Having grown up in a "Baptist" church the question of church polity was never an issue for me. After all, Baptists have two offices - Pastor and Deacon.
I still agree with the two offices. I just view them a little differently. The Bible is pretty clear that the church (Timothy and Titus specifically) was commanded to appoint or ordain elders in every city (church). In every example of the new testament church, we see a plurality of elders. These elders were also called bishops (Titus 1:5-8).
The responsibility of the elders was to "feed the flock". When the apostles felt that they could no longer keep up with every area of ministry they brought up deacons (Acts 6) to fulfill the service role so that they could devote themselves to the Word and prayer.
So far there has been little disagreement on this subject. Yet in traditional Baptist circles we do not operate with a plurality of elders unless the church has hired more than one Pastor. This second pastor is usually called an "associate" or "youth" Pastor. He is not equal to the Pastor but serves under him.
In this traditional model, all the responsibility of the ministry is laid at the feet of one man. Christ didn't even operate this way. He trained twelve. Having multiplicity in leadership is invaluable in accountability, but it also serves other important purposes as well. In 1 Cor. 12 we see the gifts of the Spirit. The Word is clear that these gifts were given to every man "severally" as God (or the Spirit) willed. Acts 20:28 tells us that elders are "made" by the Holy Ghost. Titus was told to ordain ANY man that met the qualifications. Where am I headed?
This is the model I propose...
As the Holy Ghost impresses on men of the church the responsibility of leadership (Acts 20:28), and they serve "not by constraint, but willingly" (1 Peter 5) , It is the churches responsibility to ordain them as Elders. (Titus 1). In this ordination (decree) the church should follow the qualifications as listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These men will be gifted differently (1 Cor. 12), but the elders that "rule well" and are gifted in the areas of ministry that require full time service should be "worthy of double honor" (1 Timothy 5:17-18). In other words, they ought to be supported {financially} by the church.
Do you see the difference? Men from within the church, pastoring the church. This would be a combination of lay elders and paid elders. Ordained by qualifications, serving by gifts. How have we missed this for so long? Even as Baptists we need to follow the Bible as close as we can. Our tradition should not supercede biblical models or commands.
My prayer for my church (as we are currently without a Pastor) is that we not only consider this biblical model, but embrace it as well! My prayer for your church is the same. This may mean that you will have to step up your discipleship ministries in order to find qualified men, but if we are faithful, the Lord will be as well.
This has been a dissertation by no means, but food for thought. In His service, Jon
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2 comments:
I didn't know you had a blog!
This is something that has been a interest and desire of mine for a long time. Having not grown up Baptist I have never understood the reasons for not having elders in Baptist churches. It seems Baptists hire out their need for someone to "fill the pulpit". Aren't there men from among you who can provide that spiritual direction. It is also a tell-tale sign of the state of the Chrisian family. No wonder scripture seems to make clear that the best indicator of a man's ability to be an elder is if he is ruling/leading/managing his household.
You lay out a good argument for the need of a plurality of elders. I hope God continues to refine it in your mind and heart as he leads you to teach it. Even though they who rule well are worthy of double honor I don't believe it is just financial compensation but everlasting rewards and blessings. God will bring all things to light as we keep our attitudes right.
Michael,
You said, "Having not grown up Baptist I have never understood the reasons for not having elders in Baptist churches. It seems Baptists hire out their need for someone to "fill the pulpit". Aren't there men from among you who can provide that spiritual direction."
I think you already know what my comment on this is going to be. Yes, as Baptists we "hire out". Rather than respond to that here however, let me put up a new post.
Jon
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