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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Elders' Duty to the Church
Scripture is clear in declaring that elders are to oversee every congregation. Scripture is also clear that only men with God’s qualifications should be appointed. Both the elders (pastors, overseers) and the members of the congregation have certain relationships with each other. Both have duties to the other, and only when those duties are faithfully exercised can a congregation function scripturally.
What obligations do elders have to members?
Set a good example for others
This obligation fits any Christian, but especially do elders need to do this. Many in the congregation look to them for leadership in speech, attendance, giving, behavior and zeal for the Lord’s work. This is included in those qualifications required for their appointment (see 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1). Yes, this places a heavy burden on those who serve in this capacity, but that “goes with the territory.” Paul’s admonition to “keep thyself pure” in 1 Timothy 5:22 must be on the mind of every one of God’s shepherds.
Be shepherds, not “lords”
Being appointed to serve as an elder is an honor, but the “rule” (Hebrews 13:17) one exercises is not dictatorship. By inspiration Peter wrote these words: “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock,” 1 Peter 5:3. While elders have the authority necessary to “feed…guide…oversee” the flock, they do not have authority to lord it over those whom they oversee. They will, of necessity, make decisions in matters of expedience— such as time and order of worship, choice of teachers and others who lead in the church’s work, etc. But they have no authority to modify God’s commands in any way. In their responsibility to “feed” the flock, God’s inspired Word must guide them in everything. Their own judgment must never countermand or set aside scripture.
“Feed the flock…”
In Bible times a shepherd was constantly on the alert for ways and places to provide nourishing food for the flock under his care. Similarly, God’s pastors will make sure the congregation’s spiritual diet is filled with that which will cause them to be sound, “ready to every good work,” Titus 3:1. Preachers and teachers may be their “tools” to accomplish their task of feeding the flock, but the responsibility to provide that food is uppermost in their work. Making sure the pure Word of God is taught will be a full time job, and their doing that may not always be appreciated. But that is the responsibility shepherds/pastors have.
Watch for “wolves” and other predators
Sheep and lambs are often endangered by literal “wolves,” but the flock of God will also be at risk to Satan, who seeks “whom he may devour,” 1 Peter 5:8. It is the shepherd’s responsibility to make sure that does not happen. It requires being alert, knowing the difference between an enemy and a friend. False doctrine can be avoided only when shepherds know true doctrine. Titus 1:9-11 says elders must be able to guard against “vain talkers and deceivers,” and be willing to stop the “mouths” of “gainsayers” and such like. That is a daunting task, but it must be done. If a man is appointed to be an elder who will not or cannot do this, he should step aside. This must not be ignored!
Bring back those who have strayed
Sheep always seem to seek greener pastures. It is the work of shepherds to make sure they remain with the flock. Christians are constantly faced with the allurements of the world, and those allurements can be deadly. When this happens, the Bible says that all Christians must “restore them” in a spirit of meekness. But shepherds must lead the way in this task. Israel’s shepherds were severely rebuked for failing to do so:
“My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them,” Ezekiel 34:6.
The elders’ responsibility is to make sure God’s will is done in the local congregation. If they do not, they will “give account,” Hebrews 13:17.
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“The duties of elders and the qualifications of elders are not separate, unrelated matters. Rather, in the qualifications set forth in scripture the duties and responsibilities of this office are revealed in unmistakable terms.”
Firm Foundation, March 12, 1974
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convict the gainsayers.For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped.”
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In the Name of God
by Maxie B. Boren
There was an hour long, ABC-TV special several years ago, with host Peter Jennings, entitled, "In the Name of God." Its purpose was to examine the type of religion being fostered by the Willow Creek Community Church of Chicago, and the many other churches throughout the country that have "jumped on the bandwagon" with them…in an all out effort to draw the crowds.
The bottom line is obviously to attract people by making religion entertaining and easy. Theatrics, including drama and special music is "the order of the day" for their "worship services." "Social concerns" are addressed in dramatic presentations such as homosexuality and Aids…with the accent on acceptance and understanding. "Christian aerobics" classes and other similar activities are offered through the week. The emphasis seems to be on making religion palatable, exciting, socially and politically "correct," and fun. From viewing the program, my considered judgment is that these so-called "churches" have become no more than big "social clubs" that bear very little resemblance, if any at all, to what we read in the New Testament.
While all the above, and more, is being done IN THE NAME OF GOD, yet NOTHING AT ALL was reported to even hint of any consideration being given by these religionists to HIS AUTHORITY AND WILL for mankind. The fact is that Willow Creek and those patterning themselves after it ARE DOING WHAT THEY WANT TO DO, and what they believe will attract the most people! There was no apparent concern that I observed on the part of the preachers and others interviewed, for following the teachings and directives of Christ's last will and testament.
To my mind, all this is nothing less than tragic, and it is a sign of the times. Whereas most people in times past wanted to know what the Bible taught, nowadays most people don't give the proverbial "hoot nor holler" for what the Bible has to say. They have already made up their minds to do as they please, regardless. And what grieves me more than anything is that many of my own brethren are embracing this syndrome. It's the age-old problem of wanting to be like those around us….just as ancient Israel insisted to Samuel, "Give us a king…like all the nations" Read 1 Samuel 8:5-6. To the proportionate degree brethren take this course of action they will lose interest in "speaking where the Bible speaks" and will gradually abandon the principle of obedience to the Lord altogether, and with that abandonment, will go all respect for His authority. But remember, Jesus once asked, "And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46.
I plead with brethren everywhere NOT to forsake the Way of truth! Don't forget Jeremiah 6:16 and Colossians 3:17! And read again such Scriptures as 2 Timothy 3:14-17, John 8:31-32, Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23, 2 John 9; 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Revelation 22:18-19, John 12:48, and many more!
EDITOR'S NOTE: We have several books in our library which show the trend that many in the brotherhood of Christians are taking today. They are both enlightening and alarming. To quote an old adage: To be forewarned is to be forearmed. See these books: Piloting the Strait , Behold the Pattern, Change Agents and Churches of Christ, SHOWTIME (Worship in the Age of Show Business), Sounding Brass and Clanging Cymbals.
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