared to impart something to them and not be found “just going through the motions.” Strive to make your class interesting. Make your class one the students will look forward to attending. Strive for perfection (Eph. 4:11-16; Heb. 6:1). Read the apostle Paul’s instruction to the young preacher Timothy (2 Tim. 2:2,24-26).

The growth of the individual and of the body is directly related to teaching. Consider the words of the Hebrew writer, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” We can accomplish this through our teaching (Heb. 10:24).

False teachers must be stopped! “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Pet. 2:1).

Song Leaders

The elders of the local church need to have a “Hands On” policy on the song leading to assure the training and development of more men who will be able to fill this important post. The idea of having one man who is to be “The Song Leader” impedes the training program. We neglect the desire of others to serve in this capacity when exercising the talent of one man exclusively.

There is no room for envy or jealousy here or in any other phase of the work of the church. Those who are more knowledgeable and experienced should want to help the younger, inexperienced brethren. We all need to look to the future for we are deciding what it will be right now.

There were temple singers in the Mosaic dispensation and those that led them were called chief musicians, leaders, overseers or chief singers (Neh. 12:42; Hab. 3:19; Neh. 12:46). Depending on the translation you are reading, “Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful” (1 Chron. 15:22).

We have need of someone to lead or direct our singing today so that we can do it in an orderly fashion. Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church was to “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).

The singing of the local congregation sets the tone for everything that happens in public worship. This being true, a lot depends on the preparation of the song leader. A song leader that is just “going through the motions” is hindering rather than helping and the whole congregation suffers. It is painful to see a whole congregation suffer because of one member who should not be in a leading position. One who serves as a song leader should strive to be all that he can be so that he can lead the audience to do their very best. If leading singing becomes drudgery the service is being hindered, it is time to step aside. Those who start songs too high, too low or cannot beat time to keep up the tempo of a song should try to get help from those who know music and get experience at mid-week services. There is a need to train song leaders to use pitch pipes, beating time, etc.

When our voice fails and ill health comes, many times we cannot continue some of our activities including song leading. We should not be ashamed to step aside and encourage others to carry on the task of song leading.

Conclusion

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:10-12).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, pp. 12-13, 18
January 5, 1989

By Denver Niemeier

“They never tell us anything.” Me don’t know what is going on.” ‘They never ask what we think about things concerning the affairs of the church.” “We don’t know where the money is being used.” “There is no communication between the elders and the rest of us.” “We try to talk to them but they act as if they don’t want to know what we think.” “They only tell us about things after they have reached a decision.” These and other similar statements are too often made concerning elders by those who are under their oversight.

I have been asked to write concerning the need of elders to say in communication with the membership and to give some suggestions on how to keep communication open between elders and the membership. It will be to this end that I will offer the following from things that I am convinced contribute to the good communication that exists between those of us who serve as elders and the members of the Traders Point church. In addition I will relate from past experience other lessons and observations that have been helpful to me as an elder.

Communication is defined as, “the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions” (The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary). To be able to keep good communications, there first of all has to be the establishing of such. This has not been accomplished in many cases between elders and the members. To achieve this, elders need to impress the members that the elders want communication to exist. Some elders come across in such a way that the impression is given to the members that the elders don’t want to hear from them. Information needs to flow both ways; elders need to open up to the church and the members should find elders who will listen to them and take under consideration what they have to say.

We are told in 1 Peter 5:3 that elders are not to be as lords over God’s heritage. W.E. Vine (The Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words) makes the comment in reference to what Peter says as, “the evil of elders lording it over the saints under their spiritual care.” The word “lord” as used in this passage means to domineer or to rule with arbitrary or despotic sway. In Barnes Notes on the New Testament, the following comment is made, “Their dominion is not to be that of temporal lordship, it is to be that of love and truth.” I am impressed from what Peter says, that good communication is to exist between elders and the membership. I am also convinced that, when elders reach a decision having communicated with the flock concerning that matter, the flock will accept that decision. With this communication existing, many problems can be stopped before they develop.

A preacher who worked with us some years ago, told me after he had moved from us that the only criticism that he had concerning the elders was that he felt we left him out while he was with us. This along with many other areas I have endeavored to improve in. We now include the preacher in many more discussions that we have and have developed other times where we are associated more. So many times preachers and elders seem to end up in a so-called power struggle. When good communications exist between them, things will progress and not be hindered. Preachers and elders should sit down and discuss things concerning the work.

