Jump Start # 1813

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

Appointing elders—this was something that Paul wanted Titus to do. Congregations need qualified men to lead them. The American arrangement of “business meetings” isn’t ideal. It allows “unqualified” men to lead and set the direction of the congregation. It also sets the tone for a spirit of democracy and instead of a congregation following leaders, a congregation leads itself. On paper, that sounds like the best alternative when there are no elders, but what happens when a Laodicea, a lukewarm church, or a Sardis, a dead church, leads itself? There were just a few at Sardis that were walking with the Lord. Democracy there, would continue the path to the spiritual cemetery.

In our Jump Start yesterday, I wrote about what preachers want from their elders. That relationship is two way. I have in my 37 years of preaching worked with some fine men who served as elders. I have worked with some that should never have been elders. Today, I work with the most amazing group of elders that I have ever witnessed. I sent my elders an email yesterday and asked them to share some thoughts that they felt was important in the preacher-elder relationship. Specifically, I asked them, “What do elders want from a preacher.” This morning I share their thoughts. I encourage preachers across the land to take these words to heart. I encourage elderships to share these words in an open discussion with your preacher. The elders and the preacher works as a team. Together, great things can happen.

My elders wrote:

1. To be connected to the congregation. There is so much more to the preacher’s work than what happens in the pulpit. The preacher needs to be engaged, building relationships, building trust so that he can influence with his teachings. This happens through personal studies, hospitality, investing time in the lives of the members. Elders gain great value on the spiritual status of the church family through the insights from the preacher’s involvement in the congregation.

2. To be a learner. The congregation needs a preacher who is always seeking to study God’s Word and not be satisfied with where he is with God’s word. The congregation benefits by a preacher who pushes them to learn and this only happens when he pushes himself.

3. To be applicable. Sermon after sermon on fornication to a congregation of senior citizens may not yield great benefits. Deeply using God’s word to bring applicability to where a congregation is in its spiritual journey is important.

4. To be open. Elders benefit from a preacher that is transparent about where he is in his work. Some times we get tired and discouraged in our work. It’s no different for a preacher. It is helpful for preachers to talk to elders when they need their batteries recharged so we can work together.

5. To be a partner. The shepherd’s work is to encourage the faithful to remain zealous, rescue the weak back to God’s word for strength and protection, and to feed the new Christians to become mature in God’s word. The elder cannot do this work effectively without the partnership of the preacher. The preacher’s work in the pulpit and in the Bible class, and the personal studies helps tremendously impact this effort.

6. To be Scripturally sound and bold. Too many times in today’s church services, members think the preacher must be a ‘rock star’ for “church” to be interesting. Members sometimes act as though they are watching a TV show and want to grade the preacher’s style and approach like the judges do on The Voice. Is a well thought out, well organized , well delivered sermon important to make a connection to the audience? Absolutely! An elder will take a preacher who is rock solid in Bible soundness and boldness over a “rock star” presenter of fluff any day of the week.

7. Additionally, the preacher needs to understand and respect the roles of the elder. He needs to understand   the differences in their work and instead of working against the elders, be a team player. The preacher needs to be the friend of the elders. Openness in communication and trust between them is essential.

That’s the thoughts from my elders. Awesome and amazing, just as I expected from them. It helps the relationship to spread some sugar around. The congregation needs to see and hear that the preacher and the elders not only get along with each other, but that they praise each other and are united. Just like kids do at home, there are times when some members will try to divide the preacher against the elders. They will try to work around and behind the scenes to get what they want. Don’t get into that mess. Support, defend, and back each other. Be united.

The preacher needs to listen to the elders. Too many of us do all the talking and we can be pushy and bossy at times. Just because you happen to be the one who gets paid to stand behind the pulpit, Mr. Preacher, it doesn’t mean you know the Bible better than anyone else. Those elders have years of experience and knowledge. It’s good to listen to them. They will help you grow.

I’d expect most preacher woes come from poor relationships with the elders. Developing real shepherds, not future CEO’s, is the work of the church. Teaching, showing and living God’s way is what we all must be doing.

File these articles. Keep them handy. Refer to them. Share them with future preachers and elders. Take a look at them once in a while and remind yourself what the relationship should be. Preachers often get together to study and talk and learn. It might be good for elders to do the same, even elders from different congregations. Learn from one another. We must move past the idea that “I don’t need to be taught.” That’s a dangerous spot for any of us to be in.

Things not going well down at the church house? Maybe these two articles, yesterday and today’s, can be a start that will open the lines of communication and help things get better. We want the kingdom to grow. We want folks to walk with the Lord. We want to fill Heaven up. When we all have that spirit, then we can roll up our sleeves and work together, side by side, just as the Lord intended.

Roger