Jump Start # 1812

Titus 1:5 “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you”

Paul’s words to Titus are one of the few places that we find elders and preachers in the same context. The preacher Titus was to appoint elders in every city. This was by direction of the apostle. One wonders how Titus could do that. In far too many places today, no one is qualified and no one wants to do the work. Years pass, and the church limps along without elders. In some places, it’s been generations since elders were appointed. It may be that some of these appointed elders had special spiritual gifts, including “faith” that made them qualified. Having qualified elders is the design that God wants and it ought to be the goal of every congregation. A goal, not a mere wish. Plans to accomplish that goal and specific classes designed to get the men to see the great value of this work out to be a part of the teaching program. Teaching men the proper understanding of this role is important. Elders do not run the church—God does! They are not CEO’s of the corporation. They are shepherds among God’s flock. Their work is to tend to the sheep. Healthy, growing sheep is the goal of the shepherds.

Elders and preachers—there is a special relationship between the two. In some places that relationship is not healthy. Suspicion exists and secrets are held from each other and an atmosphere of trying to undermine the other is felt by the members. Poor relationships between the elders and the preacher is the cause for many preachers to leave.

Having said that, here are some things that preachers like to see from the eldership. This is from the preacher’s perspective. Don’t read between the lines here. I’m not jabbing at my guys. We have a beautiful, transparent, trusting relationship. But I know too many in other places that do not. So, what would a preacher like to see from the elders?

1. Trust—not every thing said is a backhanded attack upon them. Believe in the preacher. He is gifted, experienced and knowledgeable. Allow him to do his work. Don’t handcuff him by trying to do his work. Compliment him when he does well. Support him. Defend him. Don’t allow the members to take cheap shots at the preacher and get away with it. Open the barn doors and allow him to preach and teach.

2. Be a team—there are definite lines of differences between the preachers work and the elders work. But much too often, there are things that would help each other if the communication was better. Often people will come to the preacher with things before they come to the elders. The preacher knows things. He should not keep secrets from the elders, especially if it involves the spiritual well being of the members. That is the concern of the elders. Before a conversation begins, the preacher ought to tell a person, if what you are going to tell me affects spiritual things, the elders need to be informed about this. It helps the preacher’s work to know who the elders are working with. Sermons can be directed towards problems, questions that people have. Don’t fight against each other. Be on the same team. Help each other. Talk openly and freely. Share information. Help each other. Holding secrets indicates that there is a lack of trust.

3. Create an inviting atmosphere for ideas and suggestions. The preacher often travels to other congregations and he may get some great ideas that would help out back home. If the elders are always limiting the preacher’s input or saying “no” to everything he suggests, then he will get greatly discouraged and feel like they do not trust him or are interested in what he is saying. Ideas also come from elders. The preacher needs to listen to their ideas and not think that he is the only source of good ideas.

4. Personal attention—it’s nice once in a while for an elder to ask the preacher how he is doing. How are things at home? What can the eldership do to help his work? Just knowing that they care about you as a person is impressive. Good elderships know that if the preacher is troubled because of finances, worries or problems, it will taint the work that he does. The preacher who is true to his colors and humble will not take advantage of this. If he does, again, the trust factor will take a hit.

5. Learning together—it’s great when the preacher and the elders have their own classes together. Study deeper topics and subjects that will help them do their work in the kingdom. Raising the bar on themselves will help the overall spirit and work of the congregation. Make a list of things that need to be studied out. Invite the preacher to lead some of those discussions. Learn from one another.

6. Become friends—the relationship between elders and the preacher is not the same as in the work setting. You are brethren. You are in fellowship. You have hearts and a work that is united and tied together. The closer you become as friends, the better your relationship grows. Go out to eat and just get to know each other. Be in each other’s homes. Don’t always talk about the church and troubles and what needs to be done. Develop a friendship. Do things together. This will carry over into your work together.

Often there is an fear between the eldership and the preacher about the preacher leaving. Every time the preacher leaves town to preach, the eldership wonders if he is trying out at another church. The preacher often fears that if he says the wrong thing in the wrong way, he will be tossed out. That uneasiness is like walking on ice. Everyone is guarded and careful about what they say. No one ever reveals all the cards in their hands. This can be eliminated by both parties being open and honest. If the eldership likes their preacher, let him know that you want him to stay for the next decade or more. If the preacher likes what is going on, let the eldership know that he has no intention of leaving. Being honest, transparent puts everyone at ease.

The preacher and the elders. Their work is different but they still can and should work together as a team. Together, side by side, powerful things can happen. Fighting against each other, the congregation comes apart at the seams.

Share this article with your preachers and elders. Begin a healthy conversation about that special relationship that they ought to have. Good can come about when attitudes are right and the glory of God is what everyone is after.

Roger