Toward the goal of good communications we have set aside the first Friday evening of the month for the preacher and his wife, the elders and their wives, and the deacons and their wives to get together for a period of time. This’ enables all to get to know each other better and at the same time presents opportunity for discussion in an informal way of those things we are all interested in. These meetings are usually held in the homes on a rotating basis with the hostess serving a meal, snacks, dessert or whatever she chooses. These times of being together builds good communications between those involved.

A little over a year after I obeyed the gospel, I was appointed a deacon where I was a member. I can recall the many and good things I learned as the result of the elders making it possible on a regular basis for the deacons to be present to observe, listen, and contribute their input as they would discuss the affairs before them.

We practice this in a somewhat different way, by inviting not only the deacons but any other men who want to come to be present on the first Lord’s day afternoon at 5:00, to meet with us. At this time with one of the elders in charge of the meeting, a financial report is given for the past month, thoughts and plans are presented by the elders concerning the affairs of the church. Comments, criticism, ideas, suggestions and questions are requested from the men present. A permanent record of these meeting is kept and also entered into this record are whatever decisions have been made by the elders since the last meeting. Someone once said that a business meeting is where minutes are kept and hours wasted. Not so in our case. We meet at 5:00 and the meeting is dismissed at 5:45, giving all 15 minutes to prepare for the evening service. At the conclusion of the service that evening the elder who was in charge will highlight that afternoon’s meeting for the benefit of the members who were not present that afternoon. This informs everyone concerning that discussion. Therefore no one can say he did not have the opportunity of knowing what is going on. This gives all members the opportunity to express their thoughts to the elders.

At the same time the men are in this meeting mentioned above, the women have a class elsewhere in the building. The class is taught by one of the elder’s wives or the preacher’s wife on a rotating basis. Some of the mothers in this ladies class take turns conducting a class for the children. These classes also dismiss at 5:45.

As matters arise that the elders do not want to wait until the monthly meeting mentioned, they will go before the congregation, inform them of the matter and ask the members to express their thoughts after the services to the elders on an individual basis. We let the members know that we want to hear from them, then we make our decision; when that decision is made, even though it may not agree with what every member had to say about it, they realize they had an opportunity to express themselves.

From time to time we (elders) will visit the members in their homes. We usually allow about 45 minutes for each visit and sometimes will make two or three in a night, having arranged ahead of time with the members what time and day we will be at their home. We do this until we have been in the homes and have visited with every member. We ask the members to make any comment they desire about us and our work, the preacher and his work, or things in general. We encourage them to be free in their criticism or whatever they have to say. I have found that people at times will speak out in their own homes who will never speak their thoughts to us at the meeting place. Again we use this opportunity ,to impress the members that we want to hear from them anytime they want to discuss some matter with us. My personal thinking is that these visits should be made yearly or every eighteen months.

Elders should keep the members informed concerning money matters. I can remember a church where the elders only presented to the church once a year a record of the financial report. As I have already mentioned, we do this on a monthly basis as well as issuing a yearly statement. We also keep reminding the members that the books of the church are open at any time to any member who wants to examine them. Keep everything open and not in a corner.

Elders should also seek out advice and counsel from those members who possess knowledge in fields where the knowledge of the elders is not as great. I am one elder who does not know it all and I am willing to listen to what others have to, say who are more knowledgeable than. I am. I remember a friend of mine years ago, who served as an elder, telling me how he sought much advice; he said, “When I want advice about financial matters I go talk with. . .,” then he named a brother in the church who was very successful in the business world. Then he said, “If I need instruction concerning the Scriptures I go talk with. . ____, “and he then named two men in the church who were very well informed in the Bible. What he was teaching me was that there is knowledge and experience among the members which he needed. Elder& seek that out, weigh it and then make their decision.

One of the bulletins I get has the following statement in every issue. “The elders are at the building each Monday night at 7:30 for any question you might have.” This tells me that these men are interested in what the members have to say. This is a very good idea.

When good communications exist the members will seek out the elders to discuss their problems and thoughts. Members should be made to feel free to approach the elders and understand that the elders will listen to what they have to say. To accomplish this elders, listen to, talk to, seek comments from and be available to members.

Open up to them and they will open up to you. Keep the church informed.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, pp. 14-15
January 5, 1989