Understanding the Biblical Role of Elders
In Paul’s pastoral letter to Timothy, we find wise instructions on how the church should evaluate its elders or pastors and the importance of honoring faithful leaders. After 20 years of ministry, a pastor becomes an integral part of people’s lives through preaching, teaching, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and counseling. However, this longevity can sometimes lead to familiarity, which may breed contempt or a lack of appreciation.
As Jesus noted in Matthew 13:57, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own church and among his own family.” This reality challenges us to reflect on our relationship with our spiritual leaders, recognizing both their spiritual significance and our responsibility to honor, support, and walk in unity with them.
What Does It Mean to Reverence the Position of Elder?
The biblical concept of an elder begins with understanding how someone becomes one. First Timothy 3:1 tells us, “If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” This means a person becomes an elder because they have an inward, Spirit-led desire to shepherd God’s people.
This calling comes from:
- Love for Christ
- A desire to feed God’s people (spiritual nourishment)
- A commitment to care for God’s people (pastoral care)
When Jesus spoke to Peter in John 21, He asked him three times if he loved Him, then commanded him to “feed my lambs” and “care for my sheep.” This illustrates that pastoral ministry involves both teaching and caring—and caring takes significant work. When a pastor intercedes for you, something comes from them that they must get back from God.
What Is the Purpose and Responsibility of an Elder?
An elder serves as an overseer of the ministry of the Lord’s church—an awesome responsibility. Hebrews 13:17 instructs us to “obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say.” This creates a communal responsibility to listen with respect and reverence to the person God has assigned to watch over your soul.
Elders are tasked with:
- Watching over people’s souls
- Ensuring right thinking and behavior
- Correcting in love when necessary
This requires humility from church members to accept that God has assigned someone else to watch over their souls. Rather than feeling controlled, we should feel cared for, knowing someone is watching over us.
How Does Someone Become Qualified as an Elder?
Having a desire to be an elder and loving Christ isn’t enough. One must meet biblical qualifications and be properly ordained. First Timothy 5:22 warns, “Do not be hasty in laying on of hands,” meaning we shouldn’t quickly appoint someone without proper vetting.
The purpose of qualifications is to:
- Guard against self-promotion
- Confirm giftings and readiness
- Protect the church and the tenets of faith
According to 1 Timothy 3:2-7, an elder must be:
- Above reproach
- Husband of one wife
- Self-controlled
- Able to teach
- Not a lover of money
- Managing his household well
- Respected by outsiders
What Is the Significance of Ordination for Church Leaders?
Ordination is a sacred service that affirms God’s calling through the laying on of hands by existing elders. First Timothy 4:14 says, “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”
This laying on of hands represents:
- The line of authority continuing from the apostles
- The preservation of church governance and doctrine
- The stewardship of the church’s authority and spiritual order
When you see your pastor, you’re seeing someone connected to the historical apostolic ministry. Elders aren’t just random leaders but stewards of doctrinal truth and spiritual order with a legacy tracing back to the apostolic ministry.
How Should We Recognize the Work of Elders?
The Bible speaks of elders “who rule well.” This means they:
- Administrate church affairs effectively
- Lead by example
- Teach sound doctrine
- Care for people
- Manage church affairs in a way that reflects Christ’s priorities
Jeremiah 3:15 says, “I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” This feeding with knowledge requires reverence from those being taught. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Without reverence for spiritual leaders, we cannot gain wisdom.
First Thessalonians 5:12-13 encourages us to “acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”
What Does the Bible Say About Compensating Church Leaders?
First Timothy 5:17-18 states: “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.'”
This passage teaches that elders who rule well should receive:
- Double honor (respect)
- Fair compensation, especially those who labor in teaching and preaching
Paul supports this with two scriptural references:
- Deuteronomy 25:4 – “Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain”
- Luke 10:7 – “The laborer is worthy of his wages”
In 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul further states, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” This isn’t about greed but about God’s heart for supporting those who minister.
Life Application
When we understand the biblical role of elders, we’re challenged to examine our attitudes toward spiritual leadership. Here are some questions to consider:
- Do I approach my pastor’s teaching with reverence, or have I become too familiar and casual in my reception of spiritual guidance?
- How do I demonstrate honor to those who labor in the Word? Is it merely through words, or do my actions reflect the double honor Scripture calls for?
- Have I recognized the spiritual authority and responsibility my pastor carries in watching over my soul? Do I make their work joyful or sorrowful through my response?
- In what practical ways can I support my spiritual leaders this week, both through respect and appropriate compensation?
The challenge is clear: Hold your spiritual leaders in high regard. Honor them not just with words but through fair and generous support. In doing so, you encourage and equip them to continue faithfully fulfilling God’s call on their lives—which ultimately benefits your spiritual growth as well.
Remember, reverence must come before compensation. When we truly understand the value of spiritual leadership, appropriate support naturally follows as an expression of our appreciation for God’s gift to the church